what they please I must instance also the skill of Perseus in Politicks for he taught Antigonus and of Aristotle who instructed Alexander Son of Philip from his youth in Philosophy And Lysis Disciple of Pythagoras taught Epaminondas Therefore if any shall say Philosophers are unpractical he speaks inconsiderately and ignorantly though for my own part I should much more willingly embrace the contemplative quiet life CHAP. XVIII Of the Discourse betwixt Midas the Phrygian and Silenus and the incredible relations of Midas Theopompus relates a discourse between Midas the Phrygian and Silenus This Silenus was son of a Nymph inferiour by nature to the Gods onely superiour to Men and Death Amongst many other things Silenus told Midas that Europe Asia and Africk were Islands surrounded by the Ocean That there was but one Continent onely which was beyond this world and that as to magnitude it was infinite That in it were bred besides other very great Creatures Men twice as big as those here and they lived double our age That many great Cities are there and peculiar manners of life and that they have Laws wholly different from those amongst us That there are two Cities farre greater then the rest nothing like to each other one named Machimus Warlike the other Eusebes Pious That the Pious people live in peace abounding in wealth reap the fruits of the Earth without Ploughs or Oxen having no need of tillage or sowing They live as he said free from sickness and die laughing and with great pleasure They are so exactly Just that the Gods many times vouchsafe to converse with them The Inhabitants of the City Machimus are very Warlike continually armed and fighting They subdue their Neighbours and this one City predominates over many The Inhabitants are not fewer then two hundred Myriads they die sometimes of sickness but this happens very rarely for most commonly they are kill'd in the Wars by Stones or Wood for they are invulnerable by Steel They have vast plenty of Gold and Silver insomuch that Gold is of less value with them then Iron with us He said that they once designed a Voiage to these our Islands and sailed upon the Ocean being in number a thousand Myriads of men till they came to the Hyperboreans but understanding that they were the happiest men amongst us they contemned us as persons that led a mean inglorious life and therefore thought it not worth their going farther He added what is yet more wonderful that there are men living amongst them called Meropes who inhabit many great Cities and that at the farthest end of their Countrey there is a place named Anostus from whence there is no return which resembles a Gulf it is neither very light nor very dark the air being dusky intermingled with a kinde of Red That there are two Rivers in this place one of Pleasure the other of Grief and that along each River grow Trees of the bigness of a Plane-tree Those which grow up by the River of Grief bear fruit 〈◊〉 this nature If any one eat of them he shall spend all the rest of his life in tears and grief and so die The other Trees which grow by the River of Pleasure produce fruit of a contrary nature for who tasts thereof shall be eased from all his former desires If he loved any thing he shall quite forget it and in a short time shall become younger and live over again his former years he shall cast off old age and return to the prime of his strength becoming first a young man then a child lastly an infant and so die This if any man think the Chian worthy credit he may believe To me he appears an egregious Romancer as well in this as other things CHAP. XIX Of the dissension betwixt Aristotle and Plato The first dissension betwixt Aristotle and Plato is said to be thus occasioned Plato did not approve of his life and habit for Aristotle wore rich garments and shoes and cut his hair after a manner not used by Plato He also wore many Rings for ornament he had a deriding kind of look and was peremptory in discourse all which mis-became a Philosopher Plato seeing this rejected him and preferred before him Xenocrates Speusippus Amyclas and others to whom he shewed respect and admitted them to his conversation On a time Xenocrates being gone into his Country Aristotle came to Plato accompanied with a great many of his Disciples of whom was Mnason the Phocian and the like Speusippus was then sick and unable to be with Plato Plato was fourscore years old and through age his memory much impaired Aristotle assaulting and circumventing him by propounding arrogantly some questions and arguing with him discovered himself injurious and ingrateful Hereupon Plato retiring from his outward Walk walked privately with his friends After three months Xenocrates returned from his Journey and found Aristotle walking where he had left Plato and seeing that he and his Disciples went not from the walk to Plato but directly to the City he asked one of the Walk where Plato was doubting that he was sick He answered He is not sick but Aristotle troubling him hath made him quit the Walk and now he teacheth Philosophy privately in his own Garden Xenocrates hearing this went presently to Plato whom he found discoursing with such as were present who were young men of eminent quality and some of the Noblest When he had ended his discourse he saluted Xenocrates kindly according to his usual manner and Xenocrates did the like to him When the company was dismist Xenocrates without speaking a word to Plato or acquainting him with it got his friends together and sharply reproved Speusippus for having yielded the Walk to Aristotle Then to his utmost he opposed the Stagirite and so farre proceeded the contention that at last Aristotle was thrown out and Plato restored to his former place CHAP. XX. Of Lysander and some Gifts presented to him To Lysander the Spartan going to Ionia some of his acquaintance there sent amongst many other presents an Oxe and a Cake He looking upon the Cake asked what Dainty it was To which he that brought it answered It was made of Honey Cheese and some other things Give this then said Lysander to the Hilots for it is not meat for a free person Buâ—… the Oxe he commanded to be sacrificed killed and drest according to the fashion of his Country and did eat of it with delight CHAP. XXI Of the Magnanimity of Themistocles On a time Themistocles yet a boy returning from School his Master bade him meeting Pisistratus the Tyrant to go a littlâ—… out of the way Whereto he generously answered Is not here way enough for him So much did somthing ingenious and generous appear in Themistocles at those years CHAP. XXII Of the Piety of Aeneas and compassion of the Greeks to the Trojans When Troy was taken the Grecians as it becomes Greeks commiserating the condition of the Captives made Proclamation
Persian Erysichthon son of Myrmidon who for that reason was nick-named Aethon It is said also that there is a Temple in Sicily dedicated to Gluttony and an Image of Ceres the Corn-giver Likewise Alcman the Poet attests of himself that he was a great eater And Anaxilas the Comick Poet saith that there was one Ctesias an extraordinary Glutton CHAP. XXVIII Diet of Fish much esteemed by the Rhodians I will tell you a Rhodian opinion In Rhodes they say that if a man looks upon Fish with a great liking and loves Fish above all other meat they esteem him an extraordinary person But such as like the diet of Flesh better are reproched by the Rhodians as clownish and gluttonous whether justly or wrongfully I not examine CHAP. XXIX Of an Ewe which eaned a Lion The Coans report that an Ewe in the pastures of Nicippus the Tyrant did ean not a Lamb but a Lion By which sign it was portended to Nicippus as yet but a private person that he should be King CHAP. XXX That Galetes was beloved of Ptolemee not more for his beauty then his prudence King Ptolemee loved a youth named Galetes he was very beautiful but of a mind transcending hâ—…s form which Ptolemee frequently testified of him saying Oh thou sweet of dâ—…sposition thou never wert author of harm to any but on the contrary hast done several good offices to many On a time this youth rode forth with the King and beholding afarre off some Malefactors led to execution he readily said speaking to Ptolemee O King since it is our chance to be on horse-back according to some good Genius of those wretches come if you please let us spur on and overtake them that we may appear to the unhappy men as the Dioscuri preservers and succourers so those Gods are called Ptolemee much pleased with his sweet disposition and proneness to mercy embraced him and not onely saved the Malefactors but confirmed and increased the affection he bare him CHAP. XXXI The Persian custome of presenting Gifts to the King The Persians have a custome which they observe most strictly When the King rides abroad in Persia all the Persians make him Presents according to their several abilities They who live by the labour of their hands in husbandry and tillage give one neither too mean nor too rich or too magnificent but either Oxen or Sheep some also Corn or Wine These are presented to him by every one as he rides along and are called Presents by which name he also accepts them The poorer sort bring Milk Palms Cheese ripe Fruits and other delicacies which grow in that Countrey CHAP. XXXII Of Water presented as a gift to the King of Persia. This also is a Persian story They report that a Persian called Sinetes being far from home met Artaxerxes surnamed Mnemon being thus surprised he was much perplexed with fear of the Law and respect of the King Having nothing at that time to give him and being much troubled to be exceeded in duty by the rest of the Persians unwilling that he alone should be infamous for not making a Present they say that with all speed he ran to the River hard by which was named Cyrus and hastily lying down took up water in both his hands O King Artaxerxes said he reign for ever I make you at this time such a Present as I can get and in such a manner as I can that as farre as lies in me you may not pass by unpresented I pay you homage in the water of Cyrus But when you shall come at night to your station I will bring from my house and present you the best and richest things that I have according to my ability I shall not come behind any of those who now offer you gifts Artaxerxes was much pleased herewith Man saith he I accept thy Present kindly and reckon it amongst the most precious declaring that it is of equal value with them First because Water is the best of all things next because it bears the name of Cyrus And I will that you come to me where I shall lodge to night This said he commanded the Eunuchs to take the Gift from him who instantly running to him received the Water out of his hand into a golden Cup. The King as soon as he came to his lodging sent him a Persian Vest a golden Cup and a thousand Daricks withall gave the Bearer order to say thus The King commands you to delight your mind with this because you have delighted his in not suffering him to pass by unpresented and without homage but paid him such respect as necessity would then allow He wills also that you drink water from that River in this Cup. CHAP. XXXIII Of an extraordinary great Pomegranate presented to the same King Misus presented an extraordinary great Pomegranate in a Basket to Artaxerxes as he was riding in Persia. The King admiring the largeness of it From what Paradise said he did you take this gift which you bring me He answered out of his own grounds and that it was of his own grafting The King was exceedingly pleased and sent him royal gifts saying By Mithra this man by like care and diligence might also in my opinion make a little City great This speech implies that by continual industry and labour all things may be made better then Nature hath produced them CHAP. XXXIV Of a Father who accused his Son of a Capital crime A certain man by Countrey Mardian by name Rhacoces had seven sons the youngest of which named Cartomes did many harms to the Magi. His Father first tried to reform his manners by admonition and instruction but he not obeying and the Judges coming to the place where this young man's Father lived he taking his Son and binding his hands behind him brought him before the Judges where he accused his Son of all the several outrages which he had committed and desired the Judges to put the young man to death They amazed hereat would not condemn him but brought them both before Artaxerxes where the Mardian persisting in his plea the King interrupting him said Then you can endure that your Son should be put to death before your eies He answered Most willingly For when in my Garden I prune and cut off the lower branches which grow about the Lettice the mother and root of them is so farre from being grieved thereat that she flourishes the better and becometh both fairer and sweeter In like manner O King when I shall see him who wrongeth my Family and consumeth the means of his brothers lose his life and be prevented from doing them farther injury I shall thrive the better and behold the rest of my Family thrive with my self Which Artaxerxes hearing praised Rhacoces and made him one of the Royal Judges saying to those who were present that he who had determined so justly concerning his own Children would towards all others be an upright Judge He dismissed the
Enemy who had made an Incursion and wasted the Country The young man seemed ready to fall on with sprightliness and courage you would have said he were transported with rage and the fury of Mars His eies seemed to sparkle fiercely Having taken up his Arms he appeared snatching as if eager to assault the Enemy with all speed He held forth his Shield and waved as it were his Sword as ready to fight with a killing look his posture expressing that he meant not to spare any Theon painted not any thing more no common Souldier no Centurion no Company no Horseman no Archer this armed man onely being sufficient to compleat the excellence of the piece But before he would discover this Picture to publick view he got a Trumpeter and bade him to sound a Charge as loudly and fiercely as he could and to give it all possible spirit of encouragement to fight Assoon as this shrill and dreadful noise was heard the Trumpet sounding as if there were a sudden incursion of the Enemy he discovered his Picture and the armed man appeared after that the sound of the Trumpet had excited the fancy of the beholders The End AELIAN's Various History The Third BOOK CHAP. I. Thessalian Tempe described LET us now describe and paint out in discourse the Thessalian Tempe for it is acknowledged that speech where the faculty is free can represent whatsoever it pleaseth as fully to the life as men that are excellent in handy-work It is a place situated betwixt Olympus and Ossa These are Mountains of extraordinary height and disjoyned as it were by providence They include a Plain whose length extends to forty Stadia its breadth in some places is a Plethrum in others somewhat more Through the middle runs the River Peneus into which other Riveâ—…s flow and by communicating their waters make Peneus great It affords various places of delight of all kinds not wrought by the hand of man but spontaneous works of Nature which contributed much to the beauty and glory of the place from its first beginning For Ivy full of down abounds and flourisheth there which like generous Vines creepeth up the high trees and groweth with them There is also plenty of Smallage which climbing up the Hill shadoweth the Rock so that it lies hid under it nothing being seen but the green Herb which yields a pleasant entertainment to the eye In this Plain there are divers Groves and large Cupbords which in the Summer afford grateful shelter to Travellers and refreshment It is full of little Brooks and Springs of water cool and pleasant to the tast These waters they say benefit such as wash in them and conduce much to health Birds are dispersed about every-where especially the Musical which yield extraordinary pleasure to the ear and by continual warbling invite and delight the very passenger On each side of the River are those pleasantnesses which I mentioned before and places fit for repose and diversion Through the middle of the Tempe runneth the River Peneus gently and smoothly like oil This is much shaded by the thick branches of the adjoyning Trees which for the greatest part of the day keep off the Sun's beams and afford to those that sail a cool passage All the neighbouring people meet with one another there and offer sacrifice converse and feast Whence there being many that sacrifice and perform Divine rites continually it happeneth that such as travel thither either on foot or by water perceive very sweet odours This unintermitted worship of the Gods makes the place sacred Here the Thessalians say that Apollo Pythius having slain Pytho with his arrows at that time possessed of Delphi when the Goddess Earth held the Oracles was by Jupiter's command purified and that then the son of Jupiter and Latona crowned with this Tempian Laurel and bearing a branch thereof in his hand came to Delphi and took possession of the Oracle There is also an Altar in that place where he was crowned and took away the branch Whereupon even to this time the Delphians every ninth year send youths of Noble birth with an Architheorus who is one of their own These coming to Tempe sacrifice magnificently and having made Garlands of that Laurel which the God then so loved as to Crown himself with it depart They pass that way which is called Pythias and goeth through Thessaly Pelagonia Oeta and the Countries of the Aenians Melians Dorians and Hesperian Locrians They carry these youths thither with no less respect and reverence then those who with sacred presents from the Hyperboreans pay homagâ—… to the same God Likewise at the Pythiaâ—… Games the Victors are presented with â—… Crown of the same Laurel Thus mucâ—… concerning the Thessalian Tempe CHAP. II. Of Anaxagoras bearing the death of hiâ—… Children with courage When one coming to Anaxagoras thâ—… Clazomenian as he was discoursing witâ—… his friends told him that his two onely Sons were dead He nothing troubled oâ—… disordered at the news answered I knew that they were born mortal CHAP. III. Of Xenophon bearing the death of his Son unmovedly A Messenger from Mantinea told Xenophon as he was sacrificing that his son Grillus was slain He taking onely his Garland off continued to sacrifice But when the Messenger added that he died victoriously he took again the Garland to put it on his head This is generally known CHAP. IV. That Dio was not troubled at the loss of his Son As Dio son of Hipparinus a Disciple of Plato was treating about publick affairs his Son was killed with a fall from the house top into the Court. Dio was nothing troubled at it but proceeded in what he was about before CHAP. V. Antigonus seeing his Son dead was nothing troubled They say that Antigonus the second when his Son was brought home slain in battel did behold him without changing colour or shedding a tear but having commended him for dying as a stout Souldier gave order that he should be buried CHAP. VI. Of the Magnanimity of Crates Crates the Theban is known to have been a magnanimous person as well by other things as by his despising what the Vulgar admire as also his Wealth and Country That he gave the Thebans his estate is generally known But this other action perhaps is less notorious He quitted Thebes newly restored saying I have no need of a City which Alexander or some other may subvert CHAP. VII Of the Calumny of the Vulgar Demochares Nephew to Demosthenes to shew that he nothing valued the dispraises of the Vulgar seeing certain Detractors together sitting in a Physician 's Shop and wholly bent upon calumniating others What doe you say said he you Dysmenidae discovering their disposition by that compellation CHAP. VIII â—…hat Phrynichus was chosen General for a certain Poem The Athenians made Phrynichus Geneâ—…l not out of favour nor for Nobleness of â—…irth or for being rich for which men â—…e commonly esteemed at Athens and preâ—…rred above others But he having in
a cerâ—…in Tragedy composed Verses sutable to â—…med Dancers did win so much upon the â—…heatre and please the Spectators that â—…ey immediately chose him General beâ—…ving that he would behave himself exâ—…llently and advantageously in Martial afâ—…irs who had in a Play composed Verses â—…d Songs so proper for armed men CHAP. IX Of Love Who is able to fight with a Lover that not a Lover himself and when the busiâ—…ss is to be decided by the Sword For â—… who loves not alwaies shunneth and deâ—…neth a Lover as being himself prophane â—…d uninitiated with the God he dares as â—…uch as the courage of his soul and strength of his body will bear yet fears the other as one transported with divine fury animated not by Mars onely which is common to both but likewise by Love For they who are excited with other of the Gods whereof one as Homer saith rageth equal with Mars they I say which are possessed onely with one fight with as much courage as one God inspireth But the servants of Love being inflamed with Mars and Love serving both Deities have according to the opinion of the Cretans a double share of Courage But none therefore finâ—… fault if a Souldier who fights onely by instigation of one God refuse to encounteâ—… with him who is assisted both by Man and Love CHAP. X. Of Lacedemonian Friendship Of the Lacedemonian Ephori I could relate many excellent things said and done at present I shall onely tell you this If amongst them any man preferred in Friendship a rich man before another that 〈◊〉 poor and vertuous they fined him punishing his avarice with loss of money If anâ—… other that were a vertuous person profeâ—… particular friendship to none they fined him also because being vertuous he would not make choice of a friend whereas he might render him he loved like himself and perhaps divers for affection of friends conduceth much to the advancement of vertue in those whom they love if they be temperate and vertuous There was also this Law among the Lacedemonians If any young man transgressed they pardoned him imputing it to want of years and experience yet punished his friend as conscious and overseer of his actions CHAP. XI Of the Soul The Peripateticks assert that the Soul in the day-time is inslaved and involved in the body so that she cannot behold Truth but in the night being freed from this servitude and gathered together as it were in a round about the parts that are in the breast she is more Prophetick whence proceed Dreams CHAP. XII Of Friendship amongst the Lacedemonians Friendship among the Spartans was truly innocent if any thing unlawful happened both persons must either forsake their Country or their lives CHAP. XIII Of the Drunkenness of the Tapyrians The Nation of the Tapyrians is so addicted to Wine that they live in Wine and bestow the greatest part of their life and conversation upon it Neither do they abuse it by drinking onely but by anointing themselves therewith as others do with Oil. CHAP. XIV Of the Drunkenness of the Byzantines The Byzantines as is reported live in Taverns quitting their own houses and letting them to strangers Nor leave they their houses onely to them but their wives also Thus they by one act are guilty of two Crimes Drunkenness and Prostitution Moreover flowing in Wine and Drunkenness they delight to hear the Pipe and make Piping their chiefest business But they cannot endure to hear the least sound of a Trumpet whence it is manifest that the Byzantines are wholly averse from Arms and Warre Wherefore Leonides their General in a strict siege seeing that when the Enemy was assaulting the Walls they left the Works and went to their usual entertainments commanded that Taverns should be set up for them upon the Walls This Damon relates of them which Menander seems to confirm saying Byzantium makes the Merchants Drunkards they drank all night long CHAP. XV. Of the Drunkenness of the Argives Corinthians Thracians and Illyrians The Argives also and Corinthians have been reproched in Comedies for being intemperately addicted to Wine Of the Thracians it is at this time reported for certain that they are great Drinkers Neither are the Illyrians at present free from this vice To which they adde another dishonesty inasmuch as at a Feast they permit the Guests to drink to their Wives every one as he pleaseth though nothing related to them CHAP. XVI A comparison betwixt the two Generals Demetrius and Timotheus Which of these two was the better General Demetrius Poliorcetes or Timotheus the Athenian I will tell you the nature of both and then you may judge which deserves to be preferred Demetrius by force and avarice and oppressing many and committing injustice took Cities battering their Walls with Engines and undermining them But Timotheus by discourse persuading them it was most to their advantage to obey the Athenians CHAP. XVII That Philosophy is not inconsistent with Political Government and that some Philosophers have governed Common-wealths Some Philosophers have governed States though studying onely the good of their own minds they lived privately Of those who managed publick affairs were Zaleucus who reformed the State of the Locrians Charondas that of Catana and of Rhegium when he was banished Catana Archytas much benefited the Tarentines Solon the Athenians Bias and Thales greatly profited Ionia Chilon the Lacedemonians Pittacus the Mitylenaeans Cleobulus the Rhodians and Anaximander brought a Colony from Miletus to Apollonia Xenophon also was an excellent Souldier and proved the best General when he went up along with Cyrus at what time Cyrus and many others with him was slain Necessity then requiring a person that might bring the Greeks off and conduct them safe home he was the man Plato son of Aristo brought Dio back to Sicily whom he counselled and taught how to subvert the Tyranny oâ—… Dionysius But Socrates would not meddle with the Athenian State because the Democracy of the Athenians did at that time more resemble a Tyrannical and Monarchick Government Neither would he joyn in sentencing the ten Commanders to death nor partake of the injustices committed by the thirty Tyrants But when occasion called him forth he was a Souldier He fought at Delium and at Amphipolis and Potidea Aristotle when his Country was not declining but quite dejected raised her up again Demetrius Phalereus governed the Athenian Commonwealth with much honour until envy customary with the Athenians threw him out In Egypt also living with Ptolemee he was chief in making Laws And who will deny that Pericles son of Xanthippus was a Philosopher or Epaminondas son of Polymnis and Phocion son of Phocus and Aristides son of Lysimachus and Ephialtes son of Sophonidas and long after these Carneades and Critolaus For they were sent by the Athenians Embassadours to Rome and procured a Peace so much did they prevail with the Senate that they said The Athenians have sent Embassadours that not persuade but compel us to doe
younger Brother throwing back hâ—…s Vest shewed his Arm without a Hand Amynias had the reward for fighting best at Salamis where he lost his Hand and was the first of the Athenians that was rewarded The Judges seeing the trouble of the man called to mind his actions and dismist Aeschylus CHAP. XX. Of the Fasting of the Tarentines and Rhegians The Tarentines being besieged by the Romans and ready to surrender through Famine the Rhegians ordered a Fast to be kept every ten daies and with the allowance of that food supplied the Tarentines Hereupon the Romans raised their siâ—…ge and the Tarentines â—…n 〈◊〉 of their dâ—…stress kept a Feast which they called The Fâ—…st CHAP. XXI That Medea did not kill her own Children Some say that the relation concerning Medea is false and that she did not kill her Children buâ—… the Corinthians This Fable concerning Colchis and the Tragedy Medea they say Euripides made at the request of the Corinthians The falsity prevailed above the truth by reason of the excellency of the Poet. But for the Murther of the Children they say that even to this day the Corinthians offer expâ—…atory Sacrifices to them which they render as a kind of Tribute The End AELIAN's Various History The Sixth BOOK CHAP. I. Of the Wrath Inhumanity Contempt Injustice and Violence of some towards others THE Athenians having overcome the Chalcidenses distributed that part of their Country which is called Hippobotus into forty Lots but medled not with the ground consecrated to Minerva in the place named Lilantus The rest of the Country they let out and brought away the Pillars which now stand at the Royal Piazza on which they set up the Bills of Sale The Prisoners that they took they cast into Fetters neither did this sâ—…tisfie their rage against the Chalcidenses Tâ—…e Lacedemonians having overcome the Messenians took to themselves the half of every thâ—…ng in Messenia and compelled the Free-women to goe to Funerals and to bewaâ—…l the deâ—…d such as were Strangers and notâ—…ing related to them Of the men they impâ—…oyed some â—…n Husbandâ—…y some they sold some they slew 〈◊〉 the Athenians were insolent in this 〈◊〉 Having good success they used not their good â—…ortune moderately For they compelled the forein Virgins that inhabited theâ—…r Country to carry Umbrella's in publick Solemnâ—…ties before their own Virgins and the Women before their Women and the Men to carry Spades The Sâ—…cyonians having taken Pellene prostituted publickly the Wâ—…ves and Daughters of the Pellenians This was most savage O you Grâ—…ian Gods and unseemly I think even in Barbarians Philip having gained the Victory at Chaeronaea was exalted with the success as were also all the Macedonians The Grecians searing him exceedingly surrendred themselves according to their several Cities as â—…ast as possible to him The same did the Thebans and the Megarenses the Corinthians Achaeans Elei and the Euboeans that dwelt upon the Sea-side Philip kept not the agreement he had made with them but subjected them all to Servitude contrary to right and equity CHAP. II. Of the Valour of the Son of Harmatidias The Son of Harmatidias the Thespian going with others of his Country to aid the Athenians fought at â—…irst stoutly and gallantly then having lost his Arms fought with his bare hands against the armed men and so died honourably I have named the Father of the young man and celebrated him after the manner of Homer His own name if any is inquisitive to know let some other tell CHAP. III. Of â—…sadas a Boy The Lacedemonians crowned Isadas yet but a Boy and not obliged by the Law to take Arms for leaving the Gymnasium and behaving himself gallantly in a Fight Yet because he engaged with the Enemy before his age required it and before he had received Arms from his Country they fined him CHAP. IV. Of him that was betrothed to the Daughter of Lysander Lysander dying one that was betrothed to his Daughter in his life-time because she was fatherless and that Lysander at his decease proved poor cast her off and said he would not have her to Wife hereupon the Ephori fined him not like a Lacedemonian or Grecian to forget his Friend dead and to preferre Wealth before a Contract CHAP. V. Of the Athenian Embassadours The Athenians because the Embassadours which they sent to Arcadia took another way and not that which they appointed though they performed their charge well put them to death CHAP. VI. Laconick Laws Are not these Laconick There is a Law amongst the Spartans That he who hath had three Sons should be exempt from Watch and Ward he who five should be discharg'd from all publick Offices and Taxes That Marriages should be contracted without Portions No Lacedemonian might learn a Trade They must goe to Warre clothed in Scarlet For besides that the colour had something of awfulness in it self the bloud which was spilt upon it from wounds did much more daunt the Enemy appearing more sharp to the sight and more dreadful It was not lawful for a Lacedemonian to strip a slain Enemy They who died fighting stoutly were carried crowned with Olive and other Branches But they who had fought best had a Scarlet-Robe thrown over them and so were buried honourably CHAP. VII Of the Earthquake which happened at Sparta When the Lacedemonians had treacherously expelled the Taenarian Servants these Servants were of the race of the Hilotes through the anger of Neptune there happened an Earthquake at Sparta which threw down the City so that there were but five Houses left standing of the whole City CHAP. VIII Of the Murther of Artaxerxes They say that Artaxerxes surnamed Ochus being by Bagoas the Eunuch who was an Aegyptian slain and cut to pieces was thrown to Cats and some other buried in his stead was laid in the Regal Monuments The Sacrileges which are reported of Ochus are many especially those committed in Aegypt Neither was Bagoas satisfied with killing Ochus but he also made Hilts for Swords of the Bones of his Thighs thereby signifying his bloudy disposition He hated him because when he came into Aegypt he slew Apis as Cambyses had done before CHAP. IX Of a Treasure sought by the Delphians in the Pythian Temple There coming a report to Delphi that the Temple of Apollo was anciently very rich grounded upon these Verses of Homer Not so much wealth as Phoebus marble Fane Founded in rocky Pytho doth contain They say that hereupon the Delphians began to digg about the Altar and the Tripod but there happening violent Earthquakes about the Seat of the Oracles they gave over the attempt CHAP. X. A Law concerning Citizens made by Pericles Pericles General of the Athenians made a Law That he whose Parents on both sides were not Citizens might not enjoy the privileges of a Citizen From this Law there happened a revenge upon himself for his two legitimate Sons Paralus and Xanthippus died of the common Pestilence There remained onely to him his natural issue
over he received her courteously not knowing who â—…he 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 Miâ—…ylenaeans fell in love with him At last being taken in Adultery he was killed CHAP. XIX Of Sappho Sappho the Poetress Daughter of Scamandronymus is by Plato Son of Aristo â—…eckoned among the Sages I am informed that there was another Sappho in Lesbus â—… Curtizan not a Poetress CHAP. XX. Of the Nightingale and Swallow Hesiod saith that the Nightingale above all Birds cares not for sleep but wakes continually and that the Swallow wakes noâ—… alwaies but half the night onely This punishment they suffer for the horrid actioâ—… committed in Thrace at the abominable Supper CHAP. XXI Of the Lacedemonian Women 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 theiâ—… Sons to the Sepulchres of their Parents but if they received wounds otherwise they were ashamed and lamented and hasteneâ—… 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 CHAP. XXII Of the Strength of Titormus and Milo and of a certain Proverb 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 endevoured to get away but could not Another passing by he catch'd him by the leg with the other hand and held him also Milo beholding this stretching forth his hands to heaven said O Jupiter hast thou not begotten another Hercules Whence they say came this Proverb He is another Hercules CHAP. XXIII Of the Boldness of the Celtae I am informed that the Celtae are of all men most addicted to engage themselves in dangers Such persons 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 flie that many times they will not goe 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 terrifie or wound them CHAP. XXIV Of the luxurious Diet and Gluttony of Smindyrides They say that Smindyrides the Sybarite was so Luxurious in Diet that when he went to Sicyon as a suitor to Agarista Daughter of Clisthenes he carried with him a thousand Cooks and as many Fowlers and a thousand Fishermen CHAP. XXV Many who improv'd and benefitted the most excellent persons Ulysses was improv'd 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 Antigâ—…nus 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 Ascâ—…lonite Mecoenas by Arius Cicero by Apollodorus Augustus by Athenodorus But Plato who far exceeded me in wisedome saith that Jupiter himself had a Counsellor but whom and how we learn from him CHAP. XXVI Of some persons addicted to Wine Persons as 't is said most addicted to Drink were Xenagoras the Rhodian whom they called * Amphoreus and Heraclides the Wrastler 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 CHAP. XXVII That Hercules was mild towards his Adversaries 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 CHAP. XXVIII Of the Leocorium at Athens The Leocorium so call'd at Athens was a Temple 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 CHAP. XXIX What Plato said of the Excess of the Agrigentines 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 Vessels in which they put their Oil and their Rubbers were of Silver and that they had Beds all of Ivory CHAP. XXX Of the Drunkenness of the Tarentines and the Luxury of the Cyrenaeans The Tarentines used to fall a-drinking as soon as they rose and to be drunk by that time the people met in the Forum 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 mentioneth in his Comedy entituled Maricas that the meanest of them had Seals of the value of ten Minae Their Rings also were graven to admiration CHAP. XXXI Of several kinds of Greek Wines I will reckon to you the names of Greek Wines much esteemed by the Ancients One sort they call'd 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 Tast another Cretan and at Syracuse a sort named Polian from a King of the Country They
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 Tragick Poet who lay on the couch next him he kissed him who was at that time fourty years of age Archelaus asking him whether he seemed amiable at those years Yes said he of the beautiful not the Spring onely but even the Autumn also is fair CHAP. V. Of Laius They say that Laius fell in love with Chrysippus Son of Pelops ** CHAP. VI. The properties of Arcadian Thatian and Achaean Wines 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 Thasus there are two sorts of Wines one being drunk procureth sleep profound and consequently sweet the other is an enemy to life and causetâ—… wakefulness and disturbance In Achaea about Ceraunia there is a kind of Wine which causeth Women to miscarry CHAP. VII Of the taking of Thebes by Alexander and of Pindar When Alexander took Thebes he sold â—…ll the Free-men except 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 a-kin to them He also respected those who were descended from Pindar and permitted his house onely to stand He slew of the Thebans ninety thousand the Captives were thirty thousand CHAP. VIII Of Lysander They say that Lysander the Lacedemonian living in Ionia and rejecting the Laws of Lycurgus as burthensome led a luxufious life CHAP. IX Of Lamia Lamia the Attick Curtezan said Thâ—… Lions of Greece coming to Ephesus be come Foxes CHAP. X. Of Dionysius marrying two Wives iâ—… one day In one day Dionysius married two Wives Doris the Locrian and Aristaeneta Daughterâ—… of Hipparinus Sister of Dio and beddeâ—… them by turns One accompanied him iâ—… the Army the other entertained him when he came home CHAP. XI Of the conquest over the Persians and of Isocrates It was related to me that Isocrates the Oratour was occasion of the conquest of the â—…ersians whom the Macedonians subdued For the fame of the Panegyrick Oration which Isocrates made to the Grecians coming to Macedonia first excited Philip â—…gainst Asia and he dying it also instigated Alexander his Son and heir to prosecute the design of his Father CHAP. XII How Meton freed himself from an expedition and of the madness of Ulysses Meton the Astronomer when the Atheâ—…ian Souldiers were upon an expedition â—…gainst Sicily was registred amongst them 〈◊〉 the Catalogue But clearly foreseeing â—…he future disasters he through fear shunâ—…ed the Voyage endeavouring to be quit of the expedition But when that nothing â—…vailed he counterfeited madness and aâ—…ongst other things to procure a belief of â—…is infirmity fired his own house which was next the Poecile Hereupon the Arâ—…hons dismissed him and in my opinion Meton much better counterfeited madness then Ulysses the Ithacian for Palamedes discovered him but none of the Atheniâ—…ns Meton CHAP. XIII Of the Munificence of Ptolemee They say that Ptolemee Son of Lagusâ—…ook â—…ook greatest delight in making his friends rich for he said 'T is better to enrich others then be rich our selves CHAP. XIV Of the Verses and Poetry of Homer 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 Iliads As concerning the other the Odysseis the actions at Pytus 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 Woers 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 Iliads and Odysseis CHAP. XV. Of some persons extraordinary foolish The Comick 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 CHAP. XVI Of the Apolloniats and of their Country and of Epidamnum The Apolloniats inhabit a City next Epidamnum in the Ionian Gulf In the places next them there is a vein of Brimstone which springeth out of the ground as fountains cast up water Not farre off there is shewed a continual fire The Hill which burneth is but little reacheth not farre 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 foreiners But the Epidamnians allowed any one that would to come and live amongst them CHAP. XVII A Proverb and of Phrynichus Phrynichus feareth a swarm of Wasps like a Cock It is proverbially said of persons that are worsted for Phrynichus the Tragick Poet acting the taking of Miletus the Athenians with weeping made him quit the Stage afraid and daunted CHAP. XVIII Of Dionysius Dionysius Tyrant of Sicily affected and commended Tragedy and made Tragedies but he was averse from Comedy for he loved not laughter CHAP. XIX What Cleomenes said of Homer and Hesiod Cleomenes said Laconically according to the manner of his Countâ—…y that Homer was the Poet of the Lacedemonians declaring how men should fight but Hesiod of the Slaves declaring how men should till ground CHAP. XX. Of one who died chearfully through willingness to â—…ee some of the dead A Megalipolite of Arcadia named Cerâ—…idas 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 CHAP. XXI Of Phrygian Harmony If at Celene any one play on the Flute before the skin of the Phrygian Marsga the skin moves but if any tune or Hymne of Apollo it stirs not CHAP. XXII Of the Temple and Statue of Homer 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