Aelian, Varia Historia

ToposText · Aelian · 465 sections

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§ 3.23 Great were the actions of Alexander at Granicus and Issus, and the fight at Arbela, and Darius subdued, and the Persians subjected to the Macedonians; all Asia conquered, and the Indies reduced under his power. Great were those things which he did at Tyre, and among the oxydracae, and many others. Why should we endeavour to comprehend within the narrow expression of words the unlimited courage of this person in war? Or if any detractor will rather impute these things to the Fortune which attended on him, so let it be. But he was doubtless excellent in that he was never worsted by Fortune, nor at any time deserted by her. Other things there are not commendable in him. That on the fifth day of the month he drank excessively at Eumaeus's house, on the sixth day he slept after his debauch, and recovered so well as to rise and give orders to his captains for the expedition of the next day, saying that they should set forth very early. On the seventh he feasted with Perdiccas, and again drank freely. On the eighth he slept. On the fifteenth day of the same month he made another debauch, and the next day slept. On the four and twentieth he supped with Bagoas. (The house of Bagoas was from the palace ten stadia.) The day following he slept. One of these two therefore must needs have been; Either that Alexander did prejudice himself exceedingly by imploying so many days of the month in drinking, or that they who write these things have belied him. We may likewise imagine that they who relate other things of the same kind concerning him, wrong him also, of whom is Eumenes the Cardian.
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§ 3.24 Xenophon amongst other things took great delight to have rich arms. For he said that if he should overcome the enemy, the best ornaments would suit with him: If he died in fight, he should be laid out decently in a rich suit of arms: this being the proper winding-sheet for a man of courage, and which best adorns him. They say therefore of this son of Gryllus, that his shield was Argolic, his breast-plate Attic, his helmet wrought in Boeotia, his horse Epidaurian. I must needs say he was a person delighted in bravery, and merited it.
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§ 3.25 Leonides the Lacedemonian, and three hundred more with him, voluntarily underwent the death at Pylae which was prophesied of them: and fighting stoutly and gallantly for Greece, obtained a glorious end, leaving a deathless renown and eternal fame behind them.
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§ 3.26 Pindarus, son of Melas, grandson of Alyattes the Lydian by his daughter, being tyrant of the Ephesians, was severe in punishments and inexorable, but otherwise courteous and wise. He took great care that his country might not be brought into servitude by the barbarians, of which this is a testimony. When Croesus his Uncle by the mother's side invaded Ionia, he sent an ambassador to Pindarus, requiring the Ephesians to be subjected to him: to which Pindarus not yielding, Croesus besieged the city. But one of the towers being undermined (which was afterwards called the Traitor) and destruction appearing before their eyes, Pindarus advised the Ephesians to fasten ropes from the gates and walls to the pillars of the temple of Artemis, by that means making the whole city an offering to her, thereby to preserve it secure. Farther he advised them to go forth and make suit to the Lydian. Upon the Ephesians declaring the case and their suit, it is said that Croesus laughed, and was pleased with the stratagem, granting the Ephesians liberty, on condition that Pindarus should be banished the city: which he opposed not, but taking along such friends as would go with him, left his son and the greatest part of his estate in the city, committing them both to the care of Pasicles one of his friends. He departed to Peloponnesus, preferring banishment before regal power, that his country might not be subjected to the Lydians.
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§ 3.27 This also I have heard, but whether it be true or not I know not: They say that Plato son of Ariston was driven by poverty to betake himself to the wars; but intercepted by Socrates, while he was buying his arms, and instructed in that which concerns mankind, he through his persuasion addicted himself to philosophy.
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§ 3.28 Socrates perceiving Alcibiades to be exceeding proud of his riches and lands, he shewed him a map of the world, and bid him find Attica therein; which done, he desired that he would shew him his own lands. He answered, “They were not there.” “Do you boast, replies Socrates, of that which you see is no (considerable) part of the Earth?”
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§ 3.29 Diogenes the Sinopean used to say of himself, that he fulfilled and suffered the imprecations mentioned in the Tragedy, being a vagabond, destitute of a house, deprived of his country, a beggar, ill clothed, having his livelihood only from day to day: And yet he was more pleased with this condition, then Alexander with the command of the whole world, when having conquered the Indians he returned to Babylon.
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§ 3.30 Amoebeas the citharode was extremely continent, insomuch that having a very beautiful wife, he never lay with her. So likewise Diogenes the tragedian player. Clitomachus, one that had been victor in all exercises, was extraordinary modest. At feasts, if there were any loose discourse, immediately he arose and departed.
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§ 3.31 Nicias the picture-drawer was so intent upon painting, that he many times forgot to eat, his thoughts being wholly taken up with his employment.
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§ 3.32 Alexander son of Philip, whilst yet a boy, not of man's estate, learnt to play on the cithara. His master bidding him strike such a string as suited with the tune, and the air required; “And what imports it, said he, if I strike this?” pointing to another. He answered, “It imports nothing to him that shall be a King, but to him that would be a lutenist it doth.” Doubtless he feared, that if behaved himself not discreetly he might suffer as Linus; for Linus taught Hercules (yet a boy) to play on the lute, who touching the instrument unmusically, Linus rebuked him; whereat Hercules struck Linus with the lute and killed him.
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§ 3.33 Satyrus a player on the flute heard many times Aristo the philosopher, and being much taken with his discourse, said, Into the fire my glittering bow Why do I not as useless throw? So mean did he esteem his own art in comparison of philosophy.
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§ 3.34 The Lacedemonians and Romans had a law, That no man might eat of whatsoever things, or as much as he pleased. They reduced the citizens to temperance, besides other ways, principally by diet.
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§ 3.35 There is a general report amongst the Athenians, which saith, that it was not permitted to laugh in the Academy: for they endeavoured to preserve that place free from contumely and levity.
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§ 3.36 When Aristotle left Athens, fearing to be attainted, to one that asked him What kind of city is Athens? he answered, “Very beautiful; but in it pears upon pears and figs on figs do grow: meaning sycophants. And to one who asked him why he left Athens, he answered, ”Because he would not the Athenians should sin twice against philosophy"; reflecting on the death of Socrates, and his own danger.
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§ 3.37 It is a custom of the Ceans, That all such amongst them as are very old, as if they invited one another to a feast or some solemn sacrifice, should meet together, and being crowned drink hemlock; because they are no longer fit to do their country service, their minds now doting by reason of age.
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§ 3.38 They say that at Athens were first found out the olive and fig-trees; which the Earth also first brought forth. Also that the Athenians invented judiciary pleas, and first instituted corporal exercises, and uncloathed and anointed themselves. And Erichthonius first harnessed horses together.
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§ 3.39 The Arcadians fed on acorns, the Argives on pears, the Athenians on figs, the Tyrinthians on wild figs, the Indians on canes, the Carmans on dates, the Maeotians and Sauromatians on millet, the Persians on turpentine and cardamum.
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§ 3.40 The Satyrs companions of Dionysus in dancing are by some named Tityri; which name they had from Teretisms (wanton Dances) in which Satyrs delight: Satyrs, from the wideness of their mouths; Silenes, from Sillos, which is a scoff with an unpleasing jest. The Silenes were cloathed in coats with sleeves, hairy on both sides; which robe signified the planting of vines by Dionysus, and the downy thickness of the leaves.
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§ 3.41 The ancients called to bring forth fruit plentifully φλύειν, whence they named Dionysus Phleon, as also Protryges, and Staphylites, and Omphacites, with divers other names.
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§ 3.42 Elege and Celane were daughters of Proetus. The Queen of Cyprus worked them to prostitute themselves, insomuch as in some parts of Peloponnesus they ran up and down, as it is said, naked and raging. They roved also mad into other parts of Greece, transported with this distemper. It is likewise reported that the wives of the Lacedemonians were transported with Bacchanalian fury; as also those of the Chians: And that those of the Boeotians were transported with divine frenzies, the very Tragedy manifests. They say that only the Minyades, Leucippe, Aristippe, and Alcithoe declined the Dance of Dionysus: the cause whereof was, that they desired to have husbands, and therefore would not be Maenades to the God; whereat he was incensed. And when they were working at their looms, and very busy in weaving, on a sudden branches of ivy and of vines twined about their looms, and dragons made nests in their baskets, and from the roof distilled drops of milk and wine. But when by all this they could not be persuaded to serve the Deity, then fury possessed them, and they committed a foul crime out of Cithaeron, no less then that in Cithaeron: for the Minyades, seized with frenzy, tore in pieces a young infant of Leucippe's, thinking it a kid; then went to the rest of the Minyades, who persecuted them for this mischief, when they were turned into birds. One was changed into a crow, the other into a bat, and the third into an owl.
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§ 3.43 At Sybaris a lutenist singing at a festival which they celebrated in honour of Juno, and the Sybarites falling together by the ears about him, and taking up weapons to assault one another, the lutenist afraid fled with his long robe to the Altar of Juno: But they spared him not even there. A little while after blood was seen to spout up in the temple of Juno, as if it had been from a spring. The Sybarites sent to Delphi; Pythia said, Go from my Tripods, for thy hands profane Distilling blood my sacred pavements stain: From me expect no answer, who didst slay The Muses son; Thou for his death must pay. None that transgresseth, vengeance can decline, Not though descended from Jove's mighty line. He and his children, and their children must Expect due vengeance for that act unjust.
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§ 3.44 Three young men of the same city being sent to Delphi to consult the oracle, fell among thieves: One of them ran away and escaped; the second having killed all the thieves but one, missed the last, and ran his sword through his companion. To him that ran away Pythia gave this oracle: Thou sufferedst they companion to be slain: I will not answer thee, go from my Fane. To the other demanding an answer Pythia gave this: Thou slew'st thy friend by chance in his defence: Clearer then ever is thy innocence.
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§ 3.45 They say that Philip received an oracle in Boeotia at the Trophonian cave, That he should take heed of a chariot. Fearing therefore because of the oracle, it is reported he would never go in a chariot. The success is related two ways. Some say that the sword of Pausanias wherewith he killed Philip had a chariot carved in ivory upon the hilt: Others, that he was slain as he went round the Thebaean lake named Harma (chariot). The first report is more generally received, the other is less frequent.
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§ 3.46 This was a law of the Stagirites, truly becoming the Greeks; What you laid not down, take not away.
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§ 3.47 The Athenians first magnified Timotheus; but afterwards when he was thought to have offended, neither did his own merits avail him in the least, nor those of his ancestors. Themistocles was nothing benefited either by the sea-fight at Salamis, or his embassy to Sparta: I mean that embassy by which he gave the Athenians means to build up their walls again. For he was banished not only from Athens, but quite out of Greece. Pausanias the Lacedemonian was nothing helped by his victory at Plataea; for when affairs were new-modelled at Byzantium, and they were sick of the Persian disease, he lost that favour which he formerly had. Phocion was not saved by the general title of Phocion the Good, nor by his age of seventy five years, in which time he never injured any Athenian in the least; for the Athenians imagining that he would have betrayed the Piraeus to Antipater, condemned him to death.
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§ 4.1 A CERTAIN LAW of the Lucanians saith, That if after sun-set a stranger come and request to lodge under the roof of any one, if he entertain not the man, let him be punished, and pay the penalties of inhospitality. As I conceive both to the person that came to him, and to hospitable Zeus. I am informed that the Dardanians in Illyria wash but thrice in their whole life; at birth, at marriage, and at death. The Indians do not let out money to use, neither do they receive any: Neither is it lawful for an Indian to give or take wrong. Hence they neither make bonds, or give pawns. It is a Sardinian law, That when parents grow very old, their sons should by beating them with clubs kill them, and then bury them; they conceiving it unfit that a man at an extraordinary age should live any longer, he frequently failing by reason of his body's being opprest with old age. There was also this law amongst them, They punished idleness; and he who lived slothfully was to be arraigned, and to give an account of his manner of life, and to shew where were his means of subsistence. The Assyrians gathered together in a certain city such virgins as were fit for marriage, proclaiming a fair of them; and whoever buys one carries her away as his Bride. The Byblians, if they light upon any thing by chance in the way, take not up what they laid not down; for such a thing is not esteemed the right of the finder, but a theft. The Derbiccans put all persons to death that are above threescore and ten years old; the men by sword, the women by halter. The Colchians entomb their dead in skins, in which they sow them, and hang them up on trees. It was a custom of the Lydians to prostitute their women before marriage: but being once married they must live continently; and she who transgressed was not capable of pardon.
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§ 4.2 It is reported that Nicostratus a fidler, arguing with Laodocus a lutenist about music, said, That he in a great art was little, but that himself in a little art was great. It is therefore a commendable thing not only to improve a family and estate, but an art also, if we believe Nicostratus, who in this said excellently.
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§ 4.3 Polygnotus a Thasian and Dionysius a Colophonian were two painters. Polygnotus wrought to the full bigness, and most commonly descriptions of games: Dionysius copied the same things in little, alike exactly in every thing but their bigness; as the spirit, air, posture, habit, and the like.
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§ 4.4 I am told there is a law at Thebes, which commands artificers, both painters and potters, to make the figures as good as may be. This law menaceth to those who mould or paint them not well a pecuniary mulct.
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§ 4.5 Persons that were mindful of benefits received, and gratefully requited them. Theseus to Hercules: for Aidoneus King of the Molossians having cast Theseus into bonds because he came along with Pirithous, to steal away his wife, (not intending to marry her himself, but doing this only for the sake of Pirithous ) Hercules coming to the Molossians set Theseus at liberty, for which Theseus erected an altar to him. And those seven captains that besieged Thebes were grateful to Pronax, for Pronax being killed in their cause, they instituted games in memory of him; which most think were celebrated for the captain Archemorus. And Hercules was grateful to Nestor: for when Neleus would not entertain him, and the rest of his sons were of Neleus his mind, Nestor only dissented; for which reason Hercules, having taken the city, put Neleus and the rest of his sons to death, but not only spared Nestor, but bestowed on him the kingdom of his ancestors. And the Athenians expressed a public gratitude to the children of Hercules; for because their progenitor had deserved well of Theseus, the Athenians did therefore conduct them to Peloponnesus. And Hercules was grateful to the three hundred and three-score Cleonians: For they having aided him against the Molionidae, and dying generously and honourably, he transferred to them the honours which the Nemeans bestowed on him for subduing the Lion which over-ran and wasted their country. And Menestheus son of Peteus was not ungrateful to the Tyndaridae: for they having cast out the sons of Theseus, and taken Aethra the mother of Theseus prisoner, they bestowed the kingdom upon Menestheus; for which reason Menestheus named them Kings and Preservers. And Darius son of Hystaspes having (whilest he was yet a private person) received in gift a garment from Syloson, when he was possessed of the Empire, bestowed on him the government of his own country Samos, gold, as we may say, for dross.
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§ 4.6 When the Lacedemonians would have utterly destroyed the city of the Athenians, consulting the oracle, they brought answer in this manner; “Do not remove the common altar of Greece.”
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§ 4.7 Not death it self benefits wicked persons, since even then they cannot rest: But either they are wholly destitute of sepulchres; or, if buried, yet fail of the latest honor, and common port of all bodies. So when Pausanias took part with the Medes, the Lacedemonians not only famished him, but threw his carcase out beyond their borders, as Epitimedes reports.
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§ 4.8 Who knows not the sudden and swift changes of Fortune? The Lacedemonians, when they were masters of the Thebans, were again so subdued by them, that the Thebans came not only into Peloponnesus, but passed Eurotas, and wasted the country of the Lacedemonians, and had taken the city, if Epaminondas has not feared that all the Peloponnesians should conspire and fight for Sparta. Dionysius the tyrant being besieged by the Carthaginians, having no hope of relief, did quite despair, and intended to run away; but one of his friends, named Ellopides, coming to him, said, “O Dionysius, the title of King is an excellent funeral ornament.” Hereat ashamed, he took heart, and with a few overcame many myriads, and enlarged his empire. Amyntas the Macedonian being worsted by his neighbouring barbarians, and losing his kingdom, took his resolution to quit the country wholly, thinking he did enough if he saved himself. Whilest he was in these thoughts, one told him of the saying of Ellopides: whereupon seizing a little place, and gathering many soldiers together, he recovered the kingdom. The Egyptians in their own language called Ochus an ass, reproching his sloth by the dullness of that beast. For which he seizing Apis sacrificed him to an ass. Dion son of Hipparinus being banished by Dionysius, with three thousand soldiers conquered him, and reduced him to his own estate, a banished person. The Syracusans with nine gallies assaulting an hundred and twenty of the Carthaginians, overcame them.
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§ 4.9 Plato, son of Ariston, at the Olympic games fell into company with some strangers who knew him not, upon whose affections he gained much by his affable conversation; dining and spending the whole day with them, not mentioning either the Academy or Socrates, only saying his name was Plato. When they came to Athens, he entertained them courteously. “Come, Plato, said the strangers, shew us your name-sake, Socrates's disciple, bring us to the Academy, recommend us to him, that we may know him.” He smiling a little, as he used, said, “I am the man”: whereat they were much amazed, having conversed so familiarly with a person of that note, and not knowing him, who used no boasting or ostentation. Whence it appears, that besides his philosophical discourse, his ordinary conversation was extremely winning. Plato called Aristotle a colt: What is meant by that name is manifest: a colt as soon as it is satisfied with the milk of the dam kicks at her. Plato therefore hereby signified some ingratitude of Aristotle; for he having received the greatest seeds of philosophy from him, and introduction thereto, as soon as he was replenished and satisfied with the best things thereof, revolted from him, and, getting his friends together, set up against him Peripateticism, professing himself Plato's adversary.
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§ 4.10 Did not Pericles, son of Xanthippus, bear a great respect to the Athenian people? to me it appears so; for as often as he was to speak in public, he wished that no word might fall from him which might exasperate the people, as being contrary to them or their opinion.
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§ 4.11 Diogenes said that Socrates himself was luxurious: for he was too curious in his little house, and in his little bed, and in the sandals which he used to wear.
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§ 4.12 Zeuxis the Heracleote having drawn Helena, got much money for the picture; for he admitted not every one that came accidentally, or out of a desire to see it, but made them first pay money before they saw it. Hereupon the Heracleote gaining much money by the picture, the Grecians of that time called this Helena a courtesan.
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§ 4.13 Epicurus the Gargettian said, that to whom a little is not sufficient, nothing is sufficient. The same said, that he was ready to contend with Zeus in felicity when he had bread and water. This being the opinion of Epicurus, what he meant when he praised pleasure we shall know elsewhere.
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§ 4.14 Many times riches gathered together penny by penny, with much labour, as Archilochus saith, are poured into the lap of a courtesan. For money is as the sea hedgehog, easier to be taken then kept. Anaxagoras also in his Book of Kingly government saith, It is hard to get money, but much harder to keep it.
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§ 4.15 Hiero tyrant of Sicily is said to have been first a private person, and of all men the most averse from learning music, and nothing inferiour to his brother Gelo in rusticity. But falling sick he became extraordinary learned, employing the leisure of his infirmity in hearing learned discourses. Hiero therefore recovering heard Simonides the Cean, Pindar the Theban, and Bacchylides of Ioulis; but Gelo was illiterate to the last. They say also that Ptolemy the second falling sick became very learned. And Plato affirms that Theages studied philosophy upon no other occasion then the leisure of sickness, which hindering him from civic affairs forced him to the love of learning. What man of understanding wisheth not that sickness had befallen Alcibiades, Critias, Pausanias the Lacedemonian, and others? To Alcibiades and Critias, that they might not have revolted from Socrates. One becoming insolent, and sometimes taking part with the Boeotians, sometimes with the Thessalians, the Medes and Persians, adhering to Pharnabazus. But Critias became most tyrannical and bloody, and much opprest his country, and led a hated life. And Straton son of Corrhagus seems to have fallen sick advantageously. For being of an old family and rich, he used no exercise; but falling ill of the spleen, and exercise being requisite for his cure, he addicted himself to it, and making progress therein, he in one day at the Olympic games was victor in wrestling and the pancratium, as also in the following Olympic and Nemean and Isthmian and Pythian games. Likewise Democrates the wrestler, having a pain in his feet, went to the games, and standing in the stadium made a circle about himself, and challenged his antagonists to force him beyond the line; which they not able to do, were worsted: And he, for continuing firmly in his station, went away crowned.
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§ 4.16 If any man imitate Callias, he will make him a great drinker; if Ismenias, a player on the flute; a Boaster, if Alcibiades; a maker of Broths, if Crobylus; an excellent orator, if Demosthenes; warlike, if Epaminondas; Magnanimous, if Agesilaus; Good, if Phocion; just, if Aristides; and wise, if Socrates.
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§ 4.17 Pythagoras taught men that he was begotten of a better kind then mortal nature. For on the same day, and at the same hour, he was seen at Metapontium and in Crotona. Likewise at Olympia he shewed one of his thighs which was of gold; and did make Myllias the Crotonian call to mind that he had been Midas son of Cordius a Phrygian. He also stroked a white Eagle which came to him of her own accord, and as he passed over the river Cosa, the river saluted him, saying “Hail Pythagoras.” He affirmed the leaf of mallows to be most sacred. He said that Arithmetic is the wisest of all things: Next, he who imposed names on things. And that earthquakes were nothing else but conventions of the dead: And that the rainbow is the beams of the Sun: And that the sound which frequently strikes the ear is the voice of Daemons. It was not lawful to doubt of any thing he said or question about it, but to acquiesce in what he said as in a divine oracle. And when he came to cities, a report was spread that he came not to teach, but to heal. The same Pythagoras commanded to abstain from the heart, and from a white cock, and from all things that died of themselves, and not to use baths, nor to go in the common road; it being doubtful whether these things were pure.
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§ 4.18 When Plato, invited by the frequent letters of Dionysius, came to Sicily, the young Dionysius placed him in a chariot, whilest he himself played the coachman: whereupon a facetious Syracusan well versed in Homer, pleased with the sight, spake these verses out of the Iliad, with a little alteration: The chariot groaned beneath the weight, Proud that the best of men there sat. Whereas Dionysius was jealous of all others, he had so great respect for Plato, that he suffered him only to come to him unsearched (though he knew him to be Dio's intimate friend).
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§ 4.19 Philip the Macedonian is not only said to have been a good soldier, and an excellent orator; but he likewise honoured learning exceedingly. Wherefore supplying Aristotle with much money, he was the cause of his great and various Experience, and of his knowledge in living creatures. Whose History the son of Nicomachus acquired through the wealth of Philip. He honoured Plato also and Theophrastus.
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§ 4.20 It is reported that Democritus the Abderite was wise, besides other things, in desiring to live unknown, and that he wholly endeavoured it. In pursuit whereof he travelled to many Countries; he went to the Chaldaeans, and to Babylon, and to the Magi, and to the Indian Sophists. When the estate of his father Damasippus was to be divided into three parts amongst the three Brothers, he took only so much as might serve for his travel, and left the rest to his Brethren. For this Theophrastus commends him, that by travelling he had gained better things then Menelaus and Ulysses. For they wandered up and down not otherwise then Phoenician merchants, for they gathered money, which was the occasion of their travel by sea and Land. The Abderites called Democritus, philosophy; but Protagoras, Discourse. Democritus laughed at all people, and said they were mad; when his countrymen called him Gelasinus. They likewise say, that Hippocrates at his first meeting with Democritus thought him mad: But after they had conversed together, admired the man. They say that Hippocrates, though he were Doric, yet for the sake of Democritus he composed his writings in the Ionic Dialect.
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§ 4.21 Alcibiades was beloved of Socrates, Dio of Plato. But Dio received advantage by the love of his friend.
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§ 4.22 The ancient Athenians wore purple garments, and various coloured vests. They likewise tied their hair in knots, to which they put golden grass-hoppers, and other ornaments of gold. When they went abroad, their servants carried folding-stools, that when they pleased they might sit down. It is certain also, that their tables and diet were very luxurious; and yet whilest they did this, they were victors at Marathon.
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§ 4.23 Prodigality and voluptuous life reduced Pericles, and Callias son of Hipponicus, and Nicias of Pergase to indigence. When money failed them, these three drank hemlock, their last draught, to one another, and died as at a feast.
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§ 4.24 Leoprepes the Cean, father of Simonides, chanced on a time to sit in the wrestling-place: Two young men, entire Friends, came to him, and asked him how their friendship might best be preserved. He said, “If you yield to one another's anger, and not by opposition provoke each other.”
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§ 4.25 Thrasyllus the Aexonian fell into a strange and new kind of madness; he left the city and went to Piraeus (the port) and dwelling there, he fancied that all the ships which came in were his, and registered them, and so dismissed them. When any came safe into the haven, he rejoiced exceedingly. This infirmity held him many years. At length his brother, coming from Sicily, put him to a physician to be cured, and so his madness ceased. He many times mentioned his actions during his madness, and said that he never had so much joy, as when he was pleased with seeing ships come in safe which nothing belonged to him.
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§ 4.26 Xanthus a Lyric poet (he was ancienter then Stesichorus the Himeran ) saith that Electra daughter of Agamemnon was not named so at first, but Laodice. Afterwards when Agamemnon was slain, and Aegisthus marrying Clytemnestra reigned, she lived unacquainted with the marriage-bed, and grew old a virgin: for which reason the Grecians called her Electra, as having never had a husband, and living unacquainted with the marriage-bed.
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§ 4.27 Pamphaes a Prienian gave to Croesus, whilest his father was yet living, thirty Minae, who coming to the crown sent him a great chariot filled with silver. Diogenes receiving a little money of Diotimus the Carystian said, The Gods immortal grant To thee what thou dost want, A man and house. It seems that this Diotimus was effeminate.
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§ 4.28 Pherecydes the Syrian ended his life the most miserable of men: his whole body being consumed by vermin, and his countenance becoming loathsome, he declined the conversation of his acquaintance. And whensoever any one coming to visit him demanded how he did, putting out his finger though the hole in the door, the flesh whereof was quite eaten off, he said, that his whole body was such. The Delians affirm, that the God in Delos displeased with him wrought this: for as he sate in Delos with his disciples, he spoke many things concerning himself, amongst the rest this, That he had sacrificed to none of the Gods, and yet led a life no less pleasant and void of grief then they who offered Hecatombs. For this vain speech he suffered severe punishment.
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§ 4.29 XXIX. That Alexander ridiculously believed there are infinite worlds. I cannot forbear to laugh at Alexander the son of Philip, who seeing that Democritus in his writings asserted that there are infinite worlds, was troubled that he had not quite subdued one. How much Democritus himself would have laughed at him, what need I say? whose custom that was.
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§ 5.1 TACHOS THE AEGYPTIAN, whilest he used the diet of his country, and lived sparingly, was the most healthful of men; but when he went to the Persians, and fell into their luxury, not able to bear their unaccustomed diet, he ended his life by a Dysentery, and changed luxury for death.
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§ 5.2 Pherecydes, master of Pythagoras, falling sick, first had a very hot sweat, viscous-like phlegm, afterwards like that of beasts; then little vermin grew in him: and his flesh corrupting into them, he wasted away, and so ended his life.
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§ 5.3 Aristotle affirms that those Pillars which are now called of Hercules, were first called the Pillars of Briareus; but after that Hercules had cleared the sea and Land, and beyond all question shewed much kindness to men, they in honour of him, not esteeming the memory of Briareus, called them Heraclean.
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§ 5.4 It is reported that in Delos there groweth an olive and a palm, which Latona touching was immediately brought to bed; whereas until then she could not.
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§ 5.5 Epaminondas had but one vest, and that sordid, so that whenoever he sent it to the Fuller, he was forced to stay at home for want of another. Whilest he was thus indigent, the Persian King sending him a great summe of money, he would not accept it. And, if I mistake not, he that refused the gift was more Magnanimous then he that offered it.
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§ 5.6 Likewise the end of Calanus the Indian is worthy to be praised, another would say to be admired. It was on this manner; Calanus the Indian Sophist, having bid a long farewell to Alexander and the Macedonians, and to life, when he would free himself from the Fetters of the body, caused a Pyre to be made in the fairest Suburb of Babylon; the wood thereof was dry, and chosen for fragrancy, cedar, Thyum, Cypress, Myrtle and laurel. He having performed his accustomed exercise (which was to run a course) came and stood in the middle of the Pyre, crowned with reeds. The Sun shone upon him, and he worshipped him, which was the sign he had given the Macedonians, that they should kindle the Pyre, which they did; and continued standing upright in the flame, and fell not till he was quite consumed. Hereat Alexander (as is reported) much astonished, said, that Calanus had vanquished greater enemies then he. For he warred with Porus, and Taxiles, and Darius; but Calanus with Pains and death.
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§ 5.7 The Scythians wander up and down their own country; but Anacharsis, being a wise man, extended his travels farther: for he came into Greece, and Solon admired him.
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§ 5.8 Scoffs and reproaches to me seem of no force: for if they meet with a solid mind, they are shattered in pieces; but if with a mean and low, they have power, and many times occasion not only grief, but death: whereof take this instance; Socrates being derided in a Comedy, laughed; but Poliagras hanged himself.
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§ 5.9 Aristotle having prodigally consumed his patrimony, went to the wars; which succeeding ill with him also, he then traded as an Apothecary. But coming by chance into the Peripatus, and hearing the discourses there, being of better natural parts then most of them, he acquired that habit which he afterwards put in execution.
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§ 5.10 The Athenians were diligent in taking care for their Navy. Sometimes having the better, and sometimes being worsted, they lost in Egypt two hundred galleys, with all that belonged to them; at Cyprus a hundred and fifty; in Sicily two hundred and forty; in the Hellespont two hundred. Of compleatly-armed soldiers there were slain in Sicily forty thousand, and at Chaeronea a thousand.
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§ 5.11 A King of Thrace, (his name let some other tell) when Xerxes warred against Greece, fled to the Mountain Rhodope, and advised his six sons not to fight against Greece. But they not obeying him, when he returned, he put out the eyes of them all; an act unlike a Grecian.
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§ 5.12 I cannot but love this act of the Athenians; In a public Assembly of the Athenians, Demades rising up decreed that Alexander should be the thirteenth Deity. But the people not enduring his excessive impiety, fined him a hundred Talents, for enrolling Alexander, who was a mortal, amongst the Celestial Gods.
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§ 5.13 The Athenians were very changeable as to government, and exceedingly inclined to alteration. They patiently suffered kingly government under Cecrops, Erechtheus and Theseus, and afterwards under the Codridae; they experimented tyranny under the Pisistratidae; they used aristocracy four hundred years; after which they chose yearly ten citizens which governed the city. At last there happened an anarchy by the sedition of the Thirty Tyrants. This ready change of customs, whether it should be commended or not, I know not.
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§ 5.14 This was an Attic law; Whosoever happens to light upon the carcase of any man, he must throw earth all over it, and bury it as looking towards the west. This also was observed by them; A ploughing ox, that laboureth under the yoke, either with plough or cart, sacrifice not. For he also is a tiller of the earth, and partakes with men of their labour.
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§ 5.15 Attic courts of judicature, for wilfull murders in the Areopagus, for involuntary in the Palladium; for those who confessed the murder, but pleaded the lawfulness of it, in the Delphinium.
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§ 5.16 A little boy carried away a plate of gold which fell from the crown of Artemis. It was discovered. The judged caused playthings and dice to be set before him, as also the plate. He again laid hold of the plate: whereupon they put him to death for sacrilege, not sparing his age, but punishing the act.
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§ 5.17 The Athenians were so superstitious, that if any one felled a little oak out of the Heroes Grove, they put him to death. And Atarbes, for that he killed the sparrow sacred to Aesculapius, they spared not, but executed him: Not pardoning either his ignorance or madness, but preferring the concernment of the God before both these. For some said he did it by chance, others, through fury.
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§ 5.18 The court of Areopagus having tried a woman poisoner, and it being judged she should die, they would not put her to death until she were delivered of the infant wherewith she was great. Then saving the innocent child, they executed the guilty person.
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§ 5.19 Aeschylus the Tragic poet was by reason of some play condemned for impiety. Whereupon the Athenians being ready to stone him, Amynias his younger brother, throwing back his vest, shewed his arm without a hand. Amynias had the reward for fighting best at Salamis, where he lost his hand, and was the first of the Athenians that was rewarded. The judges seeing the trouble of the man, called to mind his actions, and dismist Aeschylus.
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§ 5.20 The Tarentines being besieged by the Romans, and ready to surrender through famine, the Rhegians ordered a fast to be kept every ten days; and with the allowance of that food supplied the Tarentines. Hereupon the Romans raised their siege; and the Tarentines, in memory of their distress, kept a feast, which they called The Fast.
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§ 5.21 Some say that the relation concerning Medea is false, and that she did not kill her children, but the Corinthians. This fable concerning Colchis, and the Tragedy ( Medea ) they say Euripides made at the request of the Corinthians. The falsity prevailed above the truth, by reason of the excellency of the poet. But for the murder of the children, they say that even to this day the Corinthians offer expiatory sacrifices to them; which they render as a kind of tribute.
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§ 6.1 THE ATHENIANS having overcome the Chalcidenses, distributed their land in 2000 cleruchy lots, leaving the so-called Hippobotus set aside for Athena in the place named Lelantus. The rest of the country they let out in accordance with the stelai that have been stood up at the Royal Stoa, on which they set up the bills of sale. The prisoners that they took they cast into fetters: neither did this satisfy their rage against the Chalcidenses. The Lacedemonians having overcome the Messenians, took for themselves half of every thing in Messenia, and compelled the free-women to go into mourning, and to bewail the dead, such as were strangers, and nothing related to them. Of the men, they employed some in husbandry, some they sold, some they slew. likewise the Athenians were insolent in this manner. Having good success, they used not their good fortune moderately: For they compelled the virgins among the resident aliens to carry umbrellas in public solemnities to give shade to their daughters, and the women to shade the women; and the men to carry spades. The Sicyonians having taken Pellene, prostituted publicly the wives and daughters of the Pellenians. This was most savage, O you Grecian Gods, and unseemly, I think, even in barbarians. Philip having gained the victory at Chaeronaea, was exalted with the success, as were also all the Macedonians. The Grecians, fearing him exceedingly, surrendered themselves according to their several cities, as fast as possible to him. The same did the Thebans, and the Megarians, the Corinthians, Achaeans, Eleians, and the Euboeans, and all in Akte. Philip kept not the agreement he had made with them, but subjected them all to servitude, contrary to right and equity.
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§ 6.2 The son of Harmatidias the Thespian, going with others of his country to aid the Athenians, fought at first stoutly and gallantly; then having run out of weapons, fought with his bare hands against the armed men, and so died honourably. I have named the father of the young man, and celebrated him after the manner of Homer. His own name, if any is inquisitive to know, let some other tell.
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§ 6.3 The Lacedemonians crowned Isadas, yet but a boy, and not obliged by the law to take arms, for leaving the Gymnasium, and behaving himself gallantly in a fight. Yet because he engaged with the enemy before his age required it, and without having the local standard armament, they fined him.
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§ 6.4 Lysander dying, one that was betrothed to his daughter in his life-time, because she was fatherless, and that Lysander at his decease proved poor, cast her off, and said he would not have her to wife; hereupon the Ephori fined him: not like a Lacedemonian or Grecian, to forget his friend dead, and to prefer wealth before a contract.
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§ 6.5 The Athenians, because the ambassadors which they sent to Arcadia took another way, and not that which they appointed, though they performed their charge well, put them to death.
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§ 6.6 Are not these Laconic? There is a law amongst the Spartans, That he who hath had three sons should be exempt from watch and ward; he who five, should be discharged from all public offices and taxes. That marriages should be contracted without dowries. No Lacedemonian might learn a trade. They must go to war clothed in scarlet: For besides that the colour had something of awfulness in itself; the blood which was spilt upon it from wounds did much more daunt the enemy, appearing more sharp to the sight and more dreadful. It was not lawful for a Lacedemonian to strip a slain enemy. They who died fighting stoutly, were carried crowned with olive and other branches. But they who had fought best, had a scarlet robe thrown over them, and so were buried honourably.
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§ 6.7 When the Lacedemonians had treacherously expelled the Taenarian servants (these servants were of the race of the Helotes ) through the anger of Poseidon there happened an earthquake at Sparta, which threw down the city, so that there were but five houses left standing of the whole city.
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§ 6.8 They say that Artaxerxes surnamed Ochus, being slain by Bagoas the eunuch, who was an Egyptian, and cut to pieces, was thrown to cats, and some other buried in his stead was laid in the regal monuments. The sacrileges which are reported of Ochus are many, especially those committed in Egypt. Neither was Bagoas satisfied with killing Ochus, but he also made hilts for swords of the bones of his thighs: thereby signifying his bloody disposition. He hated him, because when he came into Egypt he slew Apis, as Cambyses had done before.
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§ 6.9 There coming a report to Delphi, that the temple of Apollo was anciently very rich (grounded upon these verses of Homer, Not so much wealth as Phoebus marble Fane Founded in rocky Pytho doth contain,) They say that hereupon the Delphians began to dig about the altar, and the tripod; but there happening violent earthquakes about the seat of the oracles, they gave over the attempt.
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§ 6.10 Pericles general of the Athenians made a law, that he whose parents on both sides were not citizens, might not enjoy the privileges of a citizen. From this law there happened a revenge upon himself; for his two legitimate sons, Paralus and Xanthippus, died of the common pestilence. There remained only to him his natural issue, who by their father's law were deprived of interest in the state.
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§ 6.11 Gelo having overcome the Carthaginians at Himera, reduced all Sicily to his obedience. Then coming into the Market-place unarmed, he declared that he would resign the Govenment to the citizens. But they refused, knowing him to be more loving to the people, then desirous of monarchic power. Hence in the temple of Sicilian Juno there is an Image representing him unarmed; which pictures this action.
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§ 6.12 Dionysius the second had an empire excellently fortified after this manner. He possessed ships no less then four hundred, of five rows and six rows of oars. His power of foot-soldiers was a hundred thousand, horse-men nine thousand. The city of Syracusa was adorned with exceeding great Havens, and encompassed with a very high wall. He had store for five hundred ships more. His provision of corn which was laid up was a hundred myriads of medimnae. His magazine was furnished with shields, swords, and Spears, many Legg-Arms, breast-plates, and slings. The Sling was Dionysius his own invention. He had also many auxiliaries; and confiding in these Dionysius thought he possessed an empire bound with adamant. But he first put his brothers to death; then saw his sons cruelly murdered, and daughters first ravished, then killed. Not one of those that descended from him had the rite of sepulture: for some were burned alive, others cut in pieces and cast into the sea. This happened to him, when Dion son of Hipparinus invaded his kingdom. He himself died old in extreme poverty. Theopompus saith, that through excessive drinking he had so great an infirmity in his eyes, that he grew blind; and that he sat in barbers shops, and talked jestingly to move laughter; and that in the midst of Greece he led a dishonourable and wretched life. No light argument to persuade men to moderation and temper, is the change of Dionysius his fortune, from so high, to so low a condition.
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§ 6.13 It is excellently ordered by Providence, that tyrannical governments last not to the third Generation; but either the tyrants are rooted out like Pitch-trees, or their children devested of power. But amongst the Greeks these tyrannical governments are known to have lasted so long; that of Gelo in Sicily, of the Leucanians in Bosphorus, and of the Cypselidae at Corinth.
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§ 6.14 I am told an extraordinary meek act of Darius son of Hystaspes. Aribazus the Hyrcanian, with many other persons, not inconsiderable, in Persia, conspired against him. The Plot was laid at a Hunting: which Darius understanding, was not daunted, but commanded them to betake themselves to their weapons and horses, and to fix their arms. And looking sternly upon them, “Why then do you not that, said he, which you designed?” But they seeing the undaunted look of the man, gave over the attempt. And so great fear seized them, that they threw away their Spears, leaped from their horses, adored Darius, and delivered themselves up to do with them as he pleased. He separated them from one another, and sent some to the confines of India, others to the borders of Scythia; and they continued ever afterwards faithful to him, being mindful of this favour.
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§ 7.1 OF SEMIRAMIS the Assyrian several things are related. She was the fairest of women, yet neglected her beauty. When she came to the King of Assyrians, whether she was summoned through the renown of her beauty, as soon as he saw her, he fell in love with her. She requested of the King that he would grant her a Royal robe, and that she might have the command of Asia five days, and the ordering of all things during that time. She failed not of her request. But as soon as the King had seated her upon the Throne, and that she knew all things were at her power and disposal, she commanded the Guard to kill the King, and so possessed herself of the Assyrian empire. Dinon relates this.
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§ 7.2 Strato the Sidonian is said to have studied to exceed all men in luxury and Magnificence. Theopompus the Chian compares his life to the feasting of the Phaeacians, to which Homer according to his great wit, as he useth to doe, highly magnified. This man had not a single Musician at his feast to delight him, but there waited many women-Musicians, and players on the flute, and beautiful courtesans, and women-dancers. He emulated exceedingly Nicocles the Cyprian, and Nicocles him. This emulation was about nothing serious, but concerning the things we spoke of. For each of them hearing from those who came from the other what was done there, emulated and endeavoured to exceed the other. But this lasted not always, for both died violent deaths.
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§ 7.3 Aristippus, to some of his friends being exceedingly afflicted, besides many other Consolatory speeches, said thus at first to them; “I come to you not as to condole with you, but to suppress your grief.”
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§ 7.4 Pittacus exceedingly commended a mill, making an Encomium upon it, for that many persons may exercise themselves in a little compass. There was a common Song hence called the mill-Song.
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§ 7.5 Even Laertes was by his son surprized labouring with his hands, and pruning a tree when he was very old. Ulysses likewise confesseth that he knew many things and how to do them with his own hands. There is not any man alive so good At making fires, and cleaving out the wood. He also quickly made a little ship by his own labour, without any ship-wright. And Achilles himself, who was the third from Zeus, did cut the meat and dress the supper for the ambassadors that came from the Achaeans.
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§ 7.6 On a time there falling a great snow, the King of the Scythians asked one whom he saw walk naked, whether he were not frozen. He again asked the King whether his Forehead were not frozen. To which he answering, No; the other replied, “Neither am I, for I am Forehead all over.”
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§ 7.7 Pytheas scoffed at Demosthenes son of Demosthenes, saying that his arguments smelt of the lamp, because he sat up all the night, meditating and considering what he should say when he was to come before the Athenians.
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§ 7.8 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 soldiers 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. Hephaestion died at Ecbatana. It is reported that these things were intended for the Burial of Hephaestion, but that Alexander used them dying, before the mourning was over for the young man.
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§ 7.9 Was this not a singular token of modesty>? To me it seems such. The wife of Phocion wore Phocion's vest, and required not a Crocotum, or Tarentine, or Cloak, or Mantle, or veil, or Hood, or coloured robes. But she first put on modesty, and then such things as were at hand.
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§ 7.10 Xanthippe, wife of Socrates, refusing to put on his vest, so to go to a public Spectacle, he said, “Do you not perceive that you go not to see, but rather to be seen?”
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§ 7.11 Of the Roman women many have used to wear the same Shoes as men.

Via ToposText (topostext.org), a project of the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation created by Brady Kiesling. Translated by Thomas Stanley (d.1700). Composed ca. 234 CE. Licence: public domain. Source.