KING ALEXANDER THE GREAT

In ancient times some kings used to go about in disguise to find out what their subjects think and talk about them and also to see whether the state officers do their duty. 

One evening King Alexander the Great (356-323 B.C.) was walking alone in mufti along a road in Greece when a soldier stopped him.

"Excuse the liberty l take. May I know who you are?” asked the king humbly. 

"I am a soldier. Why do you want to know that?" barked the man, annoyed that an ordinary citizen should question an officer of his status. 

"Lieutenant?" the king queried.

"No higher"

”Captain?" 

"No, still higher."

"Major?” 

"Yes, that's right." 

"And, who are you! Are you a senator" asked the Major, looking curiously at the civilian, for the  latter seemed to be a man of standing in spite of his humility. 

“No, higher than that." 

”Minister?" 

"No, still higher," .

 By now the Major's grand air Was disappearing, and he was trembling visibly.

"Are you then the Chief Minister?" stammered the Major. 

"No, but you are getting closer." 

"Oh. my God! Then you are our king," the Major exclaimed in a subdued voice. ‘He knelt down and asked for forgiveness.

"What for forgiveness, man? You haven't done me anything wrong.“ so saving, the great king went away and wanted to enter an arsenal when he was prevented from going further by a sentry.

"Do you know who I am ?” asked the king.

"l don't care who you are; but you can't go further unless you produce a permit. That's certain. You are trying to trespass on forbidden ground!" shouted the sentry in a determined tone. 

The king turned back heading for his palace. On the following day, he sent for the sentry and promoted him as the officer in charge of the armoury. 

King Alexander, after his victories over Asia Minor and many other countries including Egypt, where he established Alexandria led his army into India and captured Punjab His soldiers brought before him the king of that country and he asked the letter. "How do you expect me to treat you?”

Like a king, of course," came the reply. 

"But you have lost your kingdom and i am Emperor of your country as well." 

Said the prisoner, “That's what you think. But the people of this country still regard me as their king. Kingdom means ruling the country with their consent not an army of occupation.

The great Alexander appreciated so much the words that the local king uttered so courageously that he ordered the immediate release of the prisoner king!