A MEETING BETWEEN ALEXANDER
AND PHILOSOPHER DIOGENES
In early fourth century BC was born,
Antisthenes, – the founder of the School of
Cynics;
He was a faithful disciple of Socrates.
Uncouth and disdainful of the amenities of
life, -
Preferred to lead the so called ‘dog’s life’!
But of all the Cynics perhaps the best known, -
Was Diogenes of Sinope!
All his life he lived in a tub;
Walking the streets in broad daylight, -
With a lantern in hand, -
Looking for someone worthy to be called -
a MAN!
In the city of Corinth when the great Alexander
stood before his view,
And asked Diogenes, ‘‘How can I help you? ”
Diogenes had calmly replied, -
‘‘Stand a bit out of my sunlight, will you? ’’
Alexander taken a back amazed!
Is know to have said, -
‘‘ If I were not Alexander, I would like to be
Diogenese, as on date! ’’
And by some strange coincidence of History,
Which remains yet a mystery,
On the same day of the year 323 Before Christ,
Both Alexander and Diogenes had died!
-Raj Nandy
New Delhi
30 Dec 08
(* THS IS A SMALL EXTRACT FROM MY: - ‘ ‘HISTORY OF
ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY IN VERSE – BY RAJ NANDY’’
**ALEXANDER WAS THE PUPIL OF PHILOSOPHER ARISTOTLE,
AND RESPECTED PHILOSOPHY; SO HE DID NOT KILL DIOGENES FOR HIS INSOLENCE!)
Raj, compliments for enlightening my mind on such subjects. i want to read the complete work. you are a thinking poet,10 Mamta
a laudable work this 'history...' should be from what i read now...my sincere compliments for embarking on work of such magnitude!
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Diogenes...Caught by pirates in Sea Sold as slave... When asked his trade, Replied..he knew no trade but that of governing men, and that he wished to be sold to a man who needed a master. Rest of his life, which he devoted to preaching The doctrines of virtuous self-control. My Dear Poet... You gave the clue of 'DIOGENES' I made a bit of read To find this interesting Gene. Thanks for sowing the seeds of History Reader in me got into Curiosity.