Alexander, after conquering many kingdoms, was returning home. On the
way, he fell ill and it took him to his death bed. With death staring
him in his face, Alexander realized how his conquests, his great
army, his sharp sword and all his wealth were of no consequence. He
now longed to reach home to see his mother's face and bid her his last
adieu. But, he had to accept the fact that his sinking health would
not permit Him to reach his distant homeland. So, the mighty conqueror
lay prostrate and pale, helplessly waiting to breathe his last.
He called his generals and said, "I will depart from this world soon,
I have three wishes, please carry them out without fail." With tears
flowing down their cheeks, the generals agreed to abide by their
king's last wishes.
"My first desire is that", said Alexander, "My physicians alone must
carry my coffin."
After a pause, he continued, "Secondly, I desire that when my coffin
is being carried to the grave, the path leading to the graveyard be
strewn with gold, silver and precious stones which I have collected in
my treasury".
The king felt exhausted after saying this. He took a minute's rest and
continued. "My third and last wish is that both my hands be kept
dangling out of my coffin".
The people who had gathered there wondered at the king's strange
wishes. But no one dared bring the question to their lips..
Alexander's favorite general kissed his hand and pressed them to his
heart. "O king, we assure you that your wishes will all be fulfilled.
But tell us why do you make such strange wishes?"
At this Alexander took a deep breath and said: "I would like the world
to know of the three lessons I have just learnt.
Lessons to learn from last 3 wishes of King Alexander...
I want my physicians to carry my coffin because people should realize
that no doctor can really cure any body. They are powerless and cannot
save a person from the clutches of death. So let not people take life
for granted.
The second wish of strewing gold, silver and other riches on the way
to the graveyard is to tell People that not even a fraction of gold
will come with me. I spent all my life earning riches but cannot take
anything with me. Let people realize that it is a sheer waste of time
to chase wealth.
And about my third wish of having my hands dangling out of the coffin,
I wish people to know that I came empty handed into this world and
empty handed I go out of this world".
With these words, the king closed his eyes. Soon he let death conquer
him and breathed his last. . .
