Hephaestion - Alexander's grief
Aelian Book VII
Chap. VIII.
Of Alexander's grief at Hephæstion's Death.
When Hephaestion died, Alexander cast into the Pyre his Arms, and Gold and Silver, to be burnt with the dead body ; as also a Vest of great esteem amongst the Persians. He likewise caused all the chief Souldiers to be shaved, himself acting an Homerical passion, and imitating his Achilles. But he did more eagerly and fiercely, laying waste the Castle of the City Ecbatana, and throwing down the Wall. As to the shaving of his Hair, he did in my opinion like a Greek : but in throwing down the Walls, he exprest his mourning like a Barbarian. He also changed his Vest, giving all over to grief, love and tears.
Hephæstion died at Ecbatana. It is reported that these things were intended for the Burial of Hephæstion, but that Alexander used them dying, before the mourning was over for the young man.