Alexander's Lover [Alexander the Great + Hephaestion | mxm]

Preface

"Alexander Crowned the Tomb of Achilles, and Hephaestion that of Patroclus ; signifying that he was as dear to Alexander as Patroclus to Achilles."

Aelian (c. 175 AD – c. 235 AD), "Varia Historia," 12.7

"Some say that he lay prostrate on his companion's body for the greater part of that day, bewailing him and refusing to depart from him, until he was forcibly carried away by his Companions."

Arrian (c. 86/89 AD – c. after 146/160 AD), "The Anabasis of Alexander"

"For in fact it is related as true, that Anaxarchus seeing a present of small fishes, which the king sent to Hephaestion, had used this expression, in a sort of irony, and disparagement of those who undergo vast labors and encounter great hazards in pursuit of magnificent objects, which after all bring them little more pleasure or enjoyment than what others have."

Plutarch (c. 46 AD - after 119 AD), "The Parallel Lives: The Life of Alexander"

"She [Alexander's mother] often wrote to him to this purpose, and he never communicated her letters to anybody, unless it were one which he opened when Hephaestion was by, whom he permitted, as his custom was, to read it along with him; but then as soon as he had done, he took off his ring, and set the seal upon Hephaestion's lips."

Plutarch (c. 46 AD - after 119 AD), "The Parallel Lives: The Life of Alexander"

"Eumenes of Cardia, writing to Antipater, states that just before the battle of Issus, Hephaestion came at dawn into Alexander's tent. Either in absence of mind and confusion like mine, or else under a divine impulse, he gave the evening salutation like me--'Hail, sire; 'tis time we were at our posts.' All present were confounded at the irregularity, and Hephaestion himself was like to die of shame..."

Lucian of Samosata (c. 125 AD - after 180 AD), "A SLIP OF THE TONGUE IN SALUTATION"