Aelian, Varia Historia

ToposText · Aelian · 465 sections

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§ 11.8 Hipparchus was murthered by Harmodius and Aristogiton, because he would not suffer the sister of Harmodius to carry the basket to the Goddess, according to the custom of the country, in the Panathenian Solemnity, she perhaps deserving it.
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§ 11.9 The most excellent persons among the Greeks lived in extreme penury all their lives. Let some then still praise riches above the best Grecians, to whom penury was allotted as long as they lived. Of those was Aristides son of Lysimachus, a man of excellent conduct in war, who also imposed tribute on the Grecians: Yet this so great a person did not leave enough to buy him funeral ornaments. Phocion also was very poor, who when Alexander sent him a hundred Talents, asked, “For what reason doth he give me this?” They answering, Because he conceives you to be the only just and good person amongst the Athenians; he replied, “Then let him suffer me to be such.” Epaminondas also son of Polymius was poor. When Jason sent him five hundred crowns, “You begin (saith he) to do me wrong.” He borrowed of a citizen five hundred Drachms for the charges of his journey to Peloponnesus; but hearing that his squire had got money of a prisoner, “Give me, saith he, the shield back, and purchase for your self a cook's shop to live in: For now you are grown rich, you will no longer fight.” Pelopidas being reproved by his friends for neglecting riches, a thing necessary to live; “Yes, by Jove, saith he, necessary for that Nicomedes indeed”; pointing to one lame and maimed. Scipio lived fifty four years, and neither bought nor sold any thing, with so little was he contented. One shewing him a shield richly adorned, he said, “But it behoves a Roman to place his hope on his right hand, not on his left.” Ephialtes son of Sophonides was exceeding poor: his friends offering to give him ten talents, he would not accept them, saying, “These will either make me, through respect of you, to do something unjustly in favour; or if I shew no particular favour or respect to you, I shall seem ungrateful.”
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§ 11.10 Zoilus the Amphipolitan, who wrote against Homer, Plato and others, was disciple of Polycrates. This Polycrates wrote an Accusation against Socrates. Zoilus was called the rhetorical dog; his character this, He wore a long beard, he shaved his head close, his gown reached not to his knees, his whole employment was to speak ill and sow dissension; this unhappy man was wholly given to detraction. A learned person asked him why he spoke ill of all: he answered, “Because I would do them hurt, but cannot.”
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§ 11.11 Dionysius the Sicilian practised physick, and did cures himself, lancing, cauterizing, and the like.
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§ 11.12 Alcibiades sent to Socrates a large marchpane fairly wrought. Xanthippe grew angry hereat, after her manner, threw it out of the basket, and trod upon it: whereat Socrates laughing said, “And you then will have no share in it your self.” If any one think that in relating these things I speak trifles, he knows not that even in such a wise man is proved, despising those things which the vulgar esteem as the ornament of a table, and crown of a feast.
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§ 11.13 They say there was a Sicilian of so sharp sight, that extending his view from Lilybaeum to Carthage he erred not: They say he could tell the number of the ships riding at Carthage without missing.
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§ 12.1 Aspasia, a Phocian, daughter of Hermotimus, was brought up an orphan, her mother dying in the pains of child-birth. She was bred up in poverty, but modestly and virtuously. She had many times a dream which foretold her that she should be married to an excellent person. Whilst she was yet young, she chanced to have a swelling under her chin, loathsome to sight, whereat both the father and the maid were much afflicted. Her father brought her to a physician: he offered to undertake the cure for three staters; the other said he had not the money. The physician replied, he had then no physick for him. Hereupon Aspasia departed weeping; and holding a looking-glass on her knee, beheld her face in it, which much increased her grief. Going to rest without supping, by the reason of the trouble she was in, she had an opportune dream; a dove seemed to appear to her as she slept, which being changed to a woman, said, “Be of good courage, and big a long farewell to physicians and their medicines: Take of the dried rose of Aphrodite garlands, which being pounded apply to the swelling.” After the maiden had understood and made trial of this, the tumor was wholly assuaged; and Aspasia recovering her beauty by means of the most beautiful goddess, did once again appear the fairest amongst her virgin-companions, enriched with Graces far above any of the rest. Of hair yellow, locks a little curling, she had great eyes, somewhat hawk-nosed, ears short, skin delicate, complexion like roses; whence the Phocians, whilst she was yet a child, called her Milto. Her lips were red, teeth whiter then snow, small insteps, such as of those women whom Homer calls καλλισφύρους. Her voice was sweet and smooth, that whosoever heard her might justly say he heard the voice of a Siren. She was averse from womanish curiosity in dressing: Such things are to be supplied by wealth. She being poor, and bred up under a poor father, used nothing superfluous or extravagant to advantage for her beauty. On a time Aspasia came to Cyrus, son of Darius and Parysatis, brother of Artaxerxes, not willingly nor with the consent of her father, but by compulsion, as it often happens upon the taking of cities, or the violence of tyrants and their officers. One of the officers of Cyrus brought her with other virgins to Cyrus, who immediately preferred her before all his concubines, for simplicity of behaviour, and modesty; whereto also contributed her beauty without artifice, and her extraordinary discretion, which was such, that Cyrus many times asked her advice in affairs, which he never repented to have followed. When Aspasia came first to Cyrus, it happened that he was newly risen from supper, and was going to drink after the Persian manner: for after they have done eating, they betake themselves to wine, and fall to their cups freely, encountring drink as an adversary. Whilest they were in the midst of their drinking, four Grecian virgins were brought to Cyrus, amongst whom was Aspasia the Phocian. They were finely attired; three of them had their heads neatly drest by their own women which came along with them, and had painted their faces. They had been also instructed by their governesses how to behave themselves towards Cyrus, to gain his favour; not to turn away when he came to them, not to be coy when he touched them, to permit him to kiss them, and many other amatory instructions practised by women who exposed their beauty to sale. Each contended to outvie the other in handsomeness. only Aspasia would not endure to be clothed with a rich robe, nor to put on a various-coloured vest, nor to be washed; but calling upon the Grecian and Eleutherian Gods, she cried out upon her father's name, execrating herself to her father. She thought the robe which she should put on was a manifest sign of bondage. At last being compelled with blows she put it on, and was necessitated to behave herself with greater liberty then beseemed a virgin. When they came to Cyrus, the rest smiled, and expressed cheerfulness in their looks. But Aspasia looking on the ground, her eyes full of tears, did every way express an extraordinary bashfulness. When he commanded them to sit down by him, the rest instantly obeyed; but the Phocian refused, until the officer caused her to sit down by force. When Cyrus looked upon or touched their eyes, cheeks and fingers, the rest freely permitted him; but she would not suffer it: For if Cyrus did but offer to touch her, she cried out, saying, he should not go unpunished for such actions. Cyrus was herewith extremely pleased; and when upon his offering to touch her breast, she rose up, and would have run away, Cyrus much taken with her native ingenuity, which was not like the Persians, turning to him that bought [sic] them, “This Maid only, saith he, of those which you have brought me is free and pure; the rest are adulterate in face, but much more in behaviour.” Hereupon Cyrus loved her above all the women he ever had. Afterwards there grew a mutual love between them, and their friendship proceeded to such a height that it almost arrived at parity, not differing from the concord and modesty of Grecian marriage. Hereupon the fame of his affection to Aspasia was spread to Ionia and throughout Greece; Peloponnesus also was filled with discourses of the love betwixt Cyrus and her. The report went even to the great King [of Persia,] for it was conceived that Cyrus, after his acquaintance with her, kept company with no other woman. From these things Aspasia recollected the remembrance of her old apparition, and of the dove, and her words, and what the Goddess foretold her. Hence she conceived that she was from the very beginning particularly regarded by her. She therefore offered sacrifice of thanks to Aphrodite. And first caused a great image of gold to be erected to her, which she called the image of Aphrodite, and by it placed the picture of a dove beset with jewels, and every day implored the favour of the Goddess with sacrifice and prayer. She sent to Hermotimus her father many rich presents, and made him wealthy. She lived continently all her life, as both the Grecian and Persian women affirm. On a time a necklace was sent as a present to Cyrus from Scopas the younger, which had been sent to Scopas out of Sicily. The necklace was of extraordinary workmanship, and variety. All therefore to whom Cyrus shewed it admiring it, he was much taken with the jewel, and went immediately to Aspasia, it being about noon. Finding her asleep, he lay down gently by her, watching quietly whilst she slept. As soon as she awaked, and saw Cyrus, she embraced him after her usual manner. He taking the necklace out of a box, said, “This is a worthy either the daughter or the mother of a King.” To which she assenting; “I will give it you, said he, for your own use, let me see your neck adorned with it.” But she received not the gift, prudently and discreetly answering, “How will Parysatis your mother take it, this being a gift fit for her that bare you? Send it to her, Cyrus, I will shew you a neck handsome enough without it.” Aspasia from the greatness of her mind acted contrary to other royal queens, who are excessively desirous of rich ornaments. Cyrus being pleased with this answer, kissed Aspasia. All these actions and speeches Cyrus writ in a Letter which he sent together with the chain to his mother; and Parysatis receiving the present was no less delighted with the news then with the gold, for which she requited Aspasia with great and royal gifts; for this pleased her above all things, that though Aspasia were chiefly affected by her son, yet in the love of Cyrus she desired to be placed beneath his mother. Aspasia praised the gifts, but said she had no need of them; (for there was much money sent with the presents) but sent them to Cyrus, saying, “To you who maintain many men this may be useful: For me it is enough that you love me and are my ornament.” With these things, as it seemeth, she much astonished Cyrus. And indeed the woman was without dispute admirable for her personal beauty, but much more for the nobleness of her mind. When Cyrus was slain in the fight against his brother, and his army taken prisoners, with the rest of the prey she was taken; not falling accidentally into the enemies hands, but sought for with much diligence by King Artaxerxes, for he had heard her fame and virtue. When they brought her bound, he was angry, and cast those that did it into prison. He commanded that a rich robe should be given her: which she hearing, entreated with tears and lamentation that she might not put on the garment the King appointed, for she mourned exceedingly for Cyrus. But when she had put it on, she appeared the fairest of all women, and Artaxerxes was immediately surprised and inflamed with love of her. He valued her beyond all the rest of his women, respecting her infinitely. He endeavoured to ingratiate himself into her favour, hoping to make her forget Cyrus, and to love him no less then she had done his brother; but it was long before he could compass it. For the affection of Aspasia to Cyrus had taken so deep impression, that it could not easily be rooted out. Long after this, Teridates the eunuch died, who was the most beautiful youth in Asia. He had full surpassed his childhood, and was reckoned among the youths. The King was said to have loved him exceedingly: he was infinitely grieved and troubled at his death, and there was an universal mourning throughout Asia, every one endeavouring to gratify the King herein; and none durst venture to come to him and comfort him, for they thought his passion would not admit any consolation. Three days being past, Aspasia taking a mourning robe as the King was going to the bath, stood weeping, her eyes cast on the ground. He seeing her, wondered, and demanded the reason of her coming. She said, “I come, O King, to comfort your grief and affliction, if you so please; otherwise I shall go back.” The Persian pleased with this care, commanded that she should retire to her chamber, and wait his coming. As soon as he returned, he put the vest of the eunuch upon Aspasia, which did in a manner fit her: And by this means her beauty appeared with greater splendour to the King's eye, who much affected the youth. And being once pleased herewith, he desired her to come always to him in that dress, until the height of his grief were allayed: which to please him she did. Thus more then all his other women, or his own son and kindred, she comforted Artaxerxes, and relieved his sorrow; the King being pleased with her care, and prudently admitting her consolation.
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§ 12.2 No sculptor or painter did ever represent the daughters of Zeus armed. This signifies that the life which is devoted to the Muses ought to be peaceable and meek.
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§ 12.3 Epaminondas having received a mortal wound at Mantinea, and being brought (yet alive) to the tents, called for Daiphantus, that he might declare him general. When they told him that he was slain, he called to Iolaidas. When they said that he also was dead, he counselled them to make peace and friendship with their enemies, because the Thebans had no longer any general.
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§ 12.4 The Egyptians say that Sesostris received learning and counsel from Mercury.
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§ 12.5 Lais the courtesan was called (as Aristophanes the Byzantine reports) Axine, [... ] which surname impleads the cruelty of her disposition.
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§ 12.6 They deserve to be laughed at who are proud of their ancestors, since among the Romans we know not the father of Marius, yet admire him for his parts. To know the father of Cato the elder would require much scrutiny.
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§ 12.7 Alexander crowned the tomb of Achilles, and Hephaestion that of Patroclus; signifying that he was as dear to Alexander as Patroclus to Achilles.
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§ 12.8 Cleomenes the Lacedemonian taking to him Archonides one of his friends, made him partaker of his design; whereupon he swore to him that if he accomplished it he would do all things by his head. Being possessed of the government, he killed his friend, and cutting off his head put it into a vessel of honey. And whensoever he went to do any thing, he stooped down to the vessel, and said what he intended to do; affirming that he had not broken his promise, nor was forsworn, for he advised with the head of Archonides.
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§ 12.9 Timesias the Clazomenian governed the Clazomenians uprightly; for he was a good man: but Envy, which useth to oppugn such persons, assaulted him also. At first he little valued the envy of the common people, but at last forsook his country upon this occasion. On a time he passed by the school just as the boys were dismissed of their master to play. Two boys fell out about a line. One of them swore, “So may I break the head of Timesias.” Hearing this, and imagining that he was much envied and hated of the citizens, and that if the boys hated him, the men did much more, he voluntarily forsook his country.
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§ 12.10 The Aeginetae were once most powerful among the Greeks, having a great advantage and opportunity; for they had a great command at sea, and were very powerful. They also behaved themselves valiantly in the Persian war, whereby they gained the chief prize of valour. Moreover, they first stamped money, and from them it was called Aeginetan money.
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§ 12.11 The Romans erected a temple and altar to Fever under the Pallantian Hill.
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§ 12.12 An adulterer being apprehended at Gortyne in Crete, was brought to Trial, and being convicted, was crowned with wool. This kind of crowning argued that he was unmanly, effeminate, studious to please women. He was by the general vote fined fifty staters, degraded from honour, and made incapable of public office.
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§ 12.13 A Lover came from Hellespont to Gnathaena the Athenian courtesan, invited by her fame. He talked much in his drink, and was impertinent. Gnathaena hereupon interposing, said, “Did you not affirm you came from Hellespont?” He assenting; “And how then, said she, happens it that you know not the chief city there?” He asking which that was, she answered, Sigeum. By which name she ingeniously silenced him.
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§ 12.14 They say that the most amiable and beautiful amongst the Greeks was Alcibiades; amongst the Romans, Scipio. It is reported also that Demetrius Poliorcetes contended in beauty. They affirm likewise that Alexander son of Philip was of a neglectful handsomeness: For his hair curled naturally, and was yellow; yet they say there was something stern in his countenance. Homer speaking of handsome persons, compares them to trees, — - he shoots up like a plant.
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§ 12.15 They say that Hercules alleviated the trouble of his Labours by play. The son of Zeus and Alcmena sported much with children; which Euripides hints to us, making the God say, I play to intermit my Toils: this he speaks holding a child. And Socrates was on a time surprised by Alcibiades, playing with Lamprocles, as yet a child. Agesilaus bestriding a reed, rid with his son a child, and to one that laughed at him, said, “At this time hold your peace; when you shall be a father your self, then you may give counsel to fathers.” Moreover Archytas the Tarentine, a great states-man and philosopher, having many servants, took great delight in their children, and played with them, chiefly delighting to sport with them at feasts.
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§ 12.16 Alexander hated Perdiccas because he was martial; Lysimachus, because he was excellent in commanding an army; Seleucus, because he was valiant. The liberality of Antigonus displeased him, the Conduct of Attalus, the fortune of Ptolemy.
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§ 12.17 Demetrius, Lord over so many nations, went to the house of Lamia a courtesan in his armour, and wearing his Diadem. To have sent for her home had been very dishonourable, [much more was it that] he went amorously to her. I preferred Theodorus the player on the flute before Demetrius; for Lamia invited Theodorus, but he contemned her invitation.
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§ 12.18 Phaon, being the most beautiful of all men, was by Aphrodite hid among lettuces. Another says he was a Ferry-man, and exercised that employment. On a time Aphrodite came to him, desiring to pass over: he received her courteously, not knowing who she was, and with much care conveyed her whither she desired; for which the Goddess gave him an Alabaster Box of Ointment, which Phaon using, became the most beautiful of men, and the wives of the Mitylenaeans fell in love with him. At last being taken in adultery he was killed.
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§ 12.19 Sappho the poetress, daughter of Scamandronymus, is (by Plato son of Aristo ) reckoned among the Sages. I am informed that there was another Sappho in Lesbos, a courtesan, not a poetess.
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§ 12.20 Hesiod saith that the Nightingale above all birds cares not for sleep, but wakes continually; and that the swallow wakes not always, but half the night only. This punishment they suffer for the horrid actions committed in Thrace at the abominable supper.
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§ 12.21 The Lacedemonian Matrons, as many as heard that their sons were slain in fight, went themselves to look upon the wounds they had received before and behind: and if of the wounds they had received the greater number were before, triumphing and looking proudly, they attended their sons to the sepulchres of their parents; but if they received wounds otherwise, they were ashamed and lamented, and hastened away as privately as they could, leaving the dead to be buried in the common sepulchre, or caused them to be brought away secretly, and buried at home.
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§ 12.22 They say that Milo the Crotonian, proud of his strength, happened to meet Titormus a neatherd; and seeing that Titormus was of an extraordinary bigness, would make a trial of strength with him. Titormus pleaded that he was not very strong; but going down to Euenus, and putting off his garment, he laid hold of an extraordinary great stone, and first drew it to him, then thrust it from him; this he did two or three times: After which he lifted it up to his knees; and lastly, lifting it up upon his shoulders, carried it eight paces, and then threw it down. But Milo the Crotonian could hardly stirre the stone. The second trial of Titormus was this; He went to his herd, and standing in the midst of them, took hold of the greatest bull amongst them by the leg, who endeavored to get away, but could not. Another passing by, he catched him by the leg with the other hand, and held him also. Milo beholding this, and stretching forth his hands to heaven, said, “O Zeus, hast thou not begotten another Hercules?” Whence they say came this proverb, “He is another Hercules.”
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§ 12.23 I am informed that the Celtae are of all men most addicted to engage themselves in dangers. Such person as die gallantly in fight, they make the subjects of songs. They fight crowned, and erect trophies, triumphing in their actions, and leaving monuments of their valour, after the Greek manner. They esteem it so dishonourable to fly, that many times they will not go out of their houses when they are falling or burning, though they see themselves surrounded with fire. Many also oppose themselves to inundations of the sea. There are also who taking their arms fall upon the waves, and resist their force with naked swords, and brandishing their lances, as if able to terrify or wound them.
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§ 12.24 They say that Smindyrides the Sybarite was so luxurious in diet, that when he went to Sicyon, as a suitor to Agarista daughter of Cleisthenes, he carried with him a thousand cooks, and as many fowlers, and a thousand fishermen.
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§ 12.25 Ulysses was improved by Alcinous, Achilles by Chiron, Patroclus by Achilles, Agamemnon by Nestor, Telemachus by Menelaus, and Hector by Polydamas; the Trojans, as far as they followed him, by Antenor; the Pythagorean disciples by Pythagoras, the Democriteans by Democritus. If the Athenians had followed Socrates, they had been every way happy and skilful in philosophy. Hiero son of Dinomenes was delighted in Simonides the Cean, Polycrates in Anacreon, Proxenus in Xenophon, Antigonus in Zeno. And to mention those also who concern me no less then the Greeks, inasmuch as I am a Roman; Lucullus profited by Antiochus the Ascalonite, Mecaenas by Arius, Cicero by Apollodorus, Augustus by Athenodorus. But Plato, who far exceeded me in wisdom, saith that Zeus himself had a Counsellor; but whom and how, we learn from him.
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§ 12.26 Persons, as'tis said, most addicted to drink were Xenagoras the Rhodian, whom they called Amphoreus, and Heraclides the wrestler, and Proteas the son of Lanica, who was brought up with Alexander the King; even Alexander himself is said to have drunk more then any man.
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§ 12.27 They say that Hercules was extraordinary mild towards his adversaries, for he is the first we know of who without any mediation freely gave back the bodies of the dead to be buried, the slain being at those times neglected, and left to be a feast for dogs, for, as Homer saith, He made them unto dogs a prey; and, A feast to dogs they were. -
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§ 12.28 The Leocorium so called at Athens was a temenos of the daughters of Leos, Praxithea, Theope, and Eubule. These, as is reported, were put to death for the city of Athens, Leos delivering them up according to the Delphian oracle, which said, that the city could be no other way preserved then by putting them to death.
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§ 12.29 Plato son of Aristo, seeing that the Agrigentines built magnificently and feasted highly, said, that the Agrigentines build as if they were to live for ever, and feast as if they were to live no longer. Timaeus affirms that the oil pitchers and scrapers were of silver, and that they had beds all of ivory.
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§ 12.30 The Tarentines used to fall a-drinking as soon as they rose, and to be drunk by that time the people met in the agora. The Cyrenaeans arrived at so great a height of luxury, that when they invited Plato to be their law-giver, he would not vouchsafe it, as they say, by reason of their habitual dissoluteness. Eupolis also mentions in his comedy entitled Maricas, that the meanest of them had seals of the value of ten minae. Their rings also were carved to admiration.
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§ 12.31 I will reckon to you the names of Greek wines much esteemed by the ancients. One sort they called Pramnian, which was sacred to Ceres; another Chian, from the island; another Thasian and Lesbian: besides these, there was one sort called glycys, sweet, the name agreeing with the taste; another Cretan, and at Syracuse a sort named Polian, from a King of the country. They drunk also Coan wine, and so called it, as also Rhodian, from the place. Are not these demonstrations of the Greek luxury? They mixed perfumes with their wine, and so drank it by a forced composition, which wine was called Myrrhinites. Philippides the Comic poet mentions it.
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§ 12.32 Pythagoras the Samian wore a white vest, and a golden crown and drawers. Empedocles the Agrigentine used a sea-green vest, and shoes of brass. Hippias and Gorgias, as is reported, went abroad in purple vests.
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§ 12.33 They say that Nicias, physician to Pyrrhus, writ privately to the Roman Senate, and demanded a sum of money for which he would undertake to poison Pyrrhus; but they accepted not his offer (for the Romans know how to overcome by valour, not by art and treachery to circumvent their enemies,) but discovered the design of Nicias to Pyrrhus.
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§ 12.34 Many affections among the ancients are remembered, these not the least. Pausanias loved his wife extraordinarily; Apelles the concubine of Alexander, by name Pancaste, by country a Larissaean. She is said to be the first whom Alexander ever enjoyed.
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§ 12.35 There were two Perianders, the one a philosopher, the other a tyrant: Three Miltiades; one who built Chersonesus, another the son of Cypsellus, the third a son of Cimon: Four Sibyls; the Erythraean, the Samian, the Egyptian, and the Sardinian. Others add six more, making them in all ten; among which they reckon the Cumaean and the Jewish. There were three Bacides; one of Hellas, another of Athens, and the third of Arcadia.
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§ 12.36 The ancients seem not to agree with one another concerning the number of the children of Niobe. Homer saith there were six sons and as many daughters; Lasus twice seven; Hesiod nineteen, if those verses are Hesiod's, and not rather, as many others, falsely ascribed to him. Alcman reckons them ten, Mimnermus twenty, and Pindar as many.
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§ 12.37 Alexander in pursuit of Bessus was reduced to extreme want of victual, insomuch that they were forced to feed on their camels, and other beasts of carriage; and, being destitute of wood, did eat the flesh raw. But much silphium growing there, it did much avail them towards the digesting their diet. In Bactriana the soldiers took several towns, conjecturing by the smoke that they were inhabited, taking away the snow from their doors.
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§ 12.38 The horses of the Sacae have this quality, that if one of them casts his rider, he stands still till he gets up again. If any of them intends to marry a virgin, he fights with her; and if she gets the better, she carries him away captive, and commands and has dominion over him. They fight for victory, not to death. The Sacae, when they mourn, hide themselves in caves and shady places.
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§ 12.39 Perdiccas the Macedonian, who fought under Alexander, was so bold, that on a time he went alone into a cave where a lioness had whelped, and seized not on the lioness, but brought away her whelps: for which action he deserved to be much admired. The lioness is believed to be the most strong and most couragious of all creatures, not only by Grecians, but by the barbarians also. They say that Semiramis the Assyrian [Queen] was very proud, not if she took a lion, or killed a leopard, or the like beasts, but if she overcame a lioness.
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§ 12.40 Amongst the provisions full of magnificence and ostentation which were carried after Xerxes, was some water of the river Choaspes. When they wanted drink in a desert place, and had nothing to allay their thirst, proclamation was made in the army, that if any one had some water of Choaspes, he should give it to the King to drink. There was found one who had a little, and that putrid. Xerxes drank it, and esteemed the giver as his Benefactor; for he should have died of thirst if this had not been found.
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§ 12.41 Protogenes the painter, as is said, bestowed seven years in drawing Ialysus, at last perfected the Piece: which Apelles seeing, at first stood mute, struck with admiration of the wonderful sight; then looking off from it, said, “Great is the work and the workman; but the grace is not equal to the pains bestowed upon it; which if this man could have given it, the work would have reached to Heaven.”
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§ 12.42 It is said that a bitch gave suck to Cyrus, son of Mandale; a hind to Telephus, son to Agave and Hercules; a mare to Pelias, son of Poseidon and Tyro; a Bear to Paris, son of Alope and Priam; a Goat to Aegisthus, son of Thyestes and Pelopia.
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§ 12.43 I am informed that Darius son of Hytaspes was quiver-bearer to Cyrus: The last Darius, who was vanquished by Alexander, was the son of a woman-slave; Archelaus King of the Macedonians was son of Simicha, a woman-slave: Menelaus grandfather of Philip was registered among the bastards; his son Amyntas was servant to Aerope, and believed to be a slave: Perseus, whom Paulus the Roman conquer'd, was by country Argive, the son of some obscure person: Eumenes is believed to have been son of a poor man, a piper at funerals: Antigonus, son of Philip, who had but one eye, whence surnamed Cyclops, was servant to Polysperchus and a robber: Themistocles, who overcame the barbarians at sea, and who alone understood the meaning of the oracle of the Gods, was son of a Thracian woman, his mother was called Abrotonos: Phocion, surnamed the Good, had for father a poor mechanic. They say that Demetrius Phalereus was a household-servant belonging to the families of Timotheus and Conon. Though Hyperbolus, Cleophon and Demades were chief men in the commonwealth of the Athenians, yet no man can easily say who were their fathers. In Lacedaemonia, Callicratidas, Gylippus and Lysander were called mothaces, a name proper to the servants of rich men, whom they sent along with their sons to the places of exercise to be educated with them. Lycurgus, who instituted this, granted, that such of them as continued in the discipline of the young men should be free of the Lacedemonian commonwealth. The father of Epaminondas was an obscure person. Cleon tyrant of the Sicyonians was a pirate.
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§ 12.44 The quarries of Sicily were near the surface of the ground, in length a Furlong, in breadth two acres; there were in them some men who lived so long there, as to be married and have children, and some of their children never saw the city, so that when they came to Syracuse, and beheld horses in chariots, they ran away crying out, being much affrighted. The fairest of those caves did bear the name of Philoxenus the poet, in which they say he dwelt when he composed his Cyclops, the best of his Poems, not valuing the punishment imposed upon him by Dionysius, but in that calamity he exercised poetry.
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§ 12.45 The Phrygian Stories say thus; Whilest Midas the Phrygian, yet an infant, lay asleep, Ants crept into his mouth, and with much industry and pain brought thither some corn. Bees wrought a honey-comb in the mouth of Plato. Likewise Pindar being exposed from his father's house, Bees became his nurses, and gave him honey instead of milk.
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§ 12.46 They say that Dionysius, son of Hermocrates, crossing a river on horse-back, his horse stuck in the mire; he leaped, and gained the bank, going away, and giving his horse for lost. But the horse following, and neighing after him, he went back, and as he was laying hold of his mane to get up, a swarm of bees settled on his hand. To Dionysius consulting what this portended, the Galetae answered, that this signified monarchy.
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§ 12.47 Dionysius banished Dion out of Sicily, but his wife Aristomache and his son by her he kept in custody: Afterwards he gave the woman in marriage against her will to Polycrates one of his guard, in whom he most confided. He was by birth a Syracusian. When Dion took Syracuse, and Dionysius fled to the Locrians, Arete sister of Dion saluted him; but Aristomache followed aloof off through shame being veiled, and not daring to salute him as her husband, because by constraint she had not kept the Matrimonial contract: but after Arete had pleaded for her, and declare the violence used to her by Dionysius, Dion received his wife and his son, and sent them to his own house.
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§ 12.48 The Indians sing the verses of Homer translated into their own language; and not only they, but the Persian Kings also, if we may believe those who relate it.
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§ 12.49 Phocion, son of Phocus, who had been often general, was condemned to die; and being in prison ready to drink hemlock, when the Executioner gave him the Cup, his Kinsmen asked him if he would say any thing to his son. He answered, “I charge him that he bear no ill will to the Athenians for this Cup which I now drink.” He who does not extol and admire the man, is, in my judgement, of little understanding.
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§ 12.50 The Lacedemonians were ignorant of learning, they studied only exercise and arms; if at any time they needed the help of learning, either in sickness or madness, or some other public Calamity, they sent for foreigners, as physicians; according to the oracle of Apollo, they sent for Terpander, and Thales, and Tyrtaeus, Nymphaeus the Sidoniate, and Alcman, for he was a player on the flute. Thucydides implies that they were nothing addicted to learning, in that which he delivers concerning Brasidas, for he saith that he was no good orator, as being a Lacedemonian; as if he had said, he was wholly illiterate.
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§ 12.51 Menecrates the physician grew so extremely proud, that he called himself Zeus. On a time he sent a Letter to Philip King of the Macedonians on this manner; “To Philip, Menecrates Zeus well to doe”: Philip writ back, “ Philip to Menecrates, Health; I advise you to betake your self to the places about Anticyra ”: hereby implying that the man was mad. On a time Philip made a magnificent feast, and invited him to it, and commanded a bed to be prepared apart for him alone; and when he was laid down, a Censer was brought before him, and they burnt Incense to him. The rest feasted highly, and the Entertainment was magnificent. Menecrates held out a while, and rejoyced in the honour: but soon after hunger came upon him, and convinced him that he was a man, and foolish. He arose and went away, saying he was affronted; Philip having most ingeniously discovered his folly.
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§ 12.52 Isocrates the orator said of Athens, that it resembled courtesans: All that were taken with their beauty desired to enjoy them, but none would so much undervalue himself as to marry them. So Athens was pleasant to travel to, and excelled all the rest of Greece, but not secure to live in. He reflected on the many Sycophants there, and the danger from those who affected popularity.
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§ 12.53 I am not ignorant that the greatest wars have sprung from very slight occasions. They say that the Persian [War] began upon the falling out of Maeander the Samian with the Athenians; The Peloponnesian war from a tablet [or picture] of the Megareans; The war which was called Sacred, for the exacting the mulcts adjudged by the Amphictyones; The war at Chaeronea from the dispute between Philip and the Athenians, they not willing to accept of the place by way of gift [but of Restitution].
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§ 12.54 Aristotle willing to appease Alexander's Anger, and to quiet him being much incensed, wrote thus to him; “Rage and anger is not towards equals, but towards superiors; but to you no man is equal.” Aristotle advising Alexander in such things as were fit to be done, did benefit many persons; by this means he re-edified his own city, which had been razed by Philip.
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§ 12.55 Those who were slain by Elephants either in hunting or in war, the Libyans bury honourably, and sing certain Hymns. The subject of the Hymns is this, That they were brave persons that durst oppose such a beast: adding, That an honourable death was a monument to the buried.
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§ 12.56 Diogenes the Sinopean said many things in the reproof of the ignorance and want of discipline of the Megareans, and would rather chuse to be a Ram belonging to a Megarean, then his son. He implied that the Megareans had great care of their flocks, but none of their children.
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§ 12.57 When Alexander son of Philip brought his forces against Thebes, the Gods sent them many signs and prodigies, fore-shewing misfortunes greater then ever had happened; (but they, thinking that Alexander died in Illyria, gave out many reproachful speeches against him.) For the lake in Onchestus made a dreadful and continual noise, like the bellowing of a bull. The Fountain which floweth by Ismenus and the walls thereof, named Dirce, which ever until that time had run with clear and sweet water, was then unexpectedly full of blood. The Thebans believed that the Gods threatened the Macedonians. In the temple of Ceres, within the city, a spider made her web over the face of the image, working there as she useth to do. The image of Athena, surnamed Alalcomeneis, was burnt of it self, no fire being put to it: and divers other things.
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§ 12.58 Dioxippus the Athenian, an Olympic victor, was brought [ in a chariot] in Athens, according to the custom of athletes. The multitude flocked together, and crowded to behold him. Amongst these a woman of extraordinary beauty came to see the show. Dioxippus beholding her, was immediately overcome with her beauty, and looked fixedly upon her, and turned his head back, often changing colour, whereby he was plainly detected by the People to be taken extraordinarily with the woman. But Diogenes the Sinopean an did chiefly reprehend his passion thus; A gold tablet of Corinthian work being set to sale, “Behold, said he, your great athlete with his neck writhed about by a Girl.”
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§ 12.59 Pythagoras said that these two most excellent things are given by the Gods to men; To speak Truth, and to do Good [to others:] He added, that each of these resembled the actions of the Gods.
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§ 12.60 On a time Dionysius the Second and Philip son of Amyntas conversed together. Besides many other discourses which (as is probable) happened between them, was this; Philip asked Dionysius how it came to pass, that having so great a kingdom left him by his father, he did not keep it. He answered not improperly, “My father indeed left me all the rest; but the Fortune by which he obtained and kept them, he did not leave me.”
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§ 12.61 Dionysius set out a Fleet against the Thurians, consisting of three hundred ships full of armed men: But, Boreas blowing contrary, broke the vessels, and destroyed all his sea-Forces. Hereupon the Thurians sacrificed to Boreas, and by a public Decree made the wind free of their city, and allotted him an house and estate, and every year performed sacred rites to him. Therefore not the Athenians only declared him their Patron, but the Thurians also registered him their benefactor. Pausanias saith that the Megalopolites did so likewise.
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§ 12.62 This was also a Persian law; If any one would give advice to the King in difficult and ambiguous affairs, he stood upon a golden Brick; and if it was conceived that his advice was good, he took the Brick in reward of his counsel, but was scourged for contradicting the King. To a free person, in my judgement, the reward did not countervalue the dishonour.
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§ 12.63 One fell in love with Archedice a courtesan at Naucratis; but she was proud and covetous, and demanded a great price; which having received, she complied a little with the giver, and then cast him off. The young man who loved her, yet could not obtain her, because he was not very rich, dreamed that he embraced her, and was immediately quit of his affection.
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§ 12.64 Alexander, son of Philip and Olympias, ending his days at Babylon, lay there dead, who had said that he was the son of Zeus. And whilst they who were about him contested for the kingdom, he remained without burial, which the poorest persons enjoy, common Nature requiring that the dead should be interred; but he was left thirty days unburied, until Aristander the Telmissian, either through divine instinct, or some other motive, came into the midst of the Macedonians, and said to them, “That Alexander was the most fortunate king of all ages, both living and dead; and that the Gods had told him, that the land which should receive the body in which his Soul first dwelt, should be absolutely happy and unvanquishable for ever.” Hearing this, there arose a great emulation amongst them, every one desiring to send this carriage to his own country, that he might have this Rarity the Pledge of a firm undeclinable kingdom. But Ptolemy, if we may credit Report, stole away the body, and with all speed conveyed it to the city of Alexander in Egypt. The rest of the Macedonians were quiet, only Perdiccas pursued him; not so much moved by love of Alexander, or pious care of the dead body, as enflamed by the predictions of Aristander. As soon as he overtook Ptolemy there was a very sharp fight about the dead body, in a manner akin to that which happened concerning the image in Troy, celebrated by Homer, who saith that Apollo in defence of Aeneas engaged amidst the Heroes; for Ptolemy having made an image like to Alexander clothed it with the Royal robe, and with noble funeral ornaments, then placing it in one of the Persian chariots, adorned the Bier magnificently with silver, gold, and ivory; but the true body of Alexander he sent meanly ordered by obscure and private ways. Perdiccas seizing the image of the dead man, and the richly-adorned chariot, gave over the pursuit, thinking he had gained the prize. But too late he found that he was cozened, for he had not got that at which he aimed.
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§ 13.1 THE ARCADIAN relation concerning Atalanta daughter of Jasion is this; Her father exposed her as soon as born, for he said he had not need of daughters but sons. But he to whom she was given to be exposed did not kill her, but going into the Mountain Parthenius laid her down by a spring, where there was a rock with a cave, over which there was a place full of oaks; thus the infant was destined to death, but not deserted by Fortune: For soon after a she-bear robbed by huntsmen of her whelps, her udder swollen and opprest with fulness of milk, came by a certain divine providence, taking delight in the child gave it suck; whereby at once the beast eased her own pain, and nourished the infant: and came again, being opprest with milk; and being no longer mother of her own, became nurse to one that nothing belonged to her. The same huntsmen who before had taken her whelps watched her, and searching every part of the thicket, when the Bear according to her custom was gone to the pastures to get food, stole away Atalanta, not yet so called (for they gave her that name afterwards) and she was bred up amongst them with wild food: And by degrees her stature increased with her years, and she affected virginity, and shunned the conversation of men, and delighted in the desert, making choice of the highest of the Arcadian Mountains, where there was a valley well furnished with water and tall oaks, as also fresh gales and a thick wood. Why should it seem tedious to hear the description of Atalanta's cave, more then that of Calypso in Homer? In the hollow of the cliff there was a cave very deep fortified at the entrance with a great precipice; along it crept ivy, and twined about the young trees, upon which it climbed. Saffron also grew about the place in a young thick Grove, with which also sprung up the Hyacinths, and many other flowers of various colours, which not only feasted the eye, but the odours which they exhaled round about into the air, did afford a banquet also to the smell. Likewise there were many laurels, which being ever verdant were very delightful to the sight; vines also growing thick and full of Bunches before the cave, attested the industry of Atalanta, springs ever running clear and cool to the touch and taste flowed there abundantly. These contributed much benefit to the trees we speak of, watering them and enlivening them continually. In fine, the place was full of beauty and majesty, such as argued the prudence of the virgin. The skins of beasts were Atalanta's bed, their flesh her food, her drink water. She wore a careless vest, such as Artemis not disdained. For she said that she imitated her as well in this as in determining to live always a virgin. She was exceeding swift of foot, so that not any beast could run away from her, nor any man that layed wait for her, was able (if she would run away) to overtake her. She was beloved, not only of all those who saw her, but also of those who heard the report of her. If therefore it be not tedious we will describe her person. But tedious it cannot be, since hereby we may arrive at some degree of skill in Rhetorick. Whilest she was yet a child, she exceeded in stature those who were women grown; for Beauty she went beyond all other of the Peloponnesian virgins of that time. Her look was masculine and fierce, occasioned partly by eating the flesh of wild beasts, (for she was very couragious) partly by her exercise on the Mountains. She had nothing of an effeminate loose disposition, neither did she come out of the Thalamus [where virgins are educated] nor was one of those who are brought up by mothers or nurses. She was not corpulent; for by hunting and other exercise she preserved herself in a good Constitution. Her hair was yellow, not by any womanish art or dye, but by nature. Her face was of a ruddy Complexion, somewhat tanned by the Sun. What flower is so beautiful as the countenance of a modest virgin? She had two admirable properties, an irresistible Beauty, and an awfulness. No timid person could fall in love with her, for such durst not look upon her, so much did her splendour dazle the beholders. That which caused her to be admired, besides other things, was her reservedness. For she exposed not her self to view, unless accidentally in following the chase, or defending herself from some man; in which action she broke forth like lightning, then immediately hid herself in the thickest of the wood. On a time it happened that two bold seducers of the neighbouring country, the Centaurs Hyleus and Rhoecus, in love with her, came in a frolic to her. They had no players on the flute in this frolick, nor such things as the young men use in cities upon the like occasion, but took with them lighted Torches, the sight whereof might have frighted a multitude, much more a lone Maiden. Then breaking boughs from the Pine trees, they twined them about them, and made themselves Garlands of them, and with continual clashing of weapons as they went along the Mountains, set fire on the trees in their way to her, presenting her with injuries instead of Nuptial gifts. She was aware of their Plot, for she beheld the fire from her cave, and knowing who those revellers were, was nothing terrified with the sight: but drawing her bow, and letting fly an arrow, chanced to kill the first, who falling down, the other assaulted her, not in mirth, but as an enemy to revenge his friend and satisfie his passion. But he met with another vindictive arrow from her hand. Thus much of Atalanta daughter of Jasion.
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§ 13.2 A Mitylenaean, by name Macareus, Priest of Dionysus, was of a mild and good look, but the most impious of all men. A stranger coming to him, and giving him a great sum of money to lay up, in the inner part of the temple; Macareus digging a hole, hid the gold in the ground. Afterwards the stranger returning, demanded his money; he leading him in as if he meant to restore it murdered him, digging up the gold buried the man in the place, thinking that what he did was hid as well from God as from men; but it proved otherwise, for not long after, within a few days came the triennial solemnity. Whilest he was busied in the celebrating the Rites of Dionysus in much state, his two sons that were left at home, imitating their father's sacrificing, went to the altar, where the brands were yet burning. The younger held out his neck, the elder finding a knife left there by accident, slew his brother as a victim. They of the family seeing this cried out. The mother hearing the cry, rushed forth, and seeing one of her sons slain, the other standing by with a bloody sword, snatched a brand from the altar, and killed her surviving son. The news was brought to Macareus, who giving over sacrifice, with all speed and eagerness ran to his own house, and with the Thyrsus which he had in his hand, killed his wife. This wickedness was publicly known: Macareus was taken, and being tortured, confessed what he had perpetrated in the temple. In the midst of these tortures he gave up the ghost. But the other who was murdered unjustly, had public honour, and was interred by the appointment of God. Thus Macareus suffered due revenge, as the poet saith, with his own head, and his wives, and his childrens.
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§ 13.3 Xerxes son of Darius, breaking up the monument of ancient Belus, found an urn of glass in which his dead body lay in oil; but the urn was not full, it wanted a hand-breadth of the top: Next the urn there was a little pillar, on which it was written, “That whosoever should open the sepulchre, and not fill up the urn, should have ill fortune.” Which Xerxes reading, grew afraid, and commanded that they should pour oil into it with all speed; notwithstanding, it was not filled: Then he commanded to pour into it the second time, but neither did it increase at all thereby; so that at last failing of success, he gave over; and shutting up the monument departed very sad. Nor did the event foretold by the pillar deceive him; for he had an army of fifty myriads against Greece, where he received a great defeat, and returning home, died miserably, being murthered in his bed by his own son, in the night time.
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§ 13.4 King Archelaus made a great entertainment for his friends. And when they fell to drink, Euripides took off unmixt wine so freely, that by degrees he became drunk. Then embracing Agathon the tragic poet, who lay on the couch next him, he kissed him, who was at that time forty years of age. Archelaus asking him whether he seemed amiable at those years, “Yes, said he, of the beautiful not the spring only, but even the autumn also is fair.”
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§ 13.5 They say that Laius fell in love with Chrysippus son of Pelops.
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§ 13.6 At Heraea in Arcadia, I am informed there are vines from which is made wine, which bereaveth men of the use of reason, and maketh the Arcadians mad, but causeth fruitfulness in the women. It is said that in Thasos there are two sorts of wines; one being drunk procureth sleep, profound, and consequently sweet; the other is an enemy to life, and causeth wakefulness and disturbance. In Achaea about Cerynia there is a kind of wine, which causeth women to miscarry.
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§ 13.7 When Alexander took Thebes, he sold all the free men except the priests. And those who had formerly entertained his father as their guest, he set at liberty (for Philip, when a child lived there in hostage) and such as were akin to them. He also respected those who were descended from Pindar, and permitted his house only to stand. He slew of the Thebans ninety thousand, the captives were thirty thousand.
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§ 13.8 They say that Lysander the Lacedemonian living in Ionia, and rejecting the laws of Lycurgus as burthensome, led a luxurious life.
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§ 13.9 Lamia the Attic courtesan said, “The Lions of Greece coming to Ephesus become foxes.”
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§ 13.10 In one day Dionysius married two wives, Doris the Locrian, and Aristaeneta daughter of Hipparinus, sister of Dion, and bedded them by turns: One accompanied him in the army, the other entertained him when he came home.
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§ 13.11 It was related to me that Isocrates the orator was occasion of the conquest of the Persians, whom the Macedonians subdued. For the fame of the Panegyric oration which Isocrates made to the Grecians, coming to Macedonia, first excited Philip against Asia, and he dying, it also instigated Alexander his son and heir to prosecute the design of his father.
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§ 13.12 Meton the Astronomer, when the Athenian soldiers were upon an expedition against Sicily, was registered amongst them in the catalogue. But clearly foreseeing the future disasters, he through fear shunned the voyage, endeavouring to be quit of the expedition. But when that nothing availed, he counterfeited madness, and amongst other things, to procure a belief of his infirmity, fired his own house which was next the Poecile. Hereupon the Archons dismissed him, and in my opinion, Meton much better counterfeited madness then Ulysses the Ithacan; for Palamedes discovered him, but none of the Athenians Meton.
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§ 13.13 They say that Ptolemy son of Lagus took great delight in making his friends rich; for he said, "'Tis better to enrich others, then be rich our selves."
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§ 13.14 The Ancients sung the verses of Homer, divided into several parts, to which they gave particular names; as the fight at the ships, and the Dolonia, and the victory of Agamemnon, and the Catalogue of the ships. Moreover the Patroclea, and the Lytra, [or redemption of Hector's body] and the games instituted for Patroclus, and the breach of vows. Thus much of the Iliad. As concerning the other, [the Odyssey ] the actions at Pylos, and the actions at Lacedemon, and the cave of Calypso, and the Boat, the Discourses of Alcinous, the Cyclopias, the Necuia and the washings of Circe, the death of the wooers, the actions in the Field, and concerning Laertes. But long after Lycurgus the Lacedemonian brought all Homer's poetry first into Greece from Ionia whether he travelled. Last of all Pisistratus compiling them, formed the Iliad and Odyssey.
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§ 13.15 The Comic poets say that one Polydorus, had a very gross understanding, and a skin scarce penetrable: also that there was another by name Caecylian, who, through excessive folly endeavoured to number the waves. There is a report that there was one Sannyrion like these, who sought Ladder-rounds in a glass. They say also that Coroebus and Melitides were very blockish.
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§ 13.16 The Apolloniats inhabit a city next Epidamnum in the Ionian sea: In the places next them, there is a vein of Brimstone, which springeth out of the ground as fountains cast up water. Not far off there is shewed a continual fire. The Hill which burneth is but little, reacheth not far, and hath but a small circumference, but smelleth of Sulphur and Alum. About it there are many trees green and flourishing, nothing injured by the neighbouring fire, either as to the shooting out young ones, or to their own growth. The fire burns night and day, and never intermitted, as the Apolloniats affirm, until the war which they waged with the Illyrians. The Apolloniats according to the Lacedemonian law prohibited foreigners. But the Epidamnians allowed any one that would to come and live amongst them.
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§ 13.17 Phrynichus feareth a swarm of wasps like a cock. It is proverbially said of persons that are worsted; for Phrynichus the Tragic poet acting the taking of Miletus, the Athenians weeping made him quit the Stage, afraid and daunted.
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§ 13.18 Dionysius tyrant of Sicily, affected and commended Tragedy, and made Tragedies: but he was averse from Comedy, for he loved not laughter.
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§ 13.19 Cleomenes said Laconically according to the manner of his country, that Homer was the poet of the Lacedemonians, declaring how men should fight; but Hesiod of the Slaves, declaring how men should till the ground.
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§ 13.20 A Megalipolitan of Arcadia named Cercidas, dying, said to his friends that he parted with his life willingly, for that he hoped to converse with Pythagoras of the wise; with Hecataeus of the Historians; with Olympus of the Musicians; and with Homer of the poets, and as soon as he had said this, died.
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§ 13.21 If at Celaenae any one play on the flute before the skin of the Phrygian [ Marsyas ] the skin moves, but if any tune or Hymn of Apollo, it stirs not.
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§ 13.22 Ptolemaeus Philopator having built a temple to Homer, erected a fair image of him, and placed about the image those cities which contended for Homer. Galaton the painter drew Homer vomiting, and the rest of the poets gathering it up.
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§ 13.23 Lycurgus the Lacedemonian, son of Eunomus, willing to teach the Lacedemonians justice, was not duly requited. For one of his eyes were put out by Alcander, as some think by a stone cast from an ambush, or as others, by a blow with a stick. This is said to those who aim at one thing and receive another. Ephorus saith that he died of hunger in banishment.
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§ 13.24 Lycurgus the orator made a law, that women should not go in chariots at the festival solemnities called Mysteries, and that she who did so should be fined at his pleasure. The first that transgressed this law was his own wife, who being convicted, payed the fine. Pericles also made a law, that none should be a free Athenian, but he whose parents were both Athenians. Afterwards Pericles, losing his legitimate children, had only one natural son left him. It is manifest that he designed one thing, and that the contrary befell him. Clisthenes the Athenian first brought in [the] way of banishment by Ostracism, and first felt the punishment of it. Zaleucus, the law-giver of the Locrians ordained, that whosoever was taken in adultery should lose both his eyes. It fell out contrary to his expectation, for his son being surprized in adultery, was to suffer the punishment decreed by his father. Hereupon, lest what was confirmed by general votes should be violated, he suffered one of his own eyes to be put out, and one of his sons, that the young man might not be quite blind.
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§ 13.25 Pindar the poet contending at Thebes, lighting upon ignorant Auditors, was worsted by Corinna five times.
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§ 13.26 Diogenes the Sinopean was left alone deserted by all men, not being able by reason of his indigence to entertain any man, nor would any one entertain him, all avoiding him because of his sower way of reprehension, and because he was morose in all his actions and sayings. Hereupon he became troubled, and did feed on the tops of leaves; for this food was ready for him. But a Mouse coming thither, fed upon some crums of Bread which she found scattered there; which Diogenes diligently observing, smiled, and becoming more chearful and pleasant to himself said; “This Mouse requires not the plentiful diet of the Athenians, and art thou Diogenes troubled that thou dost not feast with them?” By this means he acquired tranquillity to himself.
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§ 13.27 It is reported that Socrates was very temperate and continent, insomuch that when the Athenians part died, the rest were sick almost to death, Socrates alone escaped the disease. Now he whose body was so well tempered, what an excellent soul must he have!
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§ 13.28 When Diogenes left his country, one of his servants followed him; who not brooking his conversation run away. Some persuading Diogenes to make enquiry after him, he said, “Is it not a shame that Manes should not need Diogenes, and that Diogenes should need Manes?” But this servant wandring to Delphi, was torn in pieces by dogs, paying to his masters name [Cynic] the punishment of his running away.
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§ 13.29 Plato said, That Hope is the dream of men that are awake.
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§ 13.30 Olympias, mother of Alexander, understanding that her son lay long unburied, grieving and lamenting exceedingly, said, “O son, thou wouldest have had a share in Heaven, and didst endeavour it eagerly; now thou canst not enjoy that which is equally common to all men, earth and burial.” Thus she, bewailing her own misfortune, and reproving the pride of her son.

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.