The good man, O King, perfect in uprightness, is like a medicine to men and gods, an antidote to the poison of evil. He is like water to men in laying the dust and impurities of evil dispositions. He is like a treasure of jewels to men in bestowing upon them all attainments in righteousness. He is like a boat to men in conveying them to the fur her shore of the four swollen streams of lust, egotism, delusion and ignorance. He is like a caravan owner to men in that he guides them beyond the sandy desert of rebirths. He is like a mighty rain cloud in that he fills their hearts with satisfaction. He is like a teacher to men in that he trains them in every good. He is like a skilled guide to men in that he points out the path of peace to them.
Milindapanha IV 4, 14
Menandros, more commonly known by the Latin name Menander, really existed. The Greek kingdom of Bactria which he ruled occupied portions of present-day Afghanistan, Uzbbekistan, and Tadjikistan. Concrete physical evidence of the historicity of Menandros includes the coins minted during his reign, some of which incorporate the Buddhist Dharma-Chakra (Dharma wheel) in their design. That Menandros had a significant involvement with Buddhism is thus beyond serious doubt.
