भारतीय इतिहास के ६ स्वर्णिम पृष्ठ (वीर सावरकर - विदेशी आक्रान्ताओं पर विजय गाथा)

army, his immutable decision to cross the Vyas, conquer the Youdheyas and march straight off to Magadha. This obstinate declaration of Alexander roused a great furore and rage amongst the already war-weary army, even amongst the veterans! The Greek soldiers secretly began to pass resolutions, group-by-group, to refuse straightaway to go ahead. In spite of the fact that they had been considering Alexander unconquerable and the son of God Zeus, they were extremely disgusted with his lust for power. No sooner did Alexander smell of this dissatisfaction amongst his soldiers, than he delivered an inspiring speech. Alexander’s Speech to His Army 41A. “On seeing that you, O Macedonians and allies, no longer follow me into dangers with your wonted alacrity, I have summoned you to this assembly that I may either persuade you to go farther or to be persuaded by you to turn back if we have driven the Scythians back into their deserts, and if besides the Indus, Hydaspes, Akesines and Hydraotes flow through the territories that are ours, why should you hesitate to pass the Hyphasis also? Are you afraid? 41B. “For my part, I think that to a man of spirit, there is no other aim and end of his labours except the labours themselves. 41C. “But if any one wishes to know the limits of the present warfare, let him understand that the river Ganges and the Eastern sea are now at no great distance off.... 41D. “But if we turn back, many warlike nations extending beyond the Hyphasisto Eastern sea and many others lying northwards between these and Hyrkania, to say nothing of their neighbours, the Scythian tribes, will be left behind us unconquered, so that if we turn back, there is cause to fear lest the conquered nations, as yet wavering in their fidelity, may be instigated to revolt by those who are still independent. O Macedonians and allies! glory crowns the deeds of those who expose themselves to toils and dangers. 41E. “Such of you wish to return home I shall send back to your own country, or even myself will lead you back.” 41F. According to Smith, “He (Alexander) recited the glories of their wondrous conquests from Hellespont to Hyphasis and promised them the dominion and riches of all Asia. But glowing words fell on unwilling ears and were received with painful silence, which remained unbroken for a long time.” (P. 79)