King's Decree

Greek philosopher Anaximenes accompanied Alexander the Great on his expedition against the Persians, in the course of which Alexander's forces captured Lampsacus, the birthplace of Anaximenes. Anxious to save his native city from destruction, Anaximenes sought an audience with the king.

Alexander anticipated his plea: "I swear by the Styx I will not grant your request," he said.

"My Lord," calmly replied Anaximenes, "I merely wanted to ask you to destroy Lampsacus."

And so he saved his native city.