Aelian, Varia Historia

ToposText · Aelian · 465 sections

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§ 7.12 Children must be cheated by dice, men by oaths. Some ascribe this aaying to Lysander, others to Philip the Macedonian. But which soever it was, it is not well said, in my opinion. Neither is it perhaps strange that Lysander and I differ in our opinions, for he was a tyrant: but my mind may be guessed by this, that I have declared that this Saying pleaseth me not.
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§ 7.13 Agesilaus a Lacedemonian, now an old man, very often went forth without Shoes and Coat, in his Mantle, and that in the winter mornings. And when a certain person reprehended him, that he did more youthfully then became his age, he answered, “But the young citizens cast their eyes on me, as colts on their Sires.”
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§ 7.14 Were not the philosophers skilful in warlike affairs? To me they seem such. For the Tarentines chose Archytas their general six times. Melissus was their Admiral. Socrates fought thrice, and Plato himself at Tanagra, and at Corinth. The warlike actions and generalship of Xenophon many celebrate; and he himself acknowledgeth, in his Discourses concerning Cyrus. Dion son of Hipparinus subverted the tyranny of Dionysius: and Epaminondas, being made chief commander of the Boeotians, at Leuctra overcame the Lacedemonians, and was chief among the Romans and Grecians. Zeno much advantaged the Athenian state, whilst he was with Antigonus. For there is no difference if a man benefits others, whether it be by his wisdom or arms.
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§ 7.15 The Mitylenaeans being absolute masters of the sea, imposed as a punishment upon their confederates which had revolted from them, that they should not teach their children to read, nor suffer them to be instructed in any learning; conceiving that to be bred ignorantly and illiterately was of all punishments the greatest.
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§ 7.16 Rome was built by Remus and Romulus, sons of Mars and Servia. She was of the race of Aeneas.
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§ 7.17 When Eudoxus came to Sicily, Dionysius largely congratulated his arrival. But he neither flattering nor concealing anything said, “I come as to a good host with whom Plato liveth.” Declaring that he came not for his sake, but for the others.
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§ 7.18 They say that the Egyptians behave themselves stoutly in Torments. And that an Egyptian being put to torture, will sooner die then confess the truth. Amongst the Indians, the wives resolutely go to the same fire with their dead husbands. The wives of the man contest ambitiously about it; and she to whom the Lot falls is burned with him.
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§ 7.19 Solon was made general in the war concerning Salamis. Having taken two Megarean ships, he manned them with Athenian soldiers, and caused them to put on the enemies armour, and passing undiscovered slew many of the Megareans unarmed. He also overcame them by Reason; not by specious words, but weight of Argument. For causing some monuments of the dead to be opened, he shewed that they were all Athenians, being laid towards the west, according to the manner of their country; for the Megareans used to be buried disorderly, and as it happened. The Lacedemonians judged the Controversy.
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§ 7.20 There came to Lacedemon a Cean, an old man, conceited of himself and ashamed of his age: For which reason he endeavoured to conceal the grayness of his hair by Dying it. Coming in this manner before the Lacedemonians in public, he declared his business. But Archidamus King of the Lacedemonians rising up, “What truth, said he, can this man speak, who doth not only lie in his Heart, but in his hair?” So he rejected what he had alleged, from his outward appearance arguing the unsoundness of his mind.
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§ 7.21 Caesar disdained not to frequent the school of Aristo, and Pompey that of Cratippus. For their great power did not make them despise those persons that might most advantage them; and of these they had need notwithstanding their great Dignities. For, as it seems, they desired not so much to command, as to command well.
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§ 8.1 SOCRATES SAID of his Daemon to Theages, Demodocus, and many others, that he many times perceived a voice warning him by Divine instinct, which, saith he, when it comes, signifieth a dissuasion from that which I am going to doe, but never persuades to do any thing. And when any of my friends (saith he) impart their business to me, if this voice happens, it dissuades also, giving me the like counsel: Whereupon I dehort him who adviseth with me, and suffer him not to proceed in what he was about, following the divine admonition. He alledged as witness hereof Charmides son of Glauco, who asking his advice, whether he should exercise at the Nemean games; as soon as he began to speak, the voice gave the accustomed sigh. Whereupon Socrates endeavoured to divert Charmides from his purpose, telling him the reason: But he not following the advice, it succeeded ill with him.
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§ 8.2 Hipparchus, eldest son of Pisistratus, was the wisest person among the Athenians. He first brought Homer's Poems to Athens, and caused the Rhapsodists to sing them at the Panathenaic feast. He sent also a gally of fifty Oars to Anacreon the Teian [Poet] that he might come to him. To Simonides the Cean [Poet] he was very kind, and kept him always with him, obliging him (as is probable) by great gifts and rewards: for that Simonides was a great lover of money, none will deny. This Hipparchus made it his business to favour learned men, and endeavoured by his authority to reduce the Athenians to learning, and to better his subjects; conceiving that no man ought to envy wisdom, who himself is just and honest. This Plato relates, if Hipparchus be truly his.
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§ 8.3 This is an Athenian custom when an ox is killed: By proclamation they acquit all severally of murder, only they condemn the knife, and say that killed him. The day on which they do this they call the Diipolian and Buphonia festival.
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§ 8.4 They say that Poliarchus the Athenian arrived at so great a height of luxury, that he caused those dogs and cocks which he had loved, being dead, to be carried out solemnly, and invited friends to their funerals, and buried them splendidly, erecting Columns over them, on which were engraved Epitaphs.
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§ 8.5 Neleus son of Codrus, being deposed from the regal government, left Athens, (for the Pythian oracle assigned the kingdom to Medon ) and intending to settle a colony came to Naxus, not by design, but driven thither by tempest: willing to depart thence, he was hindered by contrary winds. Whereupon being in suspense what to do, the Soothsayers told him that his company must be expiated, there being amongst those who came along with him many persons whose hands were defiled with blood. Hereupon he pretended that he had killed some servant, and needed expiation; whereby he induced such as were conscious of ill to the same. Which done, having now discovered who were the profane persons, he left them. They continued at Naxus; but Neleus came to Ionia, and first settled at Miletus, having turned out the Carians, the Mygdonians, the Leleges, and the rest of the barbarians, who built the twelve cities in Ionia. The cities are these; Miletus, Ephesus, Erythrae, Clazomenae, Priene, Lesbos, Teos, Colophon, Myus, Phocaea, Samos, and Chios. He also built many other cities in Epirus.
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§ 8.6 They say that none of the ancient Thracians knew any thing of learning. Even all the barbarians that inhabited Europe thought it dishonourable to understand Literature. But those in Asia (as is said) used it more. Whence some forbear not to affirm, That not Orpheus himself, being a Thracian, was wise; but that his writings are false and fabulous. This Androtion asserts, if he be credible, concerning the ignorance of learning and institute amongst the Thracians.
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§ 8.7 Alexander having taken Darius, solemnized marriages of himself and friends. The men that were married were ninety, and the marriage-beds as many. The hall in which they were entertained had a hundred Couches, such as they used to lie on at meals: The feet of every Couch were of silver; but of that on which he lay, they were of gold. They were all covered with various-coloured Carpets of rich barbarian work. He admitted to the feast some particular Friends, whom he caused to sit over against him. In the court were feasted the foot-soldiers, mariners, horsemen, Ambassadors, and foreign Greeks. Before supper the trumpets sounded, to give notice that it was time to come to the table; and again when supper was ended, that they should rise to depart. He solemnized these nuptials five days together. Very many musicians, and players, tragedians and comedians came thither. There came also many jugglers out of India, of which kind those of that country exceed all others.
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§ 8.8 Conon the Cleonaean (as is said) perfected the art of painting, which until then was but rude, and very indifferent, and as it were in its infancy. For which reason he also received a greater reward then the painters that were before.
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§ 8.9 Archelaus, tyrant of Macedonia, (for so Plato calls him, not King) loved Crateuas exceedingly, who no less loved the supreme command, and therefore killed his Friend Archelaus, hoping thereby to obtain the tyranny, and make himself happy. But having possest the tyranny three or four days, he was also betrayed by others and slain. To this Macedonic Tragedy aptly suit these verses. Who snares for others lays, Himself at last betrays. They say that Archelaus had betrothed one of his daughters to him: but marrying her to another, he out of indignation slew Archelaus.
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§ 8.10 The Athenians chose Solon their Archon; for that office was not conferred by lot. After he was chosen, he beautified the city, besides other things, with laws which he writ for them, and are observed to this day. Then the Athenians gave over using the laws of Draco, which were called Thesmi, retaining only those which concerned Homicides.
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§ 8.11 It is not to be wondered at, that human nature being mortal and transitory, necessitates them to perish, if we look upon rivers that fail, and consider that even the highest Mountains diminish. Travellers say that Aetna appears to be much less then it was formerly. They relate the same of Parnassus, and Olympus the Pierian Mountain. And they who seem to understand the nature of the Universe, assert that the world itself shall be dissolved.
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§ 8.12 It is a strange thing, if true, that Demosthenes failing of Rhetoric in Macedonia, Aeschines the Cothocidean, son of Atromitus, flourished amongst the Macedonians, and far transcended the rest of the Ambassadors in wit. The cause whereby this happened to Aeschines, was the friendship of Philip and his gifts; and because Philip heard him patiently and pleasingly, and looked upon him with a mild and benevolent aspect, thereby discovering the good will he had for him; all which were great incitements to Aeschines of confidence and fluent Language. This happened not only to Demosthenes in Macedonia, though a most excellent orator, but also to Theophrastus the Eresian; for he likewise was at a loss before the Council of the Areopagus, for which he alleged this excuse, That he was daunted with the grave presence of the Senate. To which speech Demochares answered bitterly and readily thus, “ Theophrastus, the judges were Athenians, not the twelve Gods.”
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§ 8.13 They say that Anaxagoras the Clazomenian never laughed, nor so much as smiled. They say also that Aristoxenus was a great enemy to laughter. And that Heraclitus bewailed all things in life.
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§ 8.14 Diogenes the Sinopean, being sick to death, and scarce able to goe, cast himself from a Bridge which was near the place of exercise, and charged the Keeper of the place that as soon as he was quite dead, he should throw him into the [River] Ilissus; so little did Diogenes value death or Burial.
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§ 8.15 Philip, when he had vanquished the Athenians at Chaeronea, though exalted with his success, yet subdued his passion, and behaved himself not insolently. Therefore he thought it requisite to be put in mind by one of his servants that he was a man: wherefore he appointed this office to a servant; neither did he go forth before that, as is said; nor was any that came to speak with him admitted before the servant had cried aloud thrice to him, which he did daily. He said to him, “ Philip, thou art a man.”
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§ 8.16 Solon son of Execestides now grown old, began to suspect Pisistratus as aiming at tyranny, when he came before a public Convention of the Athenians, and required a Guard of the people. But seeing the Athenians, not regarding his speeches, went to Pisistratus, he said that he was wiser then some, and more valiant then others: wiser then those who perceived not that as soon as he had gotten a Guard, he would become tyrant; more valiant then those who perceived it, but held their peace. Pisistratus having gotten this power made himself tyrant. Then Solon hanging out his shield and Spear before his gate, said, That he had taken arms and defended his country whilst he was able; and now, though no longer fit by reason of his age to be a soldier, he still was in mind a well-wisher. Notwithstanding Pisistratus, whether respecting the man and his wisdom, or mindful of their acquaintance in his youth, did no harm to Solon. Not long after Solon being very old died, leaving behind him a great renown of wisdom and Fortitude. They set up his Image of Brass in the Agora, and buried him publicly near the gates of the wall on the right hand as you come in. His monument was encompassed with a wall.
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§ 8.17 Oenycinus a Scythian, monarch of the Zanaclaeans, came up into Asia to King Darius, and was esteemed by him more just then all the persons that had come up out of Greece to him: For having obtained leave of the King, he went into Sicily, and came back again from thence to the King. This Democedes the Crotonian did not; and therefore Darius much reproached him, calling him a Deceiver, and a most wicked man. But the Scythian lived very happily in Persia till he was old, and died there.
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§ 8.18 Euthymus a Locrian, of those in Italy, was an eminent wrestler, and reported to have been of admirable strength. For the Locrians shew an extraordinary great stone which he carried and set before his gates. He quelled the Hero in Temese, who exacted Tribute of all that lived thereabout; for coming into his temple, which to most persons was inaccessible, he fought with him, and compelled him to give up much more then he had plundered: whence arose a proverb of those who get any thing whereby they receive no benefit, that the Hero in Temese is come to them. They say that Euthymus going down to the river Caecis, which runs by the city of the Locrians, was never after seen.
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§ 8.19 Here lies, who through truest ways did pass O' th' world Celestial, Anaxagoras. There was a double altar erected to him; one inscribed of the mind, the other of Truth.
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§ 9.1 THEY SAY THAT Hiero the Syracusian was a lover of the Grecians, and esteemed learning exceedingly. They affirm also that he was most ready to confer benefits; for he was more forward to bestow them, then the suiters to receive them. His soul likewise was of great courage, and he lived together with his brothers, who were three, without any jealousie, loving them, and beloved in like manner of them exceedingly. With him lived Simonides and Pindar; neither did Simonides, though of extraordinary age, decline coming to him. For the Cean was naturally very covetous, and that which chiefly allured him was (as they say) the liberality of Hiero.
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§ 9.2 To Aegina from Olympia on the same day news of the victory of Taurosthenes was brought to his father, some say by an Apparition; others reports that he carried along with him a pigeon taken from her young (not yet fledged,) and as soon as he gained the victory, let her loose, having tied a little purple about her, and then she came back to her young the same day from Pisa to Aegina.
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§ 9.3 Alexander made his Companions effeminate by allowing them to be luxurious. For Agno wore golden nails in his shoes. Clitus, when any came to ask counsel of him, came out to his clients clothed in purple. Perdiccas and Craterus, who loved exercise, had always brought after them lifts made of skin of the length of a stadium, which upon occasion they pitched on the ground, and exercised within them. They were attended with a continual cloud of dust raised by the beasts that brought these carriages. Leonnatus and Menelaus, who were addicted to hunting, had hangings brought after them which reached the length of a hundred stadia. Alexander himself had a tent that held a hundred couches; the partitions made by fifty pillars of gold which upheld the roof: the roof itself was of gold curiously wrought. Within it round about were placed first five hundred Persians, called Melophori, clothed in purple and yellow coats. Next those a thousand archers in flame-colour and light red. Withall a hundred Macedonian squires with silver shields. In the middle of the tent was placed a golden throne, upon which Alexander sat and heard suits, encompassed round about with this guard. The tent itself was surrounded with a thousand Macedonians, and ten thousand Persians. Neither might any man without much difficulty get access to him, for he was much dreaded, being raised by Fortune and exalted with pride to so large a tyranny.
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§ 9.4 Polycrates the Samian was addicted to the Muses, and much respected Anacreon the Teian, and took delight as well in his verses as Company: but I cannot commend his intemperate life. Anacreon made an Encomium of Smerdias.
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§ 9.5 Themistocles, when Hiero brought horses to the Olympic Games, forbad him the Solemnity, saying, It was not fit that he that would not share in their greatest danger, should partake of their festivals. For which Themistocles was commended.
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§ 9.6 Pericles, when his sons were taken away by the Pestilence, bore their death with great fortitude: By whose example the rest of the Athenians were encouraged to suffer patiently the loss of their nearest friends.
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§ 9.7 Xanthippe used to say, that when the state was oppressed with a thousand miseries, yet Socrates always went abroad and came home with the same look. For he bore a mind smooth and chearful upon all occasions, far remote from grief, and above all Fear.
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§ 9.8 Dionysius the younger coming to the city of the Locrians, (for Doris his mother was a Locrian ) took possession of the fairest houses of the city, and caused the floors to be strewed with roses, marjoram, and other flowers. He also sent for the daughters of the Locrians, with whom he conversed lasciviously. But he was punished for this; for when his tyranny was subverted by Dio, the Locrians seized on his daughters, and prostituted them publicly to all persons, especially to such as were of kin to the virgins whom Dionysius had abused: This done, they pricked their fingers under their nails, and so killed them; then they pounded their bones in a Mortar, and whosoever tasted not of the flesh that was taken from them, they cursed. What remained they cast into the sea. As for Dionysius, he suffered the vicissitude of Fortune at Corinth, in extreme poverty, becoming a Metragyrta, and begging Alms, beating a Tabour and playing on a pipe till he died.
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§ 9.9 Demetrius Poliorcetes, having taken cities, abused them to maintain his luxury, exacting of them yearly one thousand and two hundred Talents. Of which sum, the least part was employed for the army, the rest expended upon his own disorders: for not only himself, but the floors of his house were anointed with sweet unguents; and according to the season of the year, flowers strewed for him to tread on. He was lascivious also; he studied to appear handsome, and dyed his hair yellow, and used paint.
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§ 9.10 Plato, when it was told him that the Academy was an unhealthful place, and the physicians advised him to remove to the Lyceum, refused, saying, “I would not, to prolong my life, go live on the top of Athos.”
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§ 9.11 That Parrhasius the painter wore a purple vest and crown of gold, besides others, the epigrams on many of his images attest. On a time he contested at Samos, and met with an adversary not much inferiour to himself; he was worsted: the subject was Ajax contending with Ulysses for the arms of Achilles. Parrhasius being thus overcome, said to a friend who bewailed the misfortune, that for his own being worsted he valued it not, but he was sorry for the son of Telamon, that in the same contest had been twice overcome by his adversary. He carried a staff full of golden nails: His shoes were fastened on the top with golden Buckles. They say he wrought freely and without trouble, and chearfully, singing softly all the while to divert himself. This is related by Theophrastus.
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§ 9.12 The Romans expelled Alcaeus and Philiscus out of the city, because they taught the young men many dishonest pleasures. Likewise the Messenians expelled the Epicureans.
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§ 9.13 I am informed that Dionysius the Heracleote, son of Clearchus the tyrant, through daily gluttony and intemperance, increased to an extraordinary degree of Corpulency and Fatness, by reason whereof he had much ado to take breath. The physicians ordered for remedy of this inconvenience, that Needles should be made very long and small, which when he fell into sound sleep should be thrust through his sides into his belly. Which office his Attendants performed, and till the Needle had passed quite through the fat, and came to the flesh itself, he lay like a stone; but when it came to the firm flesh, he felt it and awaked. When he had any business, when any came to speak with him for advice or orders, he set a chest before him, (some say it as not a chest, but a little kind of Turret) which hid all of him but his face, which was seen out of the top, and so talked with them: an excellent garment, far fitter for a beast then a man.
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§ 9.14 They say that Philetas the Coan was extremely lean; insomuch that being apt to be thrown down upon the least occasion, he was fain, as they report, to put Lead within the soles of his shoes, lest the wind, if it blew hard, should overturn him. But if he were so feeble that he could not resist the wind, how was he able to draw such a weight after him? To me it seems improbable. I only relate what I have heard.
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§ 9.15 The Argives give the first palm of all poetry to Homer, making all others second to him. When they sacrificed, they invoked Apollo and Homer to be present with them. Moreover they say, that not being able to give a portion with his daughter, he bestowed on her his Cyprian Poems, as Pindar attests.
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§ 9.16 The Ausonians first inhabited Italy, being Natives of the place. They say that in old time a man lived there named Mares, before like a man, behind like a horse, his name signifying as much as Hippomiges in Greek, Half-horse. My opinion is, that he first backed and managed a horse; whence he was believed to have both Natures. They fable that he lived a hundred twenty three years; and that he died thrice, and was restored thrice to life: which I conceive incredible. They that more several nations inhabited Italy then any other Land, by reason of the temperateness of the country and goodness of the Soil, it being well watered, fruitful, and full of rivers, and having all along convenient Havens to harbour ships. Moreover, the humanity and civility of the inhabitants allured many to remove thither. And that there were in Italy one thousand one hundred and ninety seven cities.
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§ 9.17 Demosthenes seems to be argued of pride by this relation, which saith, that the water-bearers raised a pride in him, when they said something of him softly to one another as he passed by. For he who was puffed up by them, and proud of such commendations, what must he be when the whole public Assembly applauded him?
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§ 9.18 Themistocles son of Neocles likened himself to Oaks, saying that men come to them for shelter, when they have need of them, in rain, and desire to be protected by their boughs; but when it is fair, they come to them to strip and peel them. He also said, “If any one should shew me two ways, one leading to the Grave, the other to the Tribunal, I should think it more pleasant to take that which leads to the Grave.”
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§ 9.19 As on a time Diogenes was at dinner in a cook's shop, he called to Demosthenes who passed by. But he taking no notice, “Do you think it a disparagement, Demosthenes, (said he) to come into a cook's shop? your master comes hither every day”; meaning the Common people, and implying that orators and lawyers are servants of the Vulgar.
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§ 9.20 Aristippus being in a great storm at sea, one of those who were aboard with him said, “Are you afraid too, Aristippus, as well as we of the ordinary sort?” “Yes, answered he, and with reason; for you shall only lose a wicked life, but I, Felicity.”
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§ 9.21 It happened that as soon as Theramenes came out of an house, that house fell down immediately: The Athenians flocked to him from every side to congratulate his escape; but he contrary to all their expectations, said, “O Zeus, to what opportunity do you reserve me?” And not long after he was put to death by the Thirty tyrants, drinking hemlock.
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§ 9.22 They say that Pythagoras was much addicted to the art of Medicine. Plato also studied it much. So did Aristotle son of Nicomachus, and many others.
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§ 9.23 Aristotle on a time falling sick, the physician prescribed him something. “Cure me not as if I were an ox -driver, (saith he) but shew me first a reason, and then I will obey”: Implying, that nothing is to be done but upon good grounds.
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§ 9.24 Smindyrides the Sybarite advanced to so high degree of luxury, that though the Sybarites themselves were very luxurious, yet he far out-went them. On a time being laid to sleep on a bed of roses, as soon as he awaked he said, That the hardness of the bed had raised Blisters on him. How would he have done to lie on the ground, or on a carpet, or on the Grass, or on a bulls' skin, as Diomedes? a bed befitting a soldier. And underneath him a bull's skin they spread.
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§ 9.25 Pisistratus having obtained the government, sent for such as passed their time idlely in the Agora, and asked them the reason why they walked up and down unemployed, adding, “If your yoke of oxen be dead, take of mine, and go your ways and work; if you want corn for feed, you shall have some of me.” He feared lest being idle, they might contrive some treason against him.
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§ 9.26 Antigonus the King loved and respected Zeno the Cittian exceedingly. It happened, that on a time being full of wine, he met Zeno, and like a drunken man embraced and kissed him, and bade him ask something of him, binding himself by an oath to grant it. Zeno said to him, “Go then and sleep”; gravely and discreetly reproving his drunkenness, and consulting his health.
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§ 9.27 One reprehended a Lacedemonian Rustic for grieving immoderately. He answered with great simplicity, “What should I do? It is not I that am the cause, but Nature.”
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§ 9.28 A Spartan commending this verse of Hesiod, Not so much as an ox can die, Unless a neighbour ill be by; and Diogenes hearing him, “But, saith he, the Messenians and their oxen were destroyed, and you are their neighbours.”
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§ 9.29 Socrates coming home late one night from a feast, some wild young men knowing of his return, lay in wait for him, attired like Furies, with Vizards and Torches, whereby they used to fright such as they met. Socrates as soon as he saw them, nothing troubled, made a stand, and fell to question them, as he used to do to others in the Lyceum, or Academy. Alcibiades, ambitiously munificent, sent many Presents to Socrates. Xanthippe admiring their value, desired him to accept them, “We (answered Socrates ) will contest in liberality with Alcibiades, not accepting by a kind of munificence what he hath sent us.” Also when one said to him, “It is a great thing to enjoy what we desire”; He answered, “But a greater not to desire at all.”
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§ 9.30 Anaxarchus when he accompanied Alexander in the wars, the winter coming on, foreseeing that Alexander would encamp in a place destitute of wood, buried all his vessels and other utensils in his tent, and laded his carriages with wood. When they came to the Rendezvous, there being want of wood, Alexander was forced to make use of his bedsteds for fuel. But being told that Anaxarchus had gotten fire, he went to him and anointed himself in his tent. And having understood his Providence, commended it; bestowing on him utensils and garments double in value to those he had thrown away, for the use of his fire.
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§ 9.31 A wrestler of Crotona having gained the victory at the Olympic games, going to the judges to receive the crown, was suddenly seized with an Epileptic fit, and died with the fall.
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§ 9.32 The Grecians erected a statue of Phryne the courtesan at Delphi upon a highpillar: I say not simply the Grecians, lest I seem to involve all in that crime whom I chiefly love, but those of the Grecians who were most addicted to intemperance. The statue was of gold. There were also at Athens statues of the Mares of Cimon in Brass proportioned to the life.
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§ 9.33 A young man of Eretria, having heard Zeno a long time, returning home, his father asked him what wisdom he had learnt. He answered that he would shew him. His father being angry, and beating him, he bore it humbly. “This (saith he) I have learnt, To bear with the anger of a father.”
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§ 9.34 Diogenes coming to Olympia, and seeing at the Solemnity some young men, Rhodians, richly attired, laughing said, “This is pride.” The meeting with some Lacedemonians clad in coats coarse and sordid, “This (said he) is another pride.”
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§ 9.35 Socrates seeing that Antisthenes always exposed to view the torn part of his Cloak, “Will you not (saith he) lay aside Ostentation amongst us?”
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§ 9.36 A lutenist shewed his skill before Antigonus, who often saying to him, “Screw the Treble”; and again, “Screw up the Tenor”: The lutenist angrily said, “The Gods divert such a mischief from you, O King, as for you to be more skilful herein then I am.”
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§ 9.37 Anaxarchus, surnamed Endaemonicus, laughed at Alexander for making himself a God. Alexander on a time falling sick, the physician prescribed a broth for him. Anaxarchus laughing, said, “The hopes of our God are in a porringer of broth.”
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§ 9.38 Alexander went to Troy, and making there a curious Scrutiny, one of the Trojans came to him, and shewed him the Harp of Paris. He said, “I had much rather see that of Achilles then this of Paris.” For he desired to see that which belonged to the excellent soldier, and to which he sung the praises of great persons. But to that of Paris, what were sung but adulterous airs to take and entice women?
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§ 9.39 Who can say that these affections were not ridiculous and extravagant? That of Xerxes, when he fell in love with a plane-tree. Likewise a young man at Athens, of a good family, fell desperately in love with the statue of good Fortune, which stood before the Prytaneum. He often would embrace and kiss it; at last transported with mad desire, he came to the Senate, and desired that he might purchase it at any rate. But not obtaining his suit, he crowned it with many Garlands and Ribbons, offered sacrifice, put upon it a very rich garment, and, after he had shed innumerable tears, killed himself.
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§ 9.40 The Carthaginians appointed two Pilots for every ship, saying, that it was not fit a ship should have two Rudders; and he who did chiefly benefit the Passengers, and had command of the ship, should be desolate and alone without an assistant.
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§ 9.41 Simonides the Cean and Pausanias the Lacedemonian (they say) were at a feast together. Pausanias bade Simonides speak some wise thing. But the Cean laughing, said, “Remember you are a man.” At that present Pausanias slighted this, and valued it not; siding then with the Medes, and proud of the Hospitality which the King shewed him; perhaps also transported with wine: But when he was in the temple of Athena Chalcioecus, and struggled with famine, and was ready to die the most miserable of men, he then remembered Simonides, and cried out thrice, “O Cean guest, thy speech imported much, though I ignorantly undervalued it.”
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§ 9.42 Artaxerxes having put his eldest son Darius to death for conspiring against him; the second, his father commanding, drew his Scimitar and slew himself before the palace.
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§ 10.1 PHERENICE brought her son to contend at the Olympic games: the judges forbidding her to behold the Spectacle, she went and argued with them, alledging she had a father who had been victor at the Olympics, as also three brothers, and she had now brought a son to be one of the contenders. Thus she prevailed with the people contrary to the law, which forbids women the spectacle, and beheld the Olympic games.
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§ 10.2 Lais seeing Eubatas the Cyrenaean, fell deeply in love with him, and made a proposal of marriage to him: which he (fearing some treachery from her) promised to do; but forbare her company, and lived continently. It was agreed they should be married as soon as the games were over. As soon as he had won, that he might not seem to break his contract with her, he caused her picture to be drawn, and carried it along with him to Cyrene, saying he had taken Lais, and not broken the agreement. For which she that should have married him caused a great statue to be erected for him in Cyrene, to requite this continence.
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§ 10.3 Young Partridges, as soon as their feet are at liberty, can run nimbly. Young Ducks, as soon as fledged, swim. And the whelps of Lions, before they are brought forth, scratch their dam with their claws, eager to come into the light.
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§ 10.4 Alexander son of Philip marched in his arms thrice four hundred furlongs, and before he rested fought the enemy, and overcame them.
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§ 10.5 This is a Phrygian saying, for it is Aesop's the Phrygian. The sow when any one takes her, makes a great cry, and not without cause, for she hath no wool or the like, and therefore presently dreams of death, knowing that so she may benefit those who make use of her. Tyrants are like Aesop's sow, mistrusting and fearing every thing, for they know, as swine, that their life is owing to every one.
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§ 10.6 For Leanness were derided Sannyrion the Comic poet, and Melitus the Tragic poet, and Cinesias who made songs for round dances, and Philetas the poet that wrote hexameters. Archestratus the prophet, being taken by the enemy, and put in a pair of scales, was found to weigh but one obolus. Panaretus also was very lean, yet lived free from sickness. They report likewise that Hipponax the poet was not only low of person and deformed, but very slender. Moreover Philippides, against whom is extant an oration of Hyperides, was very lean. So that to be of a very spare constitution, they commonly called to be Philippised. Witness Alexis.
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§ 10.7 Oenopides the Chian, an astronomer, set up a brass table at the Olympics, having written thereon the astronomy of fifty nine years, affirming this to be the Great year. Meton the Laconian, an astronomer, erected pillars on which he inscribed the tropics of the Sun, and found out as he said the Great year, which he affirmed to consist of nineteen years.
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§ 10.8 Aristotle the Cyrenaean said, that we ought not to receive a benefit from any; for either you must take pains to requite it, or seem ungrateful if you requite it not.
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§ 10.9 Philoxenus was gluttonous, and a slave to his belly. Seeing a pot boiling in a cook's shop, he pleased himself all the while with the smell; at last his appetite increased, and nature prevailed (O Gods, a beastly nature) so that he was not able to forbear any longer, he commanded his boy to buy the pot. Who answering that the cook valued it at a great rate; he replies, “It will be so much the sweeter, the more I pay for it.” Such things ought to be remembred, not that we may imitate, but avoid them.
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§ 10.10 When painting first began, and was as it were in its infancy, they drew creatures so rudely, that the painters were fain to write upon them, This is an ox, That is a horse, This a tree.
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§ 10.11 Diogenes had a pain in his shoulder by some hurt, as I conceive, or from some other cause: and seeming to be much troubled, one that was present being vexed at him, derided him, saying, “Why then do you not die, Diogenes, and free your self from ills?” He answered, “It was fit those persons who knew what was to be done and said in life, (of which he professed himself one) should live. Wherefore for you (saith he) who know neither what is fit to be said or done, it is convenient to die; but me, who know these things, it behoveth to live.”
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§ 10.12 Archytas said, that as it is hard to find a fish without sharp bones, so is it to find a man who hath not something of deceit and sharpness.
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§ 10.13 Critias accused Archilochus for defaming himself: For (saith he) if he himself had not brought this report of himself into Greece, we could never have known either that he was son of Enipo a woman-servant; or that he left Parus through want and penury, and came to Thasus; how that after he came thither he bore them enmity; nor that he spake ill of friends and foes alike: nor (said he) had we known that he was an adulterer, if we had not been told it by himself; nor that he was luxurious and insolent; nor (which was the basest of all) that he threw away his shield. Wherefore he was no good witness of himself, leaving so bad a Record behind him. This is laid to his charge, not by me, but by Critias.
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§ 10.14 Socrates said that idleness is the sifter of liberty, alledging in testimony hereof the Indians and Persians, people most valiant and most free, but as to work most slothful: The Phrygians and Lydians very laborious, and servile.
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§ 10.15 Some of the most eminent of the Grecians betrothed themselves to the daughters of Aristides, whilest he was yet living; but they looked not upon the life of Aristides, nor admired his justice. For if they had been emulators of these, they would not afterward have broken their contract. But as soon as he was dead, they disengaged themselves from the virgins; because at his death it was known that the son of Lysimachus was poor, which deterred those miserable men from so worthy (in my opinion) and honourable a match. The like happened to Lysander, for when they knew that he was poor, they shunned his alliance.
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§ 10.16 Antisthenes invited many to learn philosophy of him, but none came. At last, growing angry, he would admit none at all, and therefore bade Diogenes be gone also. Diogenes continuing to come frequently, he chided and threatened him, and at last struck him with his staff. Diogenes would not go back, but persisting still in desire of hearing him, said, “Strike if you will, here is my head, you cannot find a staff hard enough to drive me from you, until you have instructed me.” Antisthenes, overcome with his perseverance, admitted him, and made him his intimate friend.
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§ 10.17 Critias saith that Themistocles son of Neocles, before he had a public command, was heir to no more then three talents: But having had a charge in the commonwealth, and happening afterwards to be banished, his estate being exposed to public sale, was valued at more then a hundred talents. Likewise Cleon, before he came to be engaged in public affairs, had not means enough for a free person; but afterwards left an estate of fifty talents.
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§ 10.18 Some say that Daphnis the neatherd was Mercury's friend, others, his son; and that he had this name from an accident: For he was born of a nymph, and as soon as born exposed under a laurel-tree. The cows which he kept (they say) were sisters to those in the Sun, mentioned by Homer in the Odyssey. Whilst Daphnis kept cows in Sicily, being very beautiful, a Nymph fell in love with him, whom he enjoyed, being in his blooming years, at which time (as Homer saith) the gracefulness of Youth appeareth most attractive. They agreed that he should not enjoy any other; but if he transgressed, she threatened him, that it was decreed by fate he should lose his sight. Hereupon they plighted troth mutually. Afterwards the King's daughter falling in love with him, he being drunk violated the agreement, and lay with her. This was the first occasion of the Bucolic verses, the subject whereof was to bewail the misfortune of Daphnis, and the loss of his eyes. Stesichorus the Himeraean first used this kind of verse.
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§ 10.19 Eurydamus the Cyrenaean gained the victory at the Caestus: His teeth being beaten out by his Antagonist, he swallowed them down, that his adversary might not perceive it.
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§ 10.20 The Persian emperor sent word to Agesilaus, that he would be his friend. Agesilaus returned answer, That he could not be a friend particularly to Agesilaus: but if he were friend to all the Lacedemonians, he must consequently be his also, for he had a share in each of them.
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§ 10.21 Perictione carried Plato in her arms. Ariston sacrificing in Hymettus to the Muses or the Nymphs, whilst they were performing the divine rites, she laid Plato down among certain thick and shady Myrtle-trees that grew near to the place. A swarm of Hymettian bees lighted about his mouth as he slept, thereby signifying the future sweetness of Plato's tongue.
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§ 10.22 Dioxippus in the presence of Alexander and the Macedonians, laying hold of a club, challenged Corrhagus a Macedonian armed to single combat; and having broken his spear closed with the man in armour, and casting him down, set his foot upon his neck, and drawing forth the sword that was girt to him, slew the armed man. Alexander hated him for this. He perceiving that Alexander hated him, died of grief.
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§ 11.1 Oricadmus gave rules for wrestling, and invented that manner of wrestling which is called Sicilian.
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§ 11.2 II.: The Poems of Oroebantius the Troezenian were before Homer, as the Troezenian relations affirm. They say also that Dares the Phrygian, whose Phrygian Iliad I know to be yet extant, was before Homer. Melisander the Milesian writ the battle betwixt the Lapithae and the Centaurs.
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§ 11.3 Icchus the Tarentine used wrestling, and in the time of his exercise continued most temperate, using spare diet, and living continently all his time.
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§ 11.4 They saw that Agathocles tyrant of Sicily was bald-headed even to derision; his hair by degrees falling off, he ashamed made a myrtle garland to cover his head and hide the baldness. The Syracusans were not ignorant of his want of hair, but they took no notice of it, by reason of his fierce spirit and tyrannical demeanour.
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§ 11.5 Some persons sacrificed at Delphi; the Delphians conspiring against them, privately put consecrated monies into the baskets wherein was their frankincense and cakes for sacrifice. Hereupon apprehending them as sacrilegious persons, they led them to the top of the rock, and according to the Delphian law, threw them down.
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§ 11.6 It happened that an adulterer was taken in Thespiae, and as he was led fettered through the market-place, his friends rescued him. This occasioned an insurrection, wherein many men were slain.
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§ 11.7 Eteocles the Lacedemonian said that Sparta could not suffer two Lysanders: And Archestratus the Athenian said that Athens could not suffer two Alcibiades. So intolerable were they both in their countries.

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.