Plane-tree beloved of Xerxes Xerxes deserves justly to be laughed at who after he had contemned the works of Jupiter and made himself new waies to travel by land and water fell in love with a Plane and doted upon the Tree for seeing as it is reported in Lydia a tall Plane-tree there he stayed a whole day no necessity requiring and pitched his Tents in the Wilderness about the Plane-tree he also hung upon it many rich ornaments honouring the boughs with chains and bracelets and left it a Keeper as the Guardian and Protectour of a Mistress But what did this profit the Tree the apposititious ornament nothing suiting with it hung there in vain not adding any thing to the beauty of the Tree For to the beauty of a Tree are requisite fair branches leaves thick a body strong roots deep and plaint yielding to the winds wideness of shadow the successive seasons of the year the nourishment of the water by chanels and rains But the Robes of Xerxes the gold of the Barbarian and his other gifts contribute nothing to the Plane or any other Tree CHAP. XV. Of those who besmeared the Seats of the Lacedemonian Ephori with Soot Certain Clazomenians coming to Sparta through abuse and insolence besmeared with Soot the Seats of the Ephori in which they used to give judgement and determine publick affairs This being known the Ephori were not incensed but calling the publick Crier commanded him to make this strange Proclamation openly through the City Let it be lawful for the Clazomenians to doe unhandsome things CHAP. XVI Of Phocion I esteem this action of Phocion the son of Phocus commendable also Coming before a publick Assembly of Athenians after he had reproved them for some ingratitude he said both wisely and sharply I had rather receive ill from you then doe ill to you CHAP. XVII Of the wisedome of the Persian Magi and of Ochus The wisedome of the Persian Magi was besides other things proper to them conversant in Prediction They foretold the cruelty of Ochus towards his Subjects and his bloudy disposition which they collected from some secret signs For when Ochus upon the death of his Father Artaxerxes came to the Crown the Magi charged one of the Eunuchs that were next him to observe upon what things when the Table was set before him he first laid hands who watching intentively Ochus reached forth both his hands and with his right laid hold of a Knife that lay by with the other took a great Loaf which he laid upon the Meat and did cut and eat greedily The Magi hearing this foretold that there would be plenty during his reign and much bloud shed In which they erred not CHAP. XVIII Of magnificent Suppers Timotheus son of Conon General of the Athenians on a time retiring from magnificent Suppers and Military entertainments was invited by Plato to a Treat in the Academy where being entertained with a frugal Supper and with Musick when he returned to his friends he said They who sup with Plato are better for the next day also From thence forward Timotheus dispraised sumptuous and chargeable Suppers of which there is no benefit the next day There is a speech much to the same purpose reported of him that Timotheus meeting Plato on the morrow said to him You O Plato sup better the next morning then over night CHAP. XIX Of Alexander who would be called a God Alexander when he had vanquished Darius and was possess'd of the Persian Empire being high-conceited of himself and puffed up with his success writ to the Grecians that they should decree him to be a God Ridiculously what he had not by nature he thought to obtain by requiring it of men Hereupon several people made several Decrees the Lacedemonians this Forasmuch as Alexander woulâ—… be a God let him be a God Thus with Laconick brevity according to the manner of their Countrey the Lacedemonians reprehended the Pride of Alexander CHAP. XX. Of the meekness of King Antigonus It is reported that King Antigonus was popular and meek He that hath leisure to make enquiry after him and his actions may satisfie himself elsewhere I shall relate onely one act of his full of Clemency and void of Pride This Antigonus perceiving that his Son behaved himself rigidly and severely towards his Subjects Do you not know Son said he that our Reign is but a glorious Servitude This speech of Antigonus to his Son express'd much Mildness and humanity He who conceiveth otherwise of it seems in my opinion not to understand either what belongeth to a King or a Subject but rather to have lived under some Tyrant CHAP. XXI Of Pausanias his friendship with Agatho the Poet. There was great friendship betwixt Pausanias a Ceramean and Agatho the Poet This is generally known but I will relate what is less common On a time the two friends came before Archelaus He observing the frequent differences betwixt Pausanias and Agatho and thinking that one friend despited the other asked Agatho what was the reason that he had such frequent quarrels with him who loved him so well He answered O King I will tell you It is not that I am froward towards him neither doe I this through rusticity but if I understand any thing of behaviour as well by Poetry as other things I finde that the greatest pleasure of friends is after some falling out to be reconciled and I am of opinion that nothing can happen to them more delightful Therefore I make him partake often of this pleasure by falling out with him frequently For he is over-joyed when I end the difference and am reconciled whereas if I should use him alwaies alike he would not understand the difference Archelaus as they say commended this answer It is reported that Euripides also the Poet exceedingly loved this Agatho and in favour of him composed his Tragedy intituled Chrysippus But this I cannot certainly affirm yet know it to be attested by many CHAP. XXII That the Mantineans were just Law-makers I am told that the Mantineans were just Law-givers no less then the Locrians and Cretans and the Lacedemonians themselves and the Athenians For though the Laws of Solon were most excellent yet the Athenians soon after his death abrogated the Laws which they received from him CHAP. XXIII That Nicodorus the Wrastler became a Law-giver Nicodorus an excellent and famous Wrastler among the Mantineans in his later years giving over wrastling became a Law-giver to them benefitting his Country farre more in Civil affairs then when he was publickly proclaimed Victor in the Lists Some say that Diagoras the Melian who loved him much composed those Laws for him I have more to say of Nicodorus but lest I should seem to intermix any commendations of Diagoras let this suffice For Diagoras was a hater of the Gods neither do I take any pleasure in making farther mention of him CHAP. XXIV That Milo was strong in Body but not in Mind Some have undervalued the
Linus taught Hercules yet a Boy to play on the Lute who touching the Instrument unmusically Linus rebuked him whereat Hercules incensed struck Linus with the Lute and killed him CHAP. XXXIII Of Satyrus a Player on the Flute Satyrus a Player on the Flute heard many times Aristo the Philosopher and being much taken with his discourse said Into the fire my glittering Bow Why do I not as useless throw <_o> So mean did he esteem his own Art in comparison of Philosophy CHAP. XXXIV A Law common to the Romans and Lacedemonians The Lacedemonians and Romans had a Law That no man might eat of whatsoever things or as much as he pleased They reduced the Citizens to Temperance besides other waies principally by diet CHAP. XXXV That it was not permitted to laugh in the Academy There is a general report amongst the Athenians which saith That it was not permitted to laugh in the Academy for they endeavoured to preserve that place free from contumely and levity CHAP. XXXVI Why Aristotle left Athens When Aristotle left Athens fearing to be attainted to one that asked him What kinde of City is Athens he answered Very beautiful but in it Pears upon Pears and Figs on Figs do grow meaning Sycophants And to one who asked him why he left Athens he answered Because he would not the Athenians should sin twice against Philosophy reflecting on the death of Socrates and his own danger CHAP. XXXVII A Law of the Ceans concerning Old men It is a custome of the Ceans That all such amongst them as are very Old as if they invited one another to a Feast or some solemn sacrifice should meet together and being crowned drink Hemlock because they are no longer fit to doe their Country service their Minds now doting by reason of Age. CHAP. XXXVIII Some things first found out at Athens They say that at Athens were first found out the Olive and Fig-trees which the Earth also first brought forth Also that the Athenians invented Judiciary Pleas and first instituted coporal Exercises and uncloathed and anointed themselves And Erichthonius first harnessed Horses together CHAP. XXXIX What things some of old did eat The Arcadians fed on Acorns the Argives on Pears the Athenians on Figs the Tyrinthians on wild Figs the Indians on Canes the Carmans on Dates the Maeotians and Sauromatians on Millet the Persians on Turpentine and Cardamum CHAP. XL. Of Satyrs Tityri and Silenes The Satyrs companions of Bacchus in dancing are by some named Tityri which name they had from Teretisms wanton Dances in which Satyrs delight Satyrs from the wideness of their mouths Silenes from Sillos which is a scoff with an unpleasing jest The Silenes were cloathed in coats with sleeves hairy on both sides which Robe signified the planting of Vines by Bacchus and the downy thickness of the leaves CHAP. XLI Many Surnames of Bacchus The Ancients called to bring forth fruit plentifully Phluin whence they named Bacchus Phleon as also Protryges and Staphylites and Omphacites with divers other names CHAP. XLII Of â—…ertain Women that fell Mad. Elege and Celaene were Daughters of Proetus The Queen of Cyprus work'd them to prostitute themselves insomuch as in some parts of Peloponnesus they ran up and down as it is said naked and raging They roved also mad into other parts of Greece transported with this distemper It is likewise reported that the Wives of the Lacedemonians were transported with Bacchanalian fury as also those of the Chians And that those of the Boeotians were transported with divine frenzies the very Tragedy manifests They say that onely the Minyades Leucippe Aristippe and Alcithoe declined the Dance of Bacchus the cause whereof was that they desired to have Husbands and therefore would not be Maenades to the God whereat he was incensed And when they were working at their Looms and very busie in weaving on a sudden branches of Ivy and of Vines twined about their Looms and Dragons made nests in their Baskets and from the roof distilled drops of Milk and Wine But when by all this they could not be persuaded to serve the Deity then fury possessed them they committed a foul crime out of Cithaeron no less then that in Cithaeron for the Minyades seised with frenzy tore in pieces a young Infant of Leucippe's thinking it a Kid then went to the rest of the Minyades who persecuted them for this mischief when they were turned into Birds One was changed into a Crow the other into a Bat and the third into an Owl CHAP. XLIII Of a Lutenist murdered by the Sybarites At Sybaris a Lutenist singing at a Festival which they celebrated in honour of Juno and the Sybarites falling together by the ears about him and taking up weapons to assault one another the Lutenist afraid fled with his long Robe to the Altar of Juno But they spared him not even there A little while after bloud was seeâ—… to spout up in the Temple of Juno as if it had been from a Spring The Sybarites sent to Delphi Pythia said Goe from my Tripods for thy hands prophane Distilling bloud my sacred pavements stain From me expect no answer who didst slay The Muses Son Thou for his death must pay None that transgresseth vengeance can decline Not though descended from Jove's mighty Line He his children their children must Expect due vengeance for that act unjust CHAP. XLIV Of one who might have assisted his Companion but would not And of another that did assist but unfortunately Three young men of the same City being sent to Delphi to consult the Oracle â—…ell among Thieves One of them ran away and escaped the second having killed all the Thieves but one missed the last and â—…an his sword through his companion To him that ran away Pythia gave this Oracle Thou sufferedst thy companion to be slain I will not answer thee goe from my Fane To the other demanding an answer Pythia gave this Thou slew'st thy friend by chance in his defence Clearer then ever is thy Innocence CHAP. XLV An Oracle given to Philip. They say that Philip received an Oracle â—…n Boeotia at the Trophonian Cave That he should take heed of a Chariot Fearing therefore because of the Oracle it is reported he would never goe in a Chariot Thâ—… success is related two waies Some saâ—… that the Sword of Pausanias wherewith 〈◊〉 killed Philip had a Chariot carved in Ivorâ—… upon the Hilt Others that he was slain 〈◊〉 he went round the Thebaean Lake nameâ—… Harma a Chariot The first report is morâ—… generally received the other is less frequenâ—… CHAP. XLVI A Law of the Stagirites This was a Law of the Stagirites trulâ—… becoming the Greeks What you laid noâ—… down take not away CHAP. XLVII Of Timotheus and some others whoâ—… their Vertues availed nothing The Athenians first magnified Timâ—…theus but afterwards when he was thougâ—… to have offended neither did his own merits avail him in the least nor those of hâ—… Ancestours Themistocles was nothing
might come to him To Simonides the Cean Poet he was very kind and kept him alwaies with him obliging him as is probable by great gifts and rewards for that Simonides was a great lover of money none will deny This Hipparchus made it his business to favour Learned men and endeavoured by his authority to reduce the Athenians to Learning and to better his Subjects conceiving that no man ought to envy Wisedome who himself is just and honest This Plato relates if Hipparchus be truly his CHAP. III. The Athenian Custome of killing an Oxe and of the Diipolian and Buphonian Festival This is an Athenian Custome when an Oxe is killed By Proclamation they acquit all severally of Murther onely they condemn the Knife and say that killed him The day on which they doe this they call the Diipolian and Buphonian Festival CHAP. IV. Of the Luxury of Poliarchus They say that Poliarchus the Athenian arrived at so great a height of Luxury that he caused those Dogs and Cocks which he had loved being dead to be carried out solemnly and invited friends to their Funerals and buried them splendidly erecting Columns over them on which were engraved Epitaphs CHAP. V. Of Neleus and Medon and the Twelve Ionian Cities Neleus Son of Codrus being deposed from the Regalâ—… Government left Athens for the Pythian Oracle assigned the Kingdome to Medon and intending to settle a Colony came to Naxus not by design but driven thither by Tempest willing to depart thence he was hindred by contrary winds Whereupon being in suspence what to doe the Soothsayers told him that his Company must be expiated there being amongst those who came along with him many persons whose hands were defiled with bloud Hereupon he pretended that he had killed some servant and needed Expiation whereby he induced such as were conscious of ill to the same Which done having now discovered who were the prophane persons he left them They continued at Naxus but Neleus came to Ionia and first setled at Miletus having turned out the Carians the Mygdonians the Leleges and the rest of the Barbarians who built the Twelve Cities in Ionia The Cities are these Miletus Ephesus Erythrae Clazomenae Priena Lesbus Teos Colophon Myus Phocaea Samos and Chios He also built many other Cities in Epirus CHAP. VI. Of the ignorance of Learning and Institution amongst the Barbarians They say that none of the ancient Thracians knew any thing of Learning Even all the Barbarians that inhabited Europe thought it dishonourable to understand Literature But those in Asia as is said used it more Whence some forbear not to affirm That not Orpheus himself being a Thracian was wise but that his Writings are false and fabulous This Androtion asserts if he be credible concerning the ignorance of Learning and Institution amongst the Thracians CHAP. VII Of the Marriages solemnized by Alexander after his Victory over Darius Alexander having taken Darius solemnized Marriages of himself and friends The men that were married were ninety and the Marriage-beds as many The Hall in which they were entertained had a hundred Couches such as they used to lie on at Meals The feet of every Couch were of Silver but of that on which he lay they were of Gold They were all covered with various-coloured Carpets of rich Barbarian work He admitted to the Feast some particular Friends whom he caused to sit over against him In the Court were feasted the Foot-souldiers Mariners Horsemen Embassadours and Forein Greeks Before Supper the Trumpets sounded to give notice that it was time to come to the Table and again when Supper was ended that they should rise to depart He solemnized these Nuptials five daies together Very many Musicians and Players Tragedians and Comedians came thither There came also many Jugglers out of India of which kind those of that Country exceed all others CHAP. VIII Of the Art of Painting Conon the Cleonaean as is said perfected the Art of Painting which until then was but rude and very indifferent and as it were in its infancy For which reason he also received a greater reward then the Painters that were before CHAP. IX Of a Tyrant killed by his Friend Archelaus Tyrant of Macedonia for so Plato calls him not King loved Crateuas exceedingly who no less loved the supreme Command and therefore killed his Friend Archelaus hoping thereby to obtain the Tyranny and make himself happy But having possest the Tyranny three or four daies he was also betraied by others and slain To this Macedonick Tragedy aptly suit these Verses Who snares for others laies Himself at last betraies They say that Archelaus had betrothed one of his Daughters to him but marrying her to another he out of indignation slew Archelaus CHAP. X. Of Solon and the Laws written by him and Draco The Athenians chose Solon their Archon for that Office was not conferr'd by lot After he was chosen he beautified the City besides other things with Laws which he writ for them and are observed to this day Then the Athenians gave over using the Laws of Draco which were called Thesmi retaining onely those which concerned Homicides CHAP. XI Of the decay and dissolution of things and of the World it self It is not to be wondred at that Humane Nature being mortal and transitory necessitates them to perish if we look upon Rivers that fail and consider that even the highest Mountains diminish Travellers say that Aetna appears to be much less then it was formerly They relate the same of Parnassus and Olympus the Pierican Mountain And they who seem to understand the nature of the Universe assert that the World it self shall be dissolved CHAP. XII Of Demosthenes Aeschines Theophrastus and Demochares It is a strange thing if true that Demosthenes failing of Rhetorick in Macedonia Aeschines the Cothocidean son of Atromitus flourished amongst the Macedonians and farre transcended the rest of the Embassadours in wit The cause whereby this happened to Aeschines was the friendship of Philip and his gifts and because Philip heard him patiently and pleasingly and looked upon him with a mild and benevolent aspect thereby discovering the good will he had for him all which were great incitements to Aeschines of confidence and fluent Language This happened not onely to Demosthenes in Macedonia though a most excellent Oratour but also to Theophrastus the Eresian for he likewise was at a loss before the Council of the Areopagus for which he alledged this excuse That he was daunted with the grave presence of the Senate To which speech Demochares answered bitterly and readily thus Theophrastus the Judges were Athenians not the twelve Gods CHAP. XIII Of some who never laughed They say that Anaxagoras the Clazomenian never laughed nor so much as smiled They say also that Aristoxenus was a great enemy to Laughter And that Heraclitus bewailed all things in life CHAP. XIV Of the death of Diogenes Diogenes the Sinopean being sick to death and scarce able to goe cast himself from
know neither what is fit to be said or done it is convenient to die but me who know these things it behoveth to live CHAP. XII An Apophthegm of Archytas concerning Men. Archytas said that as it is hard to find a Fish without sharp bones so is it to find a Man who hath not something of deceit and sharpness CHAP. XIII That Archilochus defamed himself Critias accused Archilochus for defaming himself For saith he if he himself had not brought this report of himself into Greece we could never have known either that he was son of Enipo a Woman-servant or that he left Parus through want and penury and came to Thasus how that after he came thither he bore them enmity nor that he spake ill of friends and foes alike nor said he had we known that he was an Adulterer if we had not been told it by himself nor that he was luxurious and insolent nor which was the basest of all that he threw away his Shield Wherefore he was no good Witness of himself leaving so bad a Record behind him This is laid to his charge not by me but by Critias CHAP. XIV Of Idleness Socrates said that Idleness is the Sister of Liberty alledging in testimony hereof the Indians and Persians people most valiant and most free but as to work most slothful The Phrygians and Lydians very laborious and servile CHAP. XV. Of those who were betrothed to the Daughters of Aristides and Lysander Some of the most eminent of the Grecians betrothed themselves to the Daughters of Aristides whilest he was yet living but they looked not upon the life of Aristides nor admired his Justice For if they had been emulators of these they would not afterward have broken their contract But as soon as he was dead they disengaged themselves from the Virgins because at his death it was known that the Son of Lysimachus was poor which deterred those miserable men from so worthy in my opinion and honourable a Match The like happened to Lysander for when they knew that he was poor they shunned his Alliance CHAP. XVI Of Antisthenes and Diogenes Antisthenes invited many to learn Philosophy of him but none came At last growing angry he would admit none at all and therefore bad Diogenes be gone also Diogenes continuing to come frequently he chid and threatned him and at last struck him with his Staff Diogenes would not goe back but persisting still in desire of hearing him said Strike if you will here is my head you cannot find a Staff hard enough to drive me from you until you have instructed me Antisthenes overcome with his perseverance admitted him and made him his intimate Friend CHAP. XVII Of those who grew rich by publick Imployments Critias saith that Themistocles Son of Neocles before he had a publick Command was Heir to no more then three Talents But having had a charge in the Commonwealth and happening afterwards to be banished his estate being exposed to publick sale was valued at more then a hundred Talents Likewise Cleon before he came to be engaged in publick affairs had not means enough for a free person but afterwards left an estate of fifty Talents CHAP. XVIII Of Syracusian Daphnis and of Bucolick Verses Some say that Daphnis the Neatherd was Mercurie's Friend others his Son and that he had this name from an accident For he was born of a Nymph and as soon as born exposed under a Laurel-tree The Cows which he kept they say were Sisters to those of the Sun mentioned by Homer in the Odyssees Whilest Daphnis kept Cows in Sicily being very beautiful a Nymph fell in love with him whom he enjoyed being in his blooming years at which time as Homer saith the gracefulness of Youth appeareth most attractive They agreed that he should not enjoy any other but if he transgressed she threatned him that it was decreed by fate he should lose his Sight Hereupon they plighted troth mutually Afterwards the King's Daughter falling in love with him he being drunk violated the agreement and lay with her This was the first occasion of Bucolick Verses the subject whereof was to bewail the misfortune of Daphnis and the loss of his eyes Stesichorus the Himeraean first used this kind of Verse CHAP. XIX Of Eurydamus Eurydamus the Cyrenaean gained the Victory at the Caestus His teeth being beaten out by his Antagonist he swallowed them down that his adversary might not perceive it CHAP. XX. Of Agesilaus The Persian Emperour sent word to Agesilaus that he would be his friend Agesilaus returned answer That he could not be a friend particularly to Agesilaus but if he were friend to all the Lacedemonians he must consequently be his also for he had a share in each of them CHAP. XXI Of Plato Perictione carried Plato in her arms Aristo sacrificing in Hymettus to the Muses or the Nymphs whilest they were performing the divine Rites she laid Plato down among certain thick and shady Myrtle-trees that grew near to the place A swarm of Hymettian Bees lighted about his mouth as he slept thereby signifying the future sweetness of Plato's Tongue CHAP. XXII Of Dioxippus Dioxippus in the presence of Alexander and the Macedonians laying hold of a Club challenged Corrhagus a Macedonian armed to single combat and having broken his Spear closed with the man in armour and casting him down set his foot upon his neck and drawing forth the sword that was girt to him slew the armed man Alexander hated him for this He perceiving that Alexander hated him died of grief The End AELIAN's Various History The Eleventh BOOK CHAP. I. Of Oricadmus and the Art of Wrastling ORicadmus gave rules for Wrastling and invented that manner of Wrastling which is called Sicilian CHAP. II. Of the Verses of Oroebantius Dares and Melisander The Poems of Oroebantius the Troezenian were before Homer as the Troezenian relations affirm They â—…ay also that Dares the Phrygian whose Phrygian Iliad I know to be yet extant was before Homer Melisander the Milesian writ the Battel betwixt the Lapithae and the Centaurs CHAP. III. Of Icchus and Wrastling Icchus the Tarentine used Wrastling and in the time of his exercise continued most temperate using spare diet and living continently all his time CHAP. IV. Of the Baldness of Agathocles They say that Agathocles Tyrant of Sicily was Bald-headed even to derision his hair by degrees falling off he ashamed made a Myrtle Garland to cover his head and hide the Baldness The Syracusians were not ignorant of his want of Hair but they took no notice of it by reason of his fierce spirit and Tyrannical demeanour CHAP. V. Of some persons unjustly condemned for Sacrilege Some persons sacrificed at Delphi the Delphians conspiring against them privately put consecrated Monies into the Baskets wherein was their Frankincense and Cakes for Sacrifice Hereupon apprehending them as Sacrilegious persons they led them to the top of the Rock and according to the Delphian Law threw them down CHAP. VI. Of
their liberâ—…y and returning to their accustomed diet they sung the notes proper to their kinds bidding a long farewel to Hanno and to the Song which he had taught them when they were kept up prisoners CHAP. XXXI Of Prolemee surnamed Tryphoâ—… Ptolemee Tryphon for so he was called from his manner of living when a beautisul Woman came to speak with him said My Sister advised me not to admit discourse with a fair Woman She confidently and readily replied You may receive it then from a fair Man which he hearing commended her CHAP. XXXII Of Pimandridas who praised not his Son for gathering together Riches A Lacedemonian named Pimandridas being to take a Journey committed the management of his estate to his Son At his return finding his means encreased much beyond what he had left he told his Son that he had wronged the Gods and those of his Family and Guests For whatsoever abounds in our estates should by such as are free persons be bestowed upon them But to seem whilest we live indigent and being dead to be found to have been rich is the most dishonourable thing amongst men CHAP. XXXIII Of Plato and Diogenes Diogenes being present at a discourse of Plato's would not mind it whereat Plato angry said Thou Dog why mindest thou not Diogenes unmoved answered Yet I never return to the place where I was sold as Dogs doe alluding to Plato's Voyage to Sicily It is reported that Plato used to say of Diogenes This man is Socrates mad CHAP. XXXIV Of whom the Aegyptians learned Laws and of their Judges The Aegyptians affirm that they learnt their Law of Hermes Thus all people magnifie what belongs to themselves The Judges amongst the Aegyptians were of old the same with their Priests Of these the eldest was the Chief and Judged all he must be the most Just and upright of men He had a Sculpture about his neck of Saphire which Sculpture was named Truth but as I conceive a Judge should wear Truth not engraved in a Stone but in his Mind CHAP. XXXV Of Lais. Lais was called also Axine an Axe which name implies the cruelty of her disposition and that she extorted much especially of Strangers who were to depart suddenly CHAP. XXXVI That they are ridiculous who think highly of themselves because of their Parents They are to be laughed at who think highly of themselves because of their Parents and Ancestors for we know not the Father of Marius but admire him for his own actions As likewise Cato Servilius Hostilius and Romulus CHAP. XXXVII Of Statues and Images Statues which the art of Carving affords us and Images I use to look upon not carelesly for there is much wisedome observable in this Art which may be argued beâ—…ides many other things from this that no Carver or Painter did ever represent to us the Muses in shape feigned or misbecoming the Daughters of Jupiter neither was there ever any Artist so mad as to represent them in Armour Which demonstrateth that the life of those who are addicted to the Muses ought to be peaceful quiet and worthy of them CHAP. XXXVIII Of Epaminondas and Pelopidas I have been told many excellent sayings of Epaminondas the Theban amongst the rest this He said to Pelopidas that he never went out of the form every day until he had gained a new friend to adde to the number of his old CHAP. XXXIX How Antalcidas found fault with a Present perfumed with Unguent A King of Persia for I will relate to you somthing pleasant dipping a Garland which was woven of Roses in sweet Unguents sent it to Antalcidas who came to him on an Embassy for Peace But he I receive saith he the gift and commend the civility but you have spoiled the native odour of the Roses with the adulteration of Art CHAP. XL. Of the Cruelty of Alexander Tyrant of the Pheraeans Alexander Tyrant of the Pheraeans was thought to be extremely cruel But when Theodorus the Tragick Poet did with much passion act the Tragedy Aërope he burst forth into tears and rising up went out of the Theater He made an Apology to Theodorus that he went not away through any slighting or disrespect of him but that he was ashamed to discover compassion at a Play not shewing any to his Subjects CHAP. XLI Of Apollodorus his Madness in Wine Apollodorus drinking Wine more then any man did not conceal his Vice or endeavour to hide his drunkenness and the ill consequence thereof but being enflamed and enraged with Wine shewed himself more bloudy increasing the cruelty of his nature by this corporeal vice CHAP. XLII A Sentence of Xenocrates Xenocrates friend of Plato used to say That it is all one whether we put our feet or our eyes in the house of another man for he sins as much who looks upon those places which he ought not as he who enters upon them CHAP. XLIII Of Ptolemee and Berenice They say that Ptolemee used to pass his time at Dice In the mean time one standing by read the names of condemned persons and the Crimes for which they were condemned that he might decree who of them should be put to death Berenice his Wife taking the Book from the Servant would not suffer him to reade any faâ—…ther saying That when the lives of men were in question it should not be so slightly considered but seriously and not at Play for there is no comparison betwixt Dice and Men. Ptolemee was pleased herewith and would never after hear Judicial affairs whilest he was plâ—…ying at Dice CHAP. XLIV A Lacedemonian Law concerning Covetousness A young man a Lacedemonian having bought Land at an uâ—…der-rate was cited before the Magistrates and fined The reason why he was thought worthy punishment was this That being a young-man he was eagerly bent upon gain Amongst other things of the Lacedemonians this was very manly to oppose not onely Enemies but Covetousness CHAP. XLV Of certain Women worthy praise We extol of the Grecian Women Penelope Alcestis and the Wife of Protesilaus Of Romane Cornelia Porcia and Cestilia I could reckon many more but I will not having alledged so few of the Grecians overwhelm them with Romane names lest any one should think I gratifie my own Countrey CHAP. XLVI Of the Battel of the Magnetes against the Ephesians The Magnetes who border upon Maeander warring against the Ephesians every Horseman took along with him a Hound and a Servant that served as an Archer As soon as they came near the Dogs falling fiercely upon the Enemy disordered them and the Servants advancing before their Masters shot The Dogs first routed them then the Servants did them much harm and lastly they themselves fell upon them CHAP. XLVII Of Zeuxis his Picture of Helen and of Nicostratus a Painter When Zeuxis the Heracleote had drawn Helen Nicostratus a Painter was astonished at the sight of the Picture One coming to him asked what was the reason he so much admired the Workmanship He answered If you
benefited either by the Sea-fight at Salamâ—… or his Embassy to Sparta I mean that Emâ—… bassy by which he gave the Athenian means to build up their Walls again Foâ—… â—…e was banished not onely from Athens â—…ut quite out of Greece Pausanias the Laâ—…edemonian was nothing helped by his Viâ—…tory at Plataeae for when affairs were newâ—…odelled at Byzantium and they were â—…ck of the Persian Disease he lost that faâ—…our which he formerly had Phocion was â—…ot saved by the general title of Phocion â—…e Good nor by his age of seventy five â—…ears in which time he never injured any â—…thenian in the least for the Atheniansâ—…agining â—…agining that he would have betrayed the â—…yroeum to Antipater condemned him to â—…eath The End AELIAN's Various History The Fourth BOOK CHAP. I. Several Customes of Nations and Peoplâ—… ACertain Law of the Lucaniâ—… saith That if after Sun-set Stranger come and request 〈◊〉 lodge under the roof of any onâ—… if he entertain not the man let him be pâ—… nished and pay the penalties of Inhospiâ—… lity As I conceive both to the person thâ—… came to him and to hospitable Jupiter I am informed that the Dardanians in 〈◊〉 lyria wash but thrice in their whole liâ—… at Birth at Marriage and at Death The Indians do not let out money use neither do they receive any Neithâ—… is it lawful for an Indian to give or taâ—… â—…rong Hence they neither make Bonds â—…r give Pawns It is a Sardinian Law That when Paâ—…nts grow very old their sons should by eating them with Clubs kill them and â—…en bury them they conceiving it unfit â—…at a man at extraordinary old age should â—…ve any longer he frequently failing by reaâ—…n of his bodie 's being opprest with old â—…ge There was also this Law amongst â—…em They punished Idleness and he who â—…ved slothfully was to be arraigned and to â—…ive an account of his manner of life and to â—…ew where were his means of subsistence The Assyrians gathered together in a cerâ—…in City such Virgins as were fit for Marriâ—…e proclaiming a Fair of them and whoâ—…ever buyes one carries her away as his â—…ride The Biblians if they light upon any â—…ing by chance in the way take not up â—…hat they laid not down for such a thing 〈◊〉 not esteemed the right of the finder but theft The Berbiccans put all persons to death â—…at are above threescore and ten years â—…ld the Men by Sword the Women by â—…alter The Colchians intomb their dead in Skins in which they sow them and hang them up on trees It was a custome of the Lydians to prostitute their Women before Marriage buâ—… being once married they must live continently and she who transgressed was noâ—… capable of pardon CHAP. II. Of the difference betwixt Nicostratus who plaied upon the Lute onely and Laodocus who both plaied and sung to th Lute It is reported that Nicostratus a Fidleâ—… arguing with Laodocus a Lutenist abouâ—… Musick said That he in a great Art waâ—… little but that himself in a little Art wâ—… great It is therefore a commendable thinâ—… not onely to improve a Family and Estate but an Art also if we believe Nicostratuâ—… who in this said excellently CHAP. III. Of Polygnotus and Dionysius Paiâ—…ters Polygnotus a Thasian and Dionysius Colophonian were two Painters Polygnotâ—… â—…rought to the full bigness and most comâ—…only descriptions of Games Dionysius opied the same things in little alike exacty in every thing but their bigness as the pirit air posture habit and the like CHAP. IV. A Theban Law concerning Artificers and Painters I am told there is a Law at Thebes which â—…ommands Artificers both Painters and â—…otters to make the Figures as good as may be This Law menaceth to those who â—…ould or paint them not well a pecuniary â—…ulct CHAP. V. Persons that were mindful of Benefits Persons that were mindful of Benefits â—…eceived and gratefully requited them Theseus to Hercules for Aidoneus King of the Molossians having cast Theseus into bonds because he came along with Pirithous to steal away his Wife not intending to marry her himself but doing this onely for the sake of Pirithous Hercules coming to the Molossians set Theseus at liberty for which Theseus erected an Altar to him And those seven Captains that besieged Thebes were grateful to Pronax for Pronax being killed in their Cause they instituted Games in memory of him which most think were celebrated for the Captain Archemorus And Hercules was grateful to Nestor for when Neleus would not entertain him and the rest of his sons were of Neleus his minde Nestor onely dissented for which reason Hercules having taken the City put Neleus and the rest of his sons to death but not onely spared Nestor but bestowed on him the Kingdom of his Ancestours And the Athenians expressed a publick gratitude to the children of Hercules for because their progenitour had deserved well of Theseus the Athenians did therefore conduct them to Peloponnesus And Hercules was grateful to the three hundred and threescore Cleonians For they having aided â—…im against the Molionidae and dying generously and honourably he transferred to them the Honours which the Nemeans bestowed on him for subduing the Lion which over-ran and wasted their Country And Menestheus son of Peteus was not ungrateful to the Tyndaridae for they having cast out the sons of Theseus and taken Aethra the Mother of Theseus Prisoner they bestowed the Kingdome upon Menestheus for which reason Menestheus named them Kings and Preservers And Darius son of Hystaspes having whilest he was yet a private person received in gift a Garment from Syloson when he was possessed of the Empire bestowed on him the Government of his own Country Samos Gold as we may say for Dross CHAP. VI. An Oracle concerning the Athenians When the Lacedemonians would have utterly destroyed the City of the Athenians consulting the Oracle they brought answer in this manner Do not remove the common Altar of Greece CHAP. VII That sometimes the Dead rest not even after Death and of Pausanias Not Death it self benefits wicked persons since even then they cannot rest But either they are wholly destitute of Sepulchres or if buried yet fail of the latest honor and common port of all Bodies So when Pausanias took part with the Medes the Lacedemonians not onely famished him but threw his carcase out beyond their Borders as Epitimedes reports CHAP. VIII Of the Vicissitudes of Fortune Who knows not the sudden and swift changes of Fortune The Lacedemonians when they were Masters of the Thebans were again so subdued by them that the Thebans came not onely into Peloponnesus but passed Eurotas and wasted the Country of the Lacedemonians and had taken their City if Epimonandas had not feared that all the Peloponnesians should conspire and fight for Sparta Dionysius the Tyrant being besieged by the Carthaginians having no hope of relief did quite despair and intended to run away but one of his friends named Ellopides coming to him said
O Dionysius the Title of King is an excellent Funeral ornament Hereat ashamed he took heart and with a few overcame many Myriads and enlarged his Empire Amyntas the Macedonian being worsted by the neighbouring Barbarians and losing his Kingdome took his resolution to quit the Country wholly thinking he did enough if he saved himself Whilest he was in these thoughts one told him the saying of Ellopides whereupon seizing a little place and gathering many Souldiers together he recovered the Kingdome The Aegyptians in their own language called Ochus an Ass reproching his sloth by the dulness of that Beast For which he seizing Apis sacrificed him to an Ass. Dio son of Hipparinus being banished by Dionysius with three thousand Souldiers conquered him and reduced him to his own estate a banished person The Syracuâ—…ians with nine Gallies assaulting an hundred and twenty of the Carthaginians overcame them CHAP. IX Of the Humility of Plato and Ingratitude of Aristotle Plato son of Aristo at the Olympick Games fell into company with some strangers who knew him not upon whose affections he gained much by his affable conversation dining and spending the whole day with them not mentioning either the Academy or Socrates onely saying his name was Plato When they came to Athens he entertained them courteously Come Plato said the strangers shew us your name-sake Socrates his disciple bring us to the Academy recommend us to him that we may know him He smiling a little as he used said ' ' I am the man whereat they were much amazed having conversed so familiarly with a person of that note and not knowing him who used no boasting or ostentation Whence it appears that besides his Philosophical discourse his ordinary conversation was extremely winning Plato called Aristotle a Colt What is meant by that name is manifest a Colt as soon as it is satisfied with the milk of the Dam kicks at her Plato therefore hereby signified some Ingratitude of Aristotle for he having received the greatest seeds of Philosophy from him and introduction thereto as soon as he was replenished and satisfied with the best things thereof revolted from him and getting his friends together set up against him Peripateticism professing himself Plato's adversary CHAP. X. What respect Pericles had for the Athenian people Did not Pericles son of Xanthippus bear a great respect to the Athenian people To me it appears so for as often as he was to speak in publick he wished that no word might fall from him which might exasperate the people as being contrary to them or their opinion CHAP. XI Of the Luxury of Socrates Diogenes said that Socrates himself was luxurious for he was too curious in his little House and in his little Bed and in the Sandals which he used to wear CHAP. XII Of the Picture of Helena drawn by Zeuxis Zeuxis the Heracleote having drawn Helena got much money by the Picture for he admitted not every one that came accidentally or out of a desire to see it but made them first pay money before they saw it Hereupon the Heracleote gaining much money by the Picture the Grecians of that time called this Helena a Curtezan CHAP. XIII The saying and happiness of Epicurus Epicurus the Gargettian said that to whom a little is not sufficient nothing is sufficient The same said that he was ready to contend with Jupiter in felicity when he had bread and water This being the opinion of Epicurus what he meant when he praised Pleasure we shall know elsewhere CHAP. XIV Of sparing and keeping Riches Many times Riches gathered together peny by peny with much labour as Archilochus saith are poured into the lap of a Curtezan For money is as the Sea Hedge-hog easier to be taken then kept Anaxagoras also in his Book of Kingly Government saith It is hard to get Money but much harder to keep it CHAP. XV. Of some who in sickness learned Musick and other Sciences in which recovering they became eminent Hiero Tyrant of Sicily is said to have been first a private person and of all men the most averse from learning Musick and nothing inferiour to his brother Gelo in Rusticity But falling sick he became extraordinary learned imploying the leisure of his infirmity in hearing learned Discourses Hiero therefore recovering heard Simonides the Cean Pindarus the Theban and Bacchylides the Juliet but Gelo was illiterate to the last They say also that Ptolemee the second falling sick became very learned And Plato affirms that Theages studied Philosophy upon no other occasion then the leisure of sickness which hindring him from Civil affairs forced him to the love of Learning What man of understanding wisheth not that sickness had befallen Alcibiades Critias Pausanias the Lacedemonian and others To Alcibiades and Critias that they might not have revolted from Socrates One becoming insolent and sometimes taking part with the Boeotians sometimes with the Thessalians the Medes and Persians adhering to Pharnabazus But Critias became most Tyrannical and bloudy and much opprest his Country and led a hated life And Straton son of Corrhagus seems to have fallen sick advantageously For being of an old family and rich he used no exercise but falling ill of the Spleen and exercise being requisite for his cure he addicted himself to it and making progress therein he in one day at the Olympick Games was Victor in wrastling and the Pancratium as also in the following Olympick and Nemean and Isthmian and Pythian Games Likewise Democrates the Wrastler having a pain in his feet went to the Games and standing in the Stadium made a Circle about himself and challenged his Antagonists to force him beyond the line which they not able to doe were worsted And he for continuing firmly in his station went away crowned CHAP. XVI Qualities of some of the Ancients If any man imitate Callias he will make him a great Drinker if Ismenias a Player on the Flute a Boaster if Alcibiades a maker of Broths if Crobylus an excellent Oratour if Demosthenes Warlike if Epaminondas Magnanimous if Agesilaus Good if Phocion Just if Aristides and Wise if Socrates CHAP. XVII Wonders and Opinions of Pythagoras Pythagoras taught men that he was begotten of a better kind then mortal nature For on the same day and at the same hour he was seen at Metapontium and in Crotona Likewise at Olympia he shewed one of his Thighs which was of Gold and did make Myllias the Crotonian call to mind that he had been Midas son of Gordius a Phrygian He also stroked a white Eagle which â—…ame to him of her own accord and as he paâ—…sed over the River Cosa the River saluted him saying Hail Pythagoras He afsiâ—…med the leaf of Mallows to be most sacred He said that Arithmetick is the wisest of all things Next he who imposed names on things And that Earthquakes were nothing else but Conventions of the dead And that the Rainbow is the beams of the Sun And that the sound which frequently strikes the