The Oath of Alexander the Great
(OPIS, 324 BC) This was a speech made to his troops a year before his death.

I wish all of you, now that the wars are coming to an end, to live happily in peace. All mortals from now on shall live like one people, united, and peacefully working towards a common prosperity.

You should regard the whole world as your country, a country where the best govern, with common laws, and no racial distinctions. I do not separate people, as many narrow-minded others do, into Greeks and barbarians.

I am not interested in the origin or race of citizens, I only distinguish them on the basis of their virtue.

For me, each Foreigner is a Greek, and each bad Greek is a barbarian.

If ever there appear differences among you, you must not resolve them by taking to arms; you should resolve them in peace. If need be, I shall act as your negotiator.

For my part, I consider all, whether they be white or black, equal.

And I would like you to be not only subject to my Commonwealth, but also participants and partners.

You should regard the Oath we have taken tonight as a Symbol of Love .