49. The two kings met in battle, and the army of Demetrius fled. Alexander pursued him and outmaneuvered them.
50. He pressed the battle hard until sunset, and on that day Demetrius died.
51. Then Alexander sent ambassadors to Egypt’s King Ptolemy, and they delivered the following message:
52. I have returned to my kingdom and taken my seat on the throne of my ancestors. I have established my rule by crushing Demetrius to gain control of our country.
53. I met him in battle, and we crushed him and his army. I have taken my seat on the throne of his kingdom.
54. Therefore, let us establish friendship with each other. Give me your daughter to be my wife, and I will become your son-in-law. I will give gifts to you and to her in keeping with your position.
55. Ptolemy the king replied,Happy was the day on which you returned to the land of your ancestors and took your seat on the throne of their kingdom.
56. Now I will do for you as you wrote, but meet me at Ptolemais so that we may see each other, and I will become your father-in-law, as you have said.