The lives of the noble Grecians and Romanes compared together by that graue learned philosopher and historiographer, Plutarke of Chæronea ; translated out of Greeke into French by Iames Amyot ... ; and out of French into Englishe, by Thomas North.

AGIS AND CLEOMENES. [unspec C]

[illustration]

[unspec D]

* 1.1TRuely the fable of Ixion was not ill deuised against ambicious persons: who imbracing a clowde for the goddesse Iuno, begot (as it is sayd) the CENTAVRI. For euen so ambicious men, imbracing glory for the true image of vertue, doe neuer any acte that is good nor perfect: but bee∣ing caried away with diuers fancies, and following others humors with [unspec E] desire to please the people, they may, as the herdmen in the tragedy of Sophocles (speaking of their cattell) say:

VVe vvayt vppon their breasts, though vve their Maisters bee, And vvheresoeuer they become, there also follovve vvee.

Such in deede are they compared to, that gouerne common weales, after peoples lust and fancy: who doubtles, are as their seruaunts obedient at call, bicause they onely may enioy the glorious title and name of an Officer. For like as in a shippe the Mariners that stande in the prowe, doe better see before them, then the Pilots that steere the helme in the poope, and yet lookes alwayes backe vnto them to see what they commaunde: euen so, they that gouerne in the common wealth for honors sake, are no better thē honorable slaues of the people, hauing [unspec F] no more but the bare name of a gouernor. But in deede, the perfect good and honest man should neuer couer outward glory, but as a meane to bringe him to noble attempts, whereby

[unspec A] he might procure the better credit of his doings. And for a younge man that coueteth honor by vertue, giue him leaue a litle to glory in his well doing: for, as Theophrastus sayth,* 1.2 vertue buddeth and florisheth in youth, and taketh fast roote by prayses giuen, as wit & corage grow∣eth in them. But ouermuch praise is daungerous in euery person,* 1.3 but chiefly in ambicious go∣uernors. For if they be men of great power, it makes them commit many desperat partes: for they wil not allow that honor proceedes of vertue, but that honor is vertue it selfe. But in deed they should say as Phocion did vnto Antipater,* 1.4 that requested an vnlawfull matter of him: Thou canst not, said he, haue Phocion a friend and a flatterer both. This, or the very like, may be sayd vnto the people: you can not both haue one, a Maister and a seruaunt, that can commaunde and obey together. Or els the mischiefe spoken of in the tale of the Dragon must needes hap∣pen, [unspec B] which was:* 1.5 the taile on a time fell out with the head, and complained, saying, it would an other while go before, & would not alwaies come behind. The head graunted the taile, which fell out very ill for it, not knowing howe to guide the heade, and besides that the head thereby was tormented euery way, beeing compelled against nature to follow that part and member, which could nether heare, nor see how to guide it. The like matter haue we seene happen vnto many, which in the administracion of the common wealth, did seeke to please the humors of the multitude. For when they haue once put their heads vnder their girdles to please the com∣mon people, which without cause & reason doe soone rebell: they can by no possible meanes afterwards bridle their furie & insolencie.* 1.6 Now the reason that made vs to enter into discourse against the ambition and vaine glorye amongest the people: was the consideracion I had of [unspec C] their greate power, remembring the misfortunes of Tiberius and Caius Gracchi: bothe the which comming of a noble house, and hauing bene maruelous well brought vp, & maneging also the affayres of the common wealth with a good desire, were notwithstanding in the ende cast away: not so much through couetousnes of glorye, as for feare of dishonor, which came also of no base mind. For they hauing receiued great pleasures and friendships of the people, were ashamed to be indetted to them, and therefore earnestly sought to exceede the people in good will, by new decrees and deuises, which they preferred for common benefit: and the people also for their partes contended to honor them the more, by how much they striued to shewe them selues thankefull. So with like strife on either side, they go gratifie the common people, and the people also to honor them, were vnwares so entangled with publike causes, [unspec D] that they could no more follow the common prouerbe, which sayth:

Although our deedes discent from equitie, Yet can vve not desist vvith honestie.

This thou shalt easily finde by the declaracion of the historie. With these we doe compare two other popular men, both kinges of LACEDAEMON, Agis and Cleomenes. For they, as the Gracchi, seeking to increase the power of the common people, and to restore the iust and honest gouernment againe of the common wealth of LACEDAEMON, which of long time had bene out of vse: did in like manner purchase the hate of the nobilitie, which were loth to lose any part of their wonted couetousnes. In deed these two LACONIANS were no brethrē borne, but yet did both follow one selfe course & forme of gouernment, which had beginning in this [unspec E] sort. After that couetousnes of gold and siluer crept againe into the citie of SPARTA, and with riches, couetousnes also and miserie, and by vse, voluptuousnes and licentious life: SPARTA then was void of all honor and goodnes, and was long time drowned in shame and dishonor, vntill king Agis and Leonidas came to raigne there. Agis was of the house of the Eurytiontides,* 1.7 the sonne of Eudamidas, the sixt of lineall descent after Agesilaus, who had beene the greatest Prince of all GRAECE in his time. This Agesilaus had a sonne slaine in ITALY by the MESSAPI∣ANS, called Archidamus, before the citie of MANDONIVM. Archidamus had issue two sonnes, A∣gis, and Eudamidas that was king, who succeeded his brother Agis, whom Antipater slue before the citie of MEGALIPOLIS, and left no children behind him. Eudamidas begat Archidamus, which Archidamus begat another Eudamidas: which Eudamidas also begat Agis, whose life we [unspec F] now write of. Leonidas also,* 1.8 the sonne of Cleonymus, was of the other familie of the Agiades, the right of succession after Pausanias, who slue Mardonius, the kings Lieuetenant general of PER∣SIA, in a battell fought before the citie of PLAT••••S. This Pausanias had a sonne called Plisto∣nax,

and Plistonax also an other, called Pausanias: who flying from SPARTA vnto the citie of [unspec A] TEGEA, his eldest sonne Agesipolis was made king in his fathers roome, who dying without is∣sue, his yonger brother Cleombrotus succeeded him in the kingdō. Cleombrotus had two sonnes, Agesipolis and Cleomenes: of the which, Agesipolis raigned not long king, and dyed without issue. Then Cleomenes his brother, who was king after him, had two sonnes, Acrotatus the elder, that dyed in his fathers life time: and Cleonymus the yonger which suruiued him, and was not king, but one Areus his Nephewe, the sonne of Acrotatus. This Areus dyed before the citie of CO∣RINTHE: who hauing an other Acrotatus to his sonne, he succeeded him in the kingdome. He also dyed at a battell before the citie of MEGALIPOLIS, and was slayne there by the tyrant A∣ristodemus,* 1.9 leauing his wife great with childe. She beeing brought to bedde after his death of a sonne, whome Leonidas the sonne of Cleonymus taught and brought vp: the childe dying very [unspec B] young,* 1.10 the crowne by his death was cast apon Leonidas him selfe. Howbeit his maners & con∣ditions neuer liked the people. For though all men generally were corrupted through the cō∣mon wealth, and cleane out of order: yet Leonidas of all other exceeded, deforming most the auncient LACONIAN life, bicause he had bene long time brought vp in Princes houses, & fol∣lowed also Seleucus Court, from whence he had brought all the pride and pompe of those Courts into GRAECE, where law & reason ruleth. Agis on the contrary part did not onely farre excel Leonidas,* 1.11 in honor and magnanimitie of mind: but all other almost also which had raig∣ned in SPARTA, from the time of Agesilaus the great. So that when Agis was not yet twenty yeare old, and being daintily brought vp with the finenes of two women, his mother Agesistra∣ta, and Archidamia his grandmother, which had more gold and siluer, then all the LACEDAE∣MONIANS [unspec C] els: he began to spurne against these womanish delights & pleasures, in making him selfe fayer to be the better beliked, and to be fine and trimme in his apparell, and to cast vpon him a plaine spanish cape, taking pleasure in the dyet, bathes, and manner of the auncient LA∣CONIAN life: and openly boasted besides, that he would not desire to be king, but onely for the hope he had to restore the auncient LACONIAN life by his authority.* 1.12 Then began the state of LACEDAEMON first to be corrupted, and to leaue her auncient discipline, when the LACEDAE∣MONIANS hauing subdued the Empire of the ATHENIANS, stored them selues & contry both, with plenty of gold & siluer. But yet reseruing still the lands left vnto them by succession from their fathers, according vnto Lycurgus first ordinaunce & institucion, for diuision of the landes amongest them: which ordinaunce, and equalitie being inuiolably kept amongest them, did [unspec D] yet preserue the common wealth from defamation of diuers other notorious crimes.* 1.13 Vntil the time of the authoritie of Epitadeus,* 1.14 one of the Ephores, a seditious man, and of prowde condi∣tions: who bitterly falling out with his own sonne, preferred a law, that euery man might law∣fully giue his landes and goods whilest he liued, or after his death by testament, vnto any man whom he liked or thought well of. Thus this man made this law to satisfie his anger, & others also did confirme it for couetousnes sake, and so ouerthrew a noble ordinaunce. For the riche men then began to buy lands of numbers, and so transferred it from the right & lawful heires whereby a few men in short time being made very riche, immediatly after there fell out great pouertie in the citie of SPARTA, which made all honest sciences to cease, & brought in there∣uppon vnlawfull occupacions, who enuyed them that were wealthy. Therefore, there remay∣ned [unspec E] not aboue seuen hundred naturall Citizens of SPARTA in all, & of them, not aboue a hun∣dred that had lands and inheritance: for all the rest were poore people in the citie, and were of no countenaunce nor calling, & besides that, went vnwillingly to the warres against their ene∣mies, looking euery day for sturre and chaunge in the citie. Agis therefore thinking it a notable good acte (as in deede it was) to replenish the citie of SPARTA againe,* 1.15 and to bringe in the old equalitie, he moued the matter vnto the Citizens. He found the youth (against all hope) to giue good eare vnto him, and very well giuen vnto vertue, easily chaunging their garments & life, to recouer their libertie againe. But the oldest men, which were now euen rotten with co∣uetousnes and corruption, they were affraid to returne againe to the straight ordinaunces of Lycurgus, as a slaue and ronneagate from his Maister, that trembleth when he is brought back [unspec F] againe vnto him. Therefore they reproued Agis, when he did lament before them their present miserable estate, and wishe also for the former auncient honor and true dignitie of SPARTA.

[unspec A] Howbeit Lysander the sonne of Lybis, and Mandroclidas the sonne of Esphanes, and Agesilaus also, greatly commended his noble desire, and perswaded him to goe forward withall. This Lysander was of great authoritie and estimation amongest them in the citie: Mandroclidas was also very wise, and carefull, about any matter of counsell, and with his wisedom and poli∣cy, very valiant: Agesilaus in like manner, the kings Vncle, and an eloquent man, was very effe∣minate and couetous, and yet prickt forward to giue his furtherance to this attempt as it ap∣peared, by his sonne Hippomedon, who was a notable good souldier, and could doe very much, by meanes of the loue and good will the younge men did beare him. But in deede, the secret cause that brought Agesilaus to consent vnto this practise, was the greatnes of his dette which he ought, of the which he hoped to be discharged by chaunging of the state and common [unspec B] wealth. Now when Agis had wonne him, he fought by his meanes to drawe his mother also vnto the matter, which was Agesilaus sister. She could doe very much by the number of her friendes, followers, and detters in the citie, by whose meanes she ruled the most part of the af∣fayres of the citie after her owne pleasure. But the young man Hippomedon making her priuie vnto it, at the first she was amased withall, and bad him hold his peace if he were wise, and not medle in matters vnpossible and vnprofitable. But when Agesilaus had told her what a notable acte it would be, and how easily it might be brought to passe, with maruelous great profit: and that king Agis beganne also to strayne her with great intreatie, that she would willingly depart with her goods to winne her sonne honor and glory: who, though he could not in money and riches come to be like vnto other kinges (bicause the slaues and factors onely of the kinges [unspec C] Seleucus and Ptolomy, had more money then all the kings of SPARTA had together that euer raigned) yet if in temperance, thriftines, & noble mind (exceeding all their vanities) he could come to restore the LACEDAEMONIANS againe vnto equalitie: that then in deede he should be counted a noble king. These women being stirred vp with ambition by these perswasions of the younge man, seeing him so nobly bent, as if by the goddes their mindes had secretly bene inflamed with the loue of vertue: did presently alter their mindes in such sort, that they them selues did pricke forward Agis, and sent for their friends to pray and intreate them to fauor his enterprise: and furthermore, they brought on other women also, knowing that the LACEDAE∣MONIANS did euer heare and beleeue their wiues,* 1.16 suffering them to vnderstand more of the af∣fayres of the state, then they them selues did of their priuate estate at home. Herein is to be [unspec D] considered, that the most part of the riches of LACEDAEMON was in the handes of the women, and therefore they were against it, not onely bicause thereby they were cut of from their fine∣nes and excesse, in the which being ignorant of the true good in deede, they put all their feli∣citie: but also, bicause they sawe their honor and authoritie which they had by their riches, cleane troden vnder foote. Therefore they comming to Leonidas, they did perswade him to reproue Agis, bicause he was elder man then he, and to let that this enterprise went not for∣ward. Leonidas did what he could in fauour of the riche, but fearing the common people, who desired nothing but alteracion, he durst not openly speake against him, but secretly he did the best he could to hinder Agis practise, talking with the Magistrates of the citie, and accusing Agis vnto them, he told them how he did offer the riche mens goods vnto the poore, the diui∣sion [unspec E] of their landes, and the abolishing of all detts, for rewarde to put the tyrannie into his handes, and that thereby he got him a stronge gard vnto him selfe, but not many Citizens vn∣to SPARTA. This notwithstanding, king Agis hauing procured Lysander to be chosen one of the Ephores, he presently preferred his lawe vnto the counsell.* 1.17 The articles whereof were these: That such as were in debt, should be cleered of all their debts, and that the landes also should be diuided into equall partes: so that from the valley of Pallena vnto mount Tauge∣tus, and vnto the citie of MALEA, and SELASIA, there should be foure thowsand fiue hundred partes, and without those boundes, there should be in all the rest, fifteene thowsand partes, the which should be distributed vnto their neighbours meete to cary weapon: and the rest vnto the natural SPARTANS. The number of them should be replenished with their neigbours and [unspec F] straungers in like manner, which should be very well brought vp, and be able men besides to serue the common wealth: all the which afterwards should be diuided into fifteene compa∣nies, of the which, some should receiue two hundred, & others foure hundred men, & should

liue according to the olde auncient institucion obserued by their auncestors. This lawe being [unspec A] preferred vnto the Senate, the Senators grewe to diuers opinions apon it. Whereuppon Ly∣sander him selfe assembled the great counsell of all the people, and there spake vnto them him selfe, and Mandroclidas, and Agesilaus also, praying them not to suffer the honor of SPARTA to be troden vnder foote, for the vanitie of a fewe: but that they would remember the auncient oracles of the goddes, warning them to beware of auarice, as of the plague and destruction of the common wealth: and of the late oracle also brought vnto them, from the temple of Pasi∣phaé. The temple and oracle of Pasiphaé, was famous at the citie of THALAMES: and some say, that Pasiphaé was one of the Daughters of Atlas,* 1.18 which was gotten with child by Iupiter, & was deliuered of a sonne called Hammon. Other thinke that it was Cassandra, one of king Priamus Daughters that died there, which was surnamed Pasiphaé, bicause she gaue all the aunswers & [unspec B] oracles of things to come. But Phylarchus writeth, that Daphné the Daughter of Amycla, flying from Apollo that would haue rauished her, was turned into a lawrell tree, and honored by Apol∣lo with the gift of prophecie. So, they said that this oracle of the god commaunded them, that the SPARTANS should againe returne vnto their former auncient equalitie, stablished first by Lycurgus lawe. When euery man els had spoken, king Agis rising vp, briefly speaking vnto the people, sayd: that he would bestowe great contributions for the reformation of this com∣mon wealth, which he was desirous to restore againe. For first of all, he would make common all his errable and pasture he had,* 1.19 and besides that, he would adde to six hundred talents in rea∣dy money, and so much should his mother, grandmother, kinsemen and friendes, all the which were the richest and wealthiest in SPARTA. When the people heard what he sayd, they mar∣uelled [unspec C] much at the noble minde of this younge king, and were very glad of it, saying: that for three hundred yeares space together, the citie of SPARTA had not so worthy a king as he. But Leonidas contrarily assayed with all his power he could to resist him,* 1.20 thinking with him selfe, that if king Agis purpose tooke place, he should also be compelled to doe as he did, and yet he should haue no thankes, but king Agis: bicause that all the SPARTANS indifferently should be compelled to make their goods in common, but the honor should be his onely that first be∣ganne it. So he asked Agis, whether he thought Lycurgus had bene a good and iust man or not. Agis aunswered, that he had bene. Then replyed Leonidas, did you euer see that he had taken away and abolished any detts, or had receyued straungers into the number of the Citizens of SPARTA? Who contrarily thought his common wealth vnperfect, if all straungers were not [unspec D] banished the citie. Agis agayne aunswered him: that he maruelled not that Leonidas beeing brought vp in a straung contry, and also maryed there in a noble mans house, he should be ig∣norant of Lycurgus lawes, who banishing gold and siluer out of his citie, did therewithall ex∣ile dette and lending. And for straungers, he hated them that woulde not conforme them selues vnto the manners and facions of life which he instituted, and those they were which he banished: not for any ill will he bare vnto their persons, but bicause he feared their manners of life, least that mingling them with the Citizens, they should make them runne after vanitie and couetousnes to be riche. For otherwise, Terpander, Thales, and Pherecydes, which were all straungers, were maruelously reuerenced and honored in SPARTA in olde tyme, bicause they did singe in their writings, the selfe same thinges which Lycurgus had established in his lawes. [unspec E] And thou thy selfe also doest commend Ecprepes, being one of the Ephores, bicause he did cut with a hatchet the two stringes which Phrynis the Musitian had added vnto the Citheme, more then the seuen common stringes, and those also which did the like vnto Timotheus: and yet thou reprouest me, bicause I goe about to roote out all excesse and pride out of SPARTA, as though those men did not farre of preuent that these superfluous stringes of the musicke, delighting the Citizens mindes too much with their songes, should not cause them fall vnto such trade and manner of life, as should make the citie at discord with it selfe. After this con∣tencion, the common people did sticke vnto king Agis, and the riche men followed Leonidas, praying and perswading him not to forsake them: and further, they did so intreate the Sena∣tors, in whom consisteth the chiefe authority, to determine and disgest all matters before they [unspec F] be propownded vnto the people, that they ouerthrew the law, by the onely voice of one man more. Wherefore Lysander who was yet in office, attempted to accuse Leonidas by an aunci∣ent

[unspec A] lawe, forbidding that none of the race of Hercules should mary with any straung woman, nor beget children of her: and sayde further, that no man vpon payne of death should dwell anywhere, but in SPARTA. When he had instructed others to obiect these thinges agaynst Leonidas, her with other of his colleagues obserued a signe in the element, the ceremony wher∣of was in this sorte: Euery nynenth yeare, the Ephori chusing a bright night without moone∣light, did sit downe in some open place, and beheld the starres in the element, to see if they saw any starre shoote from one place to another: if they did, then they accused their kinges that they had offended the goddes, and did depriue them of their kingdom, vntill some oracle came from DELPHES or Olympus, to restore them againe. Lysander then declaring that he had seene a starre flie in the element, did therefore accuse king Leonidas,* 1.21 and brought forth witnes∣ses [unspec B] against him: how he had maried a woman of ASIA, the which one of king Seleucus Lieue∣tenants had giuen him in mariage, & that he had two children by her: & afterwards being for∣saken of his wife that refused him, he returned againe into his contry against his will, & so had possessed the kingdom for lacke of lawful heire. So following his accusation in this manner a∣gainst him, he allured Cleombrotus his sonne in law, being also of the kings blood, to make title to the crowne. Leonidas being affraid of the successe hereof, tooke sanctuary in the temple of Iuno, surnamed Chalceoecos, & his Daughter with him, who forsooke her husband Cleombrotus. Leonidas then being cited to appeare in person,* 1.22 & making default, they deposed him, & made Cleombrotus king. In the meane time Lysanders office expired, & the new Ephori which succe∣ded him, deliuer Leonidas againe, and accused Lysander & Mandroclidas, because against the [unspec C] law, they had abolished all debts, & had againe made newe diuision of lands. When they sawe they were openly accused, they incensed both the kinges, that ioyning together, they shoulde make the Ephores ordinaunces of no effect: declaring, that their authority was onely erected for the discord of the two kings, bicause they should giue their voices vnto that king that had the best iudgemēt & reason, whē the other would wilfully withstand both right & reason. And therfore, that they two agreing together, might lawfully do what they would, without cōtrol∣ment of any person: & that to resist the kings was a breaking of the lawe, sith that by right the Ephori had no other priuileage & authority, but to be iudges & arbitrators betwene thē, when there was any cause of iarre or controuersie. Both the kings being caried away by this perswa∣sion, went into the market place accōpanied with their frends, plucked the Ephores from their [unspec D] seates, & put others in their roomes, of the which Agesilaus was one. Furthermore, they armed a great number of yong men, & opening the prisons, did set the prisoners as liberty: the which made their aduersaries affraid of thē, doubting some great murther would haue followed vpon it, howbeit no man had any hurt. For Agesilaus being bent to kill Leonidas,* 1.23 who fled vnto the ci∣ty of TEGEA, & hauing also laid men in waite for him by the way: king Agis hearing of it, sent thither other frends of his in whom he put great confidence, & they did accōpany Leonidas, & brought him safely vnto the city of TEGEA. Thus their purpose taking effect, & no man cōtra∣rying thē one man only Agesilaus ouerthrew all,* 1.24 & dashed a noble LACONIAN law by a sham∣ful vice, which was couetousnes. For he being a great landed man, & hauing the best lands of any man in the contry, & owing a great summe of money besides: would nether pay his detts, [unspec E] nor let go his land. Wherfore he perswaded king Agis, that if he wēt about to stablish both to∣gether, he should raise a great vptore in the city, & withall, if he did first winne them that were landed men, preferring at the beginning the cutting of of dets only; then that they would easi∣ly & willingly also accept the law for partition of lands.* 1.25 Lysander was also of his opinion wher∣by king Agis & he both were deceiued by Agesilaus subtlety. So they cōmaunded al the credi∣tors to bring their bonds, obligations, & bils of det (which the LACEDAEMONIANS do cal Cla∣ria) into the market place, and there laying them on a heape together, they did set fire of them. When the vsurers & creditors saw their writings obligatory afire, they departed thence with heauy harts: but Agesilaus mocking thē said, he neuer saw a brighter fire in his life. The people then requiring that the lands also should be presently deuided, & the kings likewise commaū∣ding [unspec F] in Agesilaus stil interposing some cause of lex, delaied time, vntill oportunitye serued, that king Agis should go to the warres, for that the ACHAIANS their confederats had praied aide of LACEDAEMON, being bound thereunto by the league confirmed betwene them, bicause they

looked daily that the AETOLIANS cōming through the contry of MEGARA, would inuade PE∣LOPONNESVS.* 1.26 [unspec A] Aratus general of the ACHAIANS had leauied a great army to withstād their in∣uasion, & had also written vnto the Ephores, that they should send thē aide. Wheruppon, they presently sent king Agis,* 1.27 perceiuing also the readines and good wil of the souldiers which were appointed to go with him. For the most of thē were young men & needy, who seing thē selues discharged of the feare of their dets, & hoping also at their return, that the lāds likewise should be deuided among thē they went with glad harts, & were obedient vnto king Agis. So that the cities where through they passed, wondred how they came through all PELOPONNESVS, from the one side to the other, very quietly, without noyse or offence to any man. Likewise many GRAECIANS calling to mind the aūcient times, told one another, that it was a noble fight then to see the army of LACEDAEMON, whē they were led by Agesilaus, Lysander, & Leonidas, famous [unspec B] captaines: sith now they saw so great obedience vnto Agis by his souldiers, who was in maner the yōgest mā of all his campe. Who also glorying to be cōtēt with litle, to away with paines, & not to be more costly apparelled & armed thē any priuat souldier he had: he wanne him self therby a maruelous loue of the people. Howbeit the rich mē liked not this chaung, & were af∣fraid lest Agis should giue other people example to rise also, & to do the like with theirs, as he had done. Agis meting with Aratus by the city of CORINTHE, euen as he was consulting whe∣ther he should fight with his enemy or not: shewed him self in his coūsel, then no rash, but a re∣solute & valiant man.* 1.28 For he told him, that for his opinion he thought it better to fight, & not to suffer the warre to come any futher, leauing the entry into PELOPONNESVS free to their e∣nemy: neuertheles, that he would do what Aratus thought good, bicause he was the elder, and [unspec C] general also of the ACHAIANS, whom he came not to cōmaund, but to aide thē. But Baton SI∣NOPIAN writeth, that king Agis would not fight, though Aratus was willing: howbeit he had not red that which Aratus had writtē for his excuse & iustificatiō, alleaging there, that the farmers & husbādmē hauing brought all the corne into their barnes, he thought it better to suffer the enemies to come further into the contry, rather then to hazard battel, to the losse of the whole cōtry of PELOPONNESVS, & that therfore he licenced al the confederats to depart, & brake vp his army. So king Agis returned home again, greatly honored of al thē that serued with him in this iorney, finding the city of SPARTA thē in great broile & trouble. For Agesilaus at that time being one of the Ephores, finding him self rid of the feare which before kept him vnder cared not what iniury or mischief he did to any citizen, so he might get money. For amongest other [unspec D] things, that very yere he made thē pay beyond al reason the tallages & taxes due vnto the cō∣mō wealth for thirtene moneths, adding to the thirtenth moneth, aboue the ordinary time of the yere. Wherfore perceiuing euery mā hated him, & being affraid of thē he had offended: he kept souldiers about him, armed with their swords, & so came downe into the market place a∣mong thē. And for the two kings, he made no accōpt of the one: but of the other that was Agis, he semed outwardly to make good accōpt, rather for kinreds sake, thē for his dignity of a king, & furthermore gaue it out abroad, that he would also be one of the Ephores the next yere fol∣lowing. Wheruppō, his enemies spedely to preuent the daūger, gathered force together, & o∣pēly brought king Leonidas from TEGEA, to restore him again to his kingdō.* 1.29 The people were glad to see that, bicause they were angry they had bene mocked in that sort, for that the landes [unspec E] were not deuided according vnto promise. Furthermore, Hippomedon was so welbeloued for his valiantnes of euery mā, that intreating the people for his father Agesilaus, he saued his life, & got him out of the city. But for the two kings, Agis tooke sanctuary in the tēple of Iuno Chal∣ceoecos. And Cleōbrotus the other king fled into the tēple of Neptume: for it semed that Leonidas being much more offēded with him, did let king Agis alone, & wēt against him with certē sol∣diers armed. Thē he sharply taunted him, that being his sonne in law, he had conspired against him to depriue him of his kingdō, & had driuē him out of his contry. But then Cleombrotus not hauing a word to say,* 1.30 sate stil, & made him no answer. Wheruppō his wife Chelonis, the daugh∣ter of Leonidas, who before was offended for the iniury they did her father, & had left her hus∣band Cleōbrotus, that had vsurped the kingdō from him, to serue her father in his aduersity, and [unspec F] while he was in sanctuary tooke part with him also of his misery, & afterwards whē he wēt vn∣to the city of TEGEA, were blacks for sorow, being offēded with her husbād: she contrarily thē

[unspec A] chaūging her anger with her husbāds fortune & misery, became also an hūble suter with him sitting down by him, & imbracing him, hauing her two litle sonnes on either side of them. All mē wōdering, & weping for pity, to see the goodnes & natural loue of this Lady, who shewing her mourning apparell, & heare of her head flaring about her eyes, bare headed:* 1.31 she spake in sort vnto her father.

O father mine, this sorowfull garmēt & countenance is not for pity of Cleombrotus, but hath long remained with me, lamenting sore your former misery & exile: but now, which of the two should I rather choose, either to cōtinue a mourner in this pitiful state, seing you again restored to your kingdom, hauing ouercome your enemies: or els putting on my princely apparel, to see my husband slain, vnto whom you maried me a maid? who, if he can not moue you to cōpassion of him, and to obtein mercy, by the teares of his wife and [unspec B] childrē: he shal then abide more bitter paine of his euil counsel, then that which you intend to make him suffer. For he shal see his wife die before him, whom he loueth more derely then any thing in the world. Also, with what face can I loke apon other ladies, whē I could neuer bring my father to pity, by any intercessiō I could make for my husband, neither my husband, intrea∣ting him for my father: & that my hap is to be borne, a daughter & wife, alwaies most vnfortu∣nat, & despised of mine owne? And for my husbād, if he had any reason to do that he did, I thē tooke it from him, by taking your parte, and protesting against him: and contrarily, your selfe doth giue him honest culler to excuse his faulte, when he seeth in you the desire of the king∣dom so great, that for the loue thereof, you thinke it lawfull to kill your sonnes in law, and also not to regard the children he hath gotten, for her sake. Chelonis pitifully complayning in this [unspec C] sorte; putting her sade vpon Cleombrotus head,* 1.32 cast her swollen and blubbering eyes apon the standers by.

Wherefore Leonidas after he had talked a litle with his friends, he commaunded Cleombrotus to get him thence, and to leaue the citie as an exile: and prayed his Daughter for his sake to remayne with him, and not to forsake her father, that did so dearely loue her, as for her sake he had saued her husbands life. This notwithstanding, she would not yeelde to his re∣quest, but rising vp with her husband, gaue him one of his sonnes, and her self tooke the other in her armes: and then making her prayer before the altar of the goddesse, she went as a bani∣shed woman away with her husband. And truely thexample of her vertue was so famous,* 1.33 that if Cleombrotus mind had not bene too much blinded with vain glory, he had cause to thinke his exile farre more happy, to enioye the loue of so noble a wife as he had, then for the kingdom [unspec D] which he possessed without her. Then Leonidas hauing banished king Cleombrotus out of the city, & remouing the first Ephores, had substituted other in their place: he presētly bethought him howe he might craftily come by king Agis. First, he perswaded him to come out of the sanctuary, & to gouerne the kingdom safely with him, declaring vnto him that his citizens had forgiuen him all that was past, bicause they knew he was deceiued, & subtely circumuented by Agesilaus craft, being a young man, ambitious of honor. Agis would not leaue the sanctuary for Leonidas cunning perswasion, but mistrusted all that he said vnto him: Wherefore, Leonidas would no more be guile him with faire words. But Amphares, Demochares, & Arcesilaus, did oftē∣times go to visit king Agis, & otherwhile also they got him out of the sanctuary with them vn∣to the bath, & brought him backe againe into the temple, when he had bathed.* 1.34 But Amphares [unspec E] hauing borowed not long before, certein rich apparel & plate of Agesistrata, bicause he would not redeliuer thē againe, he determined to betray king Agis, his mother, & grandmother. And it is reported that he chiefly did serue Leonidas turne, & prouoked the Ephores (of which num∣ber he was one) against Agis. Now therefore, Agis keping all the rest of his time within the tē∣ple, sauing when he went apon occasion to the bath: they determined to intercept him by the way, & to take him when he was out of the sanctuary. So they watched him one day when he bathed, & came & saluted him as their maner was, & seemed to accompany him, sporting, & being mery with him, as with a young man their famillier. But when they came to the turning of a streete that went towardes the prison, Amphares laying hold on him, beeing one of the E∣phores, said vnto him: I arrest thee Agis,* 1.35 & wil bring thee before the Ephores, to giue accompt [unspec F] of thy doings in the common wealth. Then Demochares, which was a great mighty man cast his gowne ouer his eares, & pulled him forward: others also thrust him forward behind him, as they had agreed together. So no man being neare them to help Agis, they got him into pri∣son.

Then came Leonidas incontinently with a great number of souldiers that were straungers, [unspec A] & beset the prison round about. The Ephores wēt into the prison, & sent vnto some of the Se∣nate to come vnto them, whom they knew to be of their mind: then they cōmaunded Agis, •••• if it had bene iudicially, to giue accompt of the alteracion he had made in the cōmon wealth. The younge man laughed at their hypocrisie. But Amphares told him that it was no laughing sport, & that he should pay for his folly. Then another of the Ephores seeming to deale more fauorably with him, & to shew him a way how he might escape the condēnation for his fault: asked him, if he had not bene intised vnto it by Agesilaus, and Lysander. Agis aunswered, that no man compelled him, but that he onely did it to follow the steppes of the auncient. Lycurgus to bring the common wealth vnto the former estate of his graue ordinaunce & institution. Then the same Senator asked him againe, if he did not repent him of that he had done. The younge [unspec B] man boldly aunswered him, that he would neuer repent him of so wise and vertuous an enter∣prise, though he ventred his life for it. Then they condemned him to death, and commaunded the Sergeants to cary him into the Decade, which was a place in the prison where they were strangled, that were condemned to dye. Demochares perceiuing the Sergeaunts durst not lay hold of him, & likewise that the souldiers which were straungers,* 1.36 did abhorre to commit such a fact, contrary to the law of God and man, to lay violent hands vpon the person of a king: he threatned & reuiled them, and dragged Agis perforce into that place called the Decade. Now the rumor ranne straight through the citie, that king Agis was taken, & a multitude of people were at the prison dores with lights & torches. Thither came also king Agis mother & grand∣mother, shreeking out, & praying that the king of SPARTA might yet be heard and iudged by [unspec C] the people. For this cause, they hastned his death the sooner, and were afraid besides, least the people in the night would take him out of their hands by force, if there came any more people thither. Thus king Agis being led to his death, spied a Sergeaūt lamenting & weeping for him, vnto whom he said: good fellowe, I pray thee weepe not for me, for I am honester man then they that so shamefully put me to death, & with those words he willingly put his head into the halter. Amphares then going out of the prison into the street, found Agesistraetae there, king Agis mother, who straight fel downe at his feete: but he taking her vp againe, in old famillier man∣ner, as being her very friend, told her that they should doe king Agis no hurt, & that she might if she would, goe & see him. Then she prayed, that they would also let her mother in with her. Amphares sayde, with a good will: and so put them both into the prison house, and made the [unspec D] dores be shut after them. But when they were within,* 1.37 he first gaue Archidamia vnto the Serge∣aunts to be put to death, who was a maruelous olde woman, and had liued more honorably vnto that age, then any Lady or Matrone beside her in the citie. She being executed, he com∣maunded Agesistraetae also to come in. Who whe she sawe the bodye of her dead sonne layed on the ground, & her mother also hanging on the gallowes: she did her selfe helpe the hang∣man to plucke her downe, and layed her body by her sonnes. Then hauing couered her in de∣cent manner, she layed her downe on the ground by the corps of her sonne Agis, and kissing his cheeke sayd: out, alas my sonne, thy great modestie, goodnes and clemencie, brought thee and vs vnto this deathe. Then Amphares peeping in at the dore to see what was done, hea∣ring what she sayde, came in withall in a greate rage, and sayde: I perceyue thou hast also [unspec E] beene of counsell with thy sonne, and sithe it is so, thou shalt also followe him. Then she rising likewise to be strangled, sayd: the goddes graunt yet that this may profit SPARTA. This horrible murther beeing blowen abroad in the citie, and the three dead bodies also brought out of prison: the feare though it were great amongest the people, could not keepe them back from apparant show of griefe, and manifest hate against Leonidas and Amphares, thinking that there was neuer a more wicked and crueller fact committed in SPARTA, since the DORIANS came to dwell in PELOPONNESVS. For the very enemies them selues in bartell,* 1.38 would not wil∣lingly lay hands vpon the kings of LACEDAEMON, but did forbeare as much as they could pos∣sible, both for feare & reuerence they bare vnto their maiestie. For in many great battels & cō∣flicts which the LACEDAEMONIANS had against the GRAECIANS, there was neuer any king of [unspec F] LACEDAEMON slain, before Philips time, but Cleōbrotus only, who was slain with a dart at the bat∣tell of LEVCTRES. Some write also, that the MESSENIANS hold opiniō, that their Aristomenes

[unspec A] slue king Theopompus: howbeit the LACEDAEMONIANS sayde, that he was but hurt, not slayne. But hereof there are diuers opinions: but it is certain that Agis was the first king whom the E∣phores euer put to death: for that he had layd a plat of a noble deuise, and worthy of SPARTA, being of that age when men doe easily pardon them that offend: and was rather to be accused of his friendes and enemies, bicause he had saued Leonidas life, & had trusted other men, as the best natured younge man that could be.

Now Agis hauing suffered in this sort,* 1.39 Leonidas was not quicke enough to take Archidamus his brother also, for he fled presently. Yet he brought Agis wife out of her house by force, with a litle boy she had by him, and maried her vnto his sonne Cleomenes,* 1.40 who was yet vnder age to marye: fearing least this younge Ladye should be bestowed els where, beeing in deede a great [unspec B] heire, and of a riche house, and the Daughter of Gylippus, called by her name Agiatis,* 1.41 besides that she was the fayrest woman at that tyme in all GRAECE, and the vertuousest and best con∣dicioned. Wherefore, for diuers respects she praied she might not be forced to it. But now be∣ing at length maried vnto Cleomenes, she euer hated Leonidas to the death, and yet was a good and louing wife vnto her young husband: Who immediatly after he was maried vnto her,* 1.42 fell greatly in fancy with her, and for compassions sake (as it seemed) he thanked her for the loue she bare vnto her first husband, and for the louing remembraunce she had of him: insomuch as he him selfe many times would fall in talke of it, and would be inquisitiue how thinges had passed, taking great pleasure to heare of Agis wise counsell and purpose. For Cleomenes was as desirous of honor, and had as noble a minde as Agis, and was borne also to temperancie and [unspec C] moderation of life, as Agis in like manner was: howbeit, he had not that shamefast modestie and lenitie which the other had, but somewhat more sturring of nature, and readier to put any good matter in execution. So he thought it greate honestie to bringe the Citizens if he could, to be contented to liue after an honest sorte: but contrarily, he thought it no dishone∣stie to bringe them vnto good life, by compulsion also. Furthermore, the manners of the Citi∣zens of SPARTA, giuing them selues ouer to idlenes and pleasure, did nothing like him at all: neither that the king did suffer the common wealth to be ruled as they listed, so no man im∣peached his pleasure, and that they did let him alone: insomuch no man regarding the profit of the common wealth, euery man was for him self, and his familie. And contrarily, it was not lawfull for any man to speake for the exercises of the youth, for their education in temperan∣cie, [unspec D] and for the restoring a gaine of equality of life, the preferment whereof was the only cause of the late death of Agis. They say also, that Cleomenes being a young stripling, had heard some disputacion of Philosophie, when the Philosopher Sphaerus,* 1.43 of the contry of BORYSTHENES came to LACEDAEMON, and louingly stayed there to teache younge men and children. He was one of the chiefest schollers of Zenon CITIAN, and delighted (as it seemed) in Cleomenes noble minde, and had a great desire to pricke him forward vnto honor. For, as it is reported; that the auncient Leonidas beeing demaunded what Poet he thought Tyrtaeus to be, aunswe∣red he was good to flatter younge mens myndes: for he sette their hartes a fire by his verses, when they beganne to fight any battell, fearing no daunger, they were so incoraged by them. So the Stoicke discipline is somewhat daungerous, for the stowte and valiant myndes, which [unspec E] otherwise doth make them desperate: but when they are ioyned vnto a graue and gentle na∣ture, first it lyfteth vp his hart, and then maketh him taste the profit thereof. Nowe Leonidas (the father of Cleomenes) beeing deceased, and he him selfe comen vnto the crowne, finding that the Citizens of SPARTA at that tyme were very dissolute, that the riche men followed their pleasure and profit taking no care of the common weale, that the poore men also for very want and neede went with no good life and courage to the warres, nether cared for the bringing vp of their children, and that he him selfe had but the name of a king, and the E∣phori the absolute authoritie to doe what they listed: at his first comming to his kingdome, he determined to alter the whole state and gouernment of the common wealth. Who ha∣uing a friend called Xenares, that had beene his louer in his youth (which the LACEDAEMONI∣ANS [unspec F] called Empnistae, as much as inspired) he beganne to sownd his opinion, asking what ma∣ner of man king Agis had bene, and by what reason, and whose aduise he had followed in his attempt for the reformation of the common wealth. Xenares at the first did not willingly re∣hearse

these things vnto him, declaring euery thing what had passed. But when he found that [unspec A] Cleomenes was affected vnto king Agis intent, & still desired to heare of it: then Xenares sharp∣ly and angrily reproued him, and tolde him he was not wise, nor well aduised, and at length would no more come and talke with him as he was wont, yet making no man priuye why he absteyned from comming to him, but told them that asked him, he knewe a cause well enough why. Xenares nowe hauing thus refused him, and thinking all the rest woulde doe the like: to bringe this matter to passe, he tooke this resolution with him selfe.* 1.44 Bicause he thought he might the rather doe it in warre, then in peace, he set the citie of SPARTA and the ACHAI∣ANS at variance together: who did them selues giue the first occasion to be complayned vp∣pon. For Aratus beeing President and chiefe of all the ACHAIANS, had practised a longe tyme to bringe all PELOPONNESVS into one bodye: and had therefore onely susteyned great [unspec B] troubles in warres, and at home in peace: thinking that there was no other waye to deliuer them from forreyne warres. Nowe when he had wonne all the other people to be of his opi∣nion: there remained no more but the ELIANS, the LACEDAEMONIANS, and a few of the AR∣CHADIANS, which were subiect vnto the LACEDAEMONIANS. When king Leonidas was deade, Aratus beganne to inuade the ARCHADIANS, those specially that bordered apon the ARGI∣VES: to proue how the LACEDAEMONIANS would take it, making no accompt of Cleomenes, be∣ing but a young king, & had no experience of warres. Thereuppon the Ephori sent Cleomenes vnto ATHAENIVM (a temple of Minerua hard by the citie of BELBINA) with an armie to take it: bicause it was a passage & entry into the contry of LACONIA, howbeit the place at that time was in question betwixt the MEGALOPOLITANES, and the LACEDAEMONIANS. Cleomenes got [unspec C] it, and fortefied it. Aratus making no complaint otherwise of the matter, stale out one night with his army to set apon the TEGEANS, and ORCHOMENIANS, hoping to haue taken those ci∣ties by treason. But the traitors that were of his confederacy, their harts failed them when they should haue gonne about it: so that Aratus returned, hauing lost his iorney, thinking that this secret attempt of his was not discouered. But Cleomenes finely wrote vnto him as his friend, and asked him, whether he had led his armie by night: Aratus returned aunswer againe, that vnderstanding Cleomenes ment to fortifie BELBINA, he went forth with his armye, thinking to haue let him. Cleomenes wrote againe vnto him, and said he did beleeue that which he spake was true: howbeit he earnestly requested him, (if it were no trouble to him) to aduertise him why he brought schaling ladders and lightes after him. Aratus smiling at this mocke, asked [unspec D] what this young man was. Democritus LACEDAEMONIAN being a banished man out of his cō∣try, aunswered: if thou hast any thing to doe against the LACEDAEMONIANS, thou hadst neede make haste, before this young Cockerel haue on his spurres. Then Cleomenes being in the field in the contry of ARCHADIA, with a few horsemen and three hundred footemen onely: the E∣phori being affraid of warres, sent for him to returne againe. His backe was no sooner turned, obeying their commaundement: but Aratus sodainly tooke the citie of CAPHYES. Thereup∣pon, the Ephori incontinently sent Cleomenes backe againe with his armie:* 1.45 who tooke the fort of Methydrium, and burnt the borders of the ARGIVES. The ACHAIANS came against him with an army of twenty thowsand footemen, and a thowsand horsemen, led by Aristomachus: Cleomenes met with them by the city of PALANTIVM, and offred battell. But Aratus quaking at [unspec E] the hardines of this young man, would not suffer Aristomachus to hazard battell, but went his way, derided by the ACHAIANS, and despised by the LACEDAEMONIANS: who in all were not aboue fiue thowsand fighting men. Cleomenes corage beeing now lift vp,* 1.46 and brauely speaking to his citizens: he remembred them of a saying of one of their auncient kings, that the LACE∣DAEMONIANS neuer inquired what number their enemies were, but where they were. Shortly after, the ACHAIANS making warre with the ELIANS,* 1.47 Cleomenes was sent to ayde them, & met with the armie of the ACHAIANS by the mountaine Lyceum, as they were in their returne: he setting apon them, gaue them the ouerthrowe, slue a great number of them, and tooke many also prisoners, that the rumor ranne through GRAECE, how Aratus selfe was slaine. Cleomenes wisely taking the occasion which this victory gaue him: he went straight to the citie of MAN∣TINEA, [unspec F] and taking it vpon a sodaine, when no man knew of his comming, he put a strong gar∣rison into it. Now the LACEDAEMONIANS harts failing them, and resisting Cleomenes enterpri∣ses,

[unspec A] ouerwearying them with warres: he went about to sende for Archidamus, king Agis bro∣ther, being then at MESSENA, vnto whom the kingdom of right belonged by the other house, supposing that he shoulde easely weaken the power of the Ephores, by the authoritie of the two kinges, if both of them ioyned together. Which when the murtherers of king Agis vn∣derstoode, being affraid that Archidamus returning from exile,* 1.48 he would be reuenged of them: they secretly receiued him into the citie, and founde the meanes to bring him into SPARTA. But when they had him, they put him straight to death, whether it was vnwitting to Cleome∣nes (as Phylarchus plainly testifieth) or else with his priuitie, suffring them to make him away, by perswasion of his frends. But it is a cleere case, the citie was burdened withall, bicause pro∣bable matter fell out that they had compelled Cleomenes to doe it. Neuerthelesse, he holding [unspec B] still his first determination, to alter the state of the common wealth of SPARTA, as soone as he could possible: he so fed the Ephores with money, that he brought them to be contented he should make warre. He had also won many other citizens by the meanes of his mother Crate∣siclea, who furnisht him with money, that he lacked not to honor him withall: and further, maried as it is reported, (being otherwise not ment to mary) for her sonnes sake, vnto one of the wealthiest men of all the citie. So Cleomenes leading his army into the field, wanne a place within the territorie of MEGALOPOLIS, called LEVCTRA. The ACHAIANS also being quick∣ly come to their aide, led by Aratus: they straight fought a battell by the citie selfe, where Cle∣omenes had the worst on the one side of his armie. Howbeit Aratus woulde not suffer the A∣CHAIANS to follow them, bicause of bogges and quauemyres, but sounded the retreate. But [unspec C] Lysiadas a MEGALOPOLITAN being angrie withall, caused the horsemen he had about him to follow the chase, who pursued so fiercely, that they came amongest vines, walls, and ditches, where he was driuen to disperse his men, and yet coulde not get out. Cleomenes perceiuing it,* 1.49 sent the light horsemen of the TARENTINS & CRETANS against him: of whom Lysiadas val∣liantly fighting was slaine. Then the LACEDAEMONIANS being couragious for this victorie,* 1.50 came with great cries, & geuing a fierce charge apon the ACHAIANS, ouerthrew their whole armie, and slue a maruelous number of them: but yet Cleomenes at their request suffered them to take vp the dead bodies of their men to burie them. For Lysiadas corps, he caused it to be brought vnto him, and putting a purple to be apon it, and a crowne on his head, sent it in this aray vnto the very gates of the city of MEGALOPOLIS. It was that selfe Lysiadas, who geuing [unspec D] ouer the tyranny and gouernment of MEGALOPOLIS,* 1.51 made it a popular state, and free city, and ioyned it to the ACHAIANS. After this victorie, Cleomenes that determined greater mat∣ters and attempts, perswaded him selfe that if he might once come to stablishe the affaires of the common wealth at SPARTA to his mind, he might then easely ouercome the ACHAIANS: brake with his father in law Megistonus, and told him that it was necessary to take away the au∣thoritie of the Ephores, and to make diuision of the landes among the SPARTANS, and then being brought to equalitie, to encorage them to recouer the Empire of GRAECE againe vnto the LACEDAEMONIANS, which their predecessors before them, held and enioyed. Megistonus graunting his good will and furtherance, ioyned two or three of his frendes more vnto him. It chaunced at that time that one of the Ephores lying in the temple of Pasiphaé,* 1.52 had a marue∣lous [unspec E] dreame in the night. For he thought he sawe but one chaire standing where the Ephori did vse to sit to geue audience, and that the other foure which were wont to be there, were ta∣ken away: and that maruelling at it, he heard a voyce out of the temple that said, that was the best for SPARTA. He declaring this dreame the next morning vnto Cleomenes, it somewhat troubled him at the first, thinking that he came to feele him, for that he had heard some inck∣ling of his intent. But when he perswaded him selfe that the other ment good faith, and lyed not vnto him, being bolder then before, he went forward with his purpose, and taking with him vnto the campe all those SPARTANS which he suspected to be against his enterprise, he went and tooke the cities of HERAEA and ALSEA, confederates of the ACHAIANS, and vitteled ORCHOMENA, and went and camped before the citie of MANTINEA. In fine, he so wearied [unspec F] & ouerharried the LACEDAEMONIAMS by long iorneys, that at length they besought him he would let them remaine in ARCADIA, to repose them selues there. In the meane time, Cleo∣menes with his straungers which he had hyred, returned againe vnto SPARTA, and imparted

his intent by the way vnto them he trusted best, and marched at his owne ease, that he might [unspec A] take the Ephores at supper. When he came neere vnto the city, he sent Euryclidas before, in∣to the halle of the Ephores, as though he brought them newes out of the campe from him. After him, he sent also Thericion & Phaebis, and two other that had bene brought vp with him, whom the LACEDAEMONIANS called the SAMOTHRACIANS, taking with them a fewe soul∣diers. Nowe whilest Euryclidas was talking with the Ephores, they also came in apon them with their swordes drawen, and did set apon the Ephores. Agesilaus was hurt first of all, and falling downe, made as though he had bene slaine, but by litle & litle he crept out of the halle, and got secretly into a chappell consecrated vnto Feare, the which was wont euer to be kept shut, but then by chaunce was left open, when he was come in, he shut the dore fast to him. The other foure of the Ephores were slaine presently,* 1.53 and aboue tenne moe besides, which [unspec B] came to defende them. Furthermore, for them that sate still and sturred not, they killed not a man of them, neither did keepe any man that was desirous to goe out of the citie: but more∣ouer, they pardoned Agesilaus, who came the next morning out of the chapell of Feare. A∣mongest the LACEDAEMONIANS in the citie of SPARTA,* 1.54 there are not onely temples of feare and death, but also of laughter, and of many other such passions of the minde. They do wor∣shippe Feare, not as other spirites and deuills that are hurtfull: but bicause they are perswaded, that nothing preserueth a common wealth better then feare. Wherefore the Ephori (as Ari∣stotle witnesseth) when they are created, doe by publicke proclamacion commaunde all the SPARTANS to shaue their chinnes, and to obey the law, least they should make them feele the rigour of the law. They brought in the shauing of their chinnes, in my opinion, to inure yoūg [unspec C] men to obey the Magistrates euen in trifles. Moreouer it seemes that men in olde time did e∣steeme fortitude to be no taking away of feare, but rather a feare & lothnes to incurre shame. For commonly those that are most affrayed to offend the law,* 1.55 are in the field most valliant a∣gainst their enemie: and shunne no perill to winne fame and honest reputacion. And there∣fore it was wisely sayd of one,

That feare can not be vvithout shamefastnes.

And so Homer in a certaine place made Hellen say vnto king Priamus:

Of trueth I doe confesse deere father in lavv, You are the man of vvhom I stand in avv, And reuerence most of all that ere I savv. [unspec D]

And in an other place, speaking of the GRAECIAN souldiers, he sayth thus:

For feare of their Captaines they spake not a vvord.

* 1.56For men do vse to reuerence them whom they feare. And this was the cause why the chap∣pell of Feare was by the halle of the Ephores, hauing in maner a princely and absolute autho∣ritie. The next morning Cleomenes banished by trompet, foure score citizens of SPARTA, and ouerthrew all the chaires of the Ephores but one only, the which he reserued for him selfe to sit in to geue audience.* 1.57 Then calling the people to counsell, he gaue them an account of his doings, and told them that Lycurgus had ioyned the Senators with the kings, & how the citie had bene gouerned a long time by them, without helpe of any other officers. Notwithstan∣ding, afterwards the city hauing great warres with the MESSENIANS, the kings being alwaies [unspec E] employed in that warre, whereby they could not attend the affaires of the common wealth at home, did choose certaine of their frendes to sitte in iudgement in their steades, to determine controuersies of lawe: which were called Ephores, and did gouerne long time as the kinges ministers, howbeit that afterwards, by litle and litle, they tooke apon them absolute gouern∣ment by thēselues. And for manifest proofe hereof, you see that at this present time when the Ephori do send for the king, the first and second time, they refuse to come, but the third time he riseth and goeth vnto them. The first man that gaue the Ephores this authoritie,* 1.58 was Aste∣ropus, one of the Ephores many yeares after the first institucion of the kinges: and yet if they had gouerned discreetely, peraduenture they might haue continued lenger. But they licenti∣ously abusing their authoritie, by suppressing the lawfull Gouernors instituted of old time, ta∣king [unspec F] apon them to banish some of their kings, and putting other of them also to death, with∣out law and iustice, and threatning others that desire to restore that noble and former blessed

[unspec A] gouernment vnto SPARTA againe: all these things I say, are in no wise to be suffered any len∣ger. And therefore, if it had bene possible to haue banished all these plagues of the common wealth out of SPARTA, brought from forreine nations: (I meane, pleasures, pastimes, mo∣ney, dets, and vsuries, and others yet more auncient, pouerty and riches) he might then haue esteemed him selfe the happiest king that euer was, if like a good Phisitian he had cured his contrie of that infection, without griefe or sorrow. But in that he was constrained to beginne with blood, he followed Lycurgus example: who being neither king nor other Magistrate, but a priuate citizen only, taking apon him the authoritie of the king, boldly came into the mar∣ket place with force and armed men, and made king Charilaus that then raigned, so affrayed, that he was driuen to take sanctuarie in one of the temples. But the king being a Prince of a [unspec B] noble nature, and louing the honor of his contrie: tooke parte with Lycurgus, adding to his aduise and counsell, for the alteracion of the state of the gouernment of the common wealth, which he did confirme. Hereby then it appeareth, that Lycurgus saw it was a hard thing to al∣ter the common wealth without force and feare: the which he notwithstanding had vsed with as great modestie and discretion, as might be possible, banishing them that were against the profit and wealth of LACEDAEMON, geuing all the lands of the contrie also to be equally deui∣ded amongest them, and setting all men cleere that were in dette. And furthermore, that he would make a choyse and proofe of the straungers, to make them free citizens of SPARTA, whom he knew to be honest men, thereby to defende their citie the better by force of armes: to thend that from henceforth we may no more see our contrie of LACONIA spoyled by the [unspec C] AETOLIANS and ILLYRIANS, for lacke of men to defende them selues against them.* 1.59 Then he beganne first him selfe to make all his goods common, and after him Megistonus his father in law, and consequently all his other frendes. Then he caused the lands also to be deuided, and ordeined euery banished man a part, whom he him selfe had exiled, promising that he would receiue them againe into the city, when he had established all things. So when he had repleni∣shed the number of the citizens of SPARTA, with the choycest honest men their neighbours: he made foure thowsand footemen well armed, and taught them to vse their pykes with both handes, in steade of their dartes with one hande, and to carie their targets with a good strong handle, and not buckled with a leather thong. Afterwardes he tooke order for the education of children, and to restore the auncient LACONIAN discipline againe: and did all these things [unspec D] in maner by the helpe of Sphaerus the Philosopher. Insomuch as he had quickely set vp againe schoole houses for children, and also brought them to the old order of dyet: and all, but a ve∣ry fewe, without compulsion were willing to fall to their old institucion of life. Then bicause the name of one king should not offend any man, he made his brother Euclidas king with him. But this was the first time that euer the two kings were of one house but then. Furthermore, vnderstanding that the ACHAIANS and Aratus were of opinion, that he durst not come out of LACEDAEMON, for feare to leaue it in perill of reuolting, bicause of the late chaunge and alte∣racion in the common wealth: he thought it an honorable attempt of him, to make his ene∣mies see the readines and good will of his armie.* 1.60 Thereupon he inuaded the territories of the MEGALOPOLITANS, and brought away a great praye and booty, after he had done great hurt [unspec E] vnto his enemies. Then hauing taken certaine players and minstrells that came from MESSI∣NA, he sette vp a stage within the enemies contrie, made a game of 40. Minas for the victor, and sate a whole day to looke apon them, for no pleasure he tooke in the sight of it, but more to despite the enemies withall, in making them see how muche he was stronger then they, to make such a Mayegame in their owne contrie, in despite of them. For of all the armies other∣wise of the GRAECIANS, or kinges in all GRAECE, there was no armie onely but his, that was without players, minstrells, fooles and iugglers: for his campe only was cleane of such rabble and foolerie, and all the young men fell to some exercise of their bodies, and the old men also to teache them. And if they chaunced to haue any vacant time, then they would pleasauntly be one merie with an other, in geuing some pretie fine mocke after the LACONIAN manner. [unspec F] And what profit they got by that kinde of exercise, we haue written it at large in Lycurgus life.* 1.61 But of all these things, the king him selfe was their schoolemaister and example, shewing him selfe very temperate of life, and plaine without curiositie, no more then any priuate souldier

of all his campe: the which were great helpes vnto him in his enterprises he made in GRAECE. [unspec A] For the GRAECIANS hauing cause of sute and negociacion with other kings and Princes, did not wonder so much at their pompe and riches, as they did abhorre and detest their pride and insolencie: so disdainfully they would aunswere them that had to doe with them. But contra∣rily when they went vnto Cleomenes, who was a king in name and deede as they were, finding no purple robes nor stately mantells, nor rich imbrodered beddes, nor a Prince to be spoken to but by messengers, gentlemen vshers, and supplications, and yet with great a doe: and see∣ing him also come plainly apparelled vnto them, with a good countenaunce, and curteously aunswering the matters they came for: he thereby did maruelously win their harts and good wills, that when they returned home, they said he only was the worthy king, that came of the race of Hercules.* 1.62 Now for his dyet at his bord, that was very straight and LACONIAN like, ke∣ping [unspec B] only three bords: and if he chaunced to feast any Ambassadors or other his frendes that came to see him, he then added to two other bords, and besides, made his men to see that his fare should be amended, not with pastrie and conserues, but with more store of meate, and some better wyne then ordinarie. For he one day reproued one of his frendes, that bidding straungers to supper, he gaue thē nothing but blacke broth, & browne bread only, according to their LACONIAN maner. Nay, said he, we may not vse straungers so hardly after our maner. The bord being taken vp, an other litle table was brought with three feete, whereupon they set a bolle of copper full of wyne, and two siluer cuppes of a pottell a peece, and certaine o∣ther fewe siluer pottes besides: so euery man dranke what they lifted, and no man was forced to drinke more then he woulde. Furthermore, there was no sporte, nor any pleasaunt song. [unspec C] soung,* 1.63 to make the companie merie, for it needed not. For Cleomenes selfe would entertaine them with some pretie questions, or pleasaunt tale: whereby, as his talke was not seuere and without pleasure, so was it also pleasaunt without insolencie. For he was of opinion, that to winne men by gifts or money, as other kings and Princes did, was but base and cloynelike: but to seeke their good wills by curteous meanes, and pleasauntnes, and therewith to meane good faith, that he thought most fit and honorable for a Prince. For this was his minde, that there was no other difference betwext a frend and hyerling: but that the one is wonne with money, and the other with ciuility & good entertainment. The first therefore that receiued king Cleo∣menes into their citie, were the MANTINIANS, who opened him the gates in the night, and helping him to driue out the garrison of the ACHAIANS, they yeelded them selues vnto him. [unspec D] But he referring them to the vse and gouernment of their owne lawes and libertie, departed from thence the same day, and went vnto the citie of TEGEA.* 1.64 Shortly after, he compassed a∣bout ARCADIA, and came vnto PHERES in ARCADIA determining one of the two, either to geue the ACHAIANS battell, or to bring Aratus out of fauor with the people, for that he had suffred him to spoyle and destroy their contry. Hyperbatas was at that time Generall of the A∣CHAIANS, but Aratus did beare all the sway and authoritie. Then the ACHAIANS comming into the field with all their people armed, and encamping by the citie of DYMES, neere vnto the temple of Hecatombaum: Cleomenes going thither, laye betwext the citie of DYMES that was against him, and the campe of his enemies, which men thought a verie vnwise parte of him. Howebeit valliantly prouoking the ACHAIANS,* 1.65 he procured them to the battell, ouer∣threw [unspec E] them, made them flie, and slue a great number in the field, and tooke many of them al∣so prisoners. Departing from thence, he went and set apon the citie of LANGON, and draue the garrison of the ACHAIANS out of it, and restored the citie againe vnto the ELIANS. The ACHAIANS being then in verie hard state, Aratus that of custome was wont to be their Ge∣nerall, (or at the least once in two yeares) refused now to take the charge, notwithstanding the ACHAIANS did specially pray and intreate him: the which was in ill act of him, to let an other steere the rudder, in so daungerous a storme and tempest. Therefore the ACHAIANS sent Am∣bassadors vnto Cleomenes to treate peace, vnto whome it seemed he gaue a verie sharpe aun∣swere. After that, he sent vnto them, and willed them only to resigne the signiorie of GRAECE vnto him: and that for all other matters he would deale reasonably with them, and presently [unspec F] deliuer them vp their townes & prisoners againe, which he had taken of theirs. The ACHAI∣ANS being glad of peace with these condicions, wrote vnto Cleomenes that he shoulde come

[unspec A] vnto the citie of LERNA, where the dyet and generall assemblie shoulde be kept to consult thereupon. It chaunced then that Cleomenes marching thither, being very hotte, dranke cold water, and fell of suche a bleeding withall, that his voyce was taken from him, and he almost stifled. Wherefore he sent the ACHAIANS their chiefest prisoners home againe, proroging the parlament till an other time, and returned backe to LACEDAEMON. It is supposed certain∣ly, that this let of his comming to the dyet, was the onely cause of the vtter destruction of GRAECE: the which otherwise was in good way to haue risen againe, and to haue bene deli∣uered from the present miseries, and extreame pride and couetousnes of the MACEDONIANS. For Aratus, either for that he trusted not Cleomenes, or for that he was affrayed of his power, or that he otherwise enuied his honor & prosperitie, to see him risen to such incredible great∣nes [unspec B] in so short a time, and thinking it also too great shame and dishonor to him, to suffer this young man in a moment to depriue him of his great honor & power which he had possessed so long time, by the space of thirtie yeares together, ruling all GRAECE: first, he sought by force to terrifie the ACHAIANS, and to make them breake of from this peace. But in fine, fin∣ding that they litle regarded his threats, & that he could not preuaile with them, for that they were affrayed of Cleomenes valliantnesse and corage, whose request they thought reasonable, for that he fought but to restore PELOPONNESVS into her former auncient estate againe: he fell then into a practise farre vnhonest for a GRAECIAN, verie infamous for him selfe, but most dishonorable for the former noble acts he had done. For he brought Antigonus into GRAECE,* 1.66 and in his age filled the contrie of PELOPONNESVS with MACEDONIANS, whom he himselfe [unspec C] in his youth had driuen thence, had taken from them the castell of CORINTHE, and had al∣wayes bene an enemie of the kinges (but specially of Antigonus, of whom before he had spo∣ken all the ill he coulde, as appeareth in his wrytings, saying that he tooke maruelous paines, and did put him selfe into many daungers, to deliuer the city of ATHENS from the garrison of the MACEDONIANS) and yet notwithstanding he brought them armed with his owne hands, not into his contrie only, but into his owne house, yea euen into the Ladies chambers & clo∣sets: disdaining that the king of LACEDAEMON, discending of the blood royall of Hercules (who setting vp againe the auncient maner of life of his contrie, did temper it as an instrument of musicke out of tune, and brought it to the good, auncient and sober discipline and DORICAN life instituted by Lycurgus) should be called and wrytten, king of the SICYONIANS, and of the [unspec D] TRICCAEIANS. And furthermore, flying them that were contented with browne bread, and with the plaine course capes of the LACEDAEMONIANS, and that went about to take awaye riches (which was the chiefest matter they did accuse Cleomenes for) and to prouide for the poore: he went and put him selfe and all ACHAIA vnto the crowne and diadeame, the purple robe, and prowde imperious commaundementes of the MACEDONIANS, fearing least men should thinke that Cleomenes coulde commaunde him. Furthermore his follie was such, that hauing garlands of flowers on his head, he did sacrifice vnto Antigonus, & sing songs in praise of his honor, as if he had bene a god, where he was but a rotten man, consumed away. This that we haue written of Aratus (who was indued with many noble vertues, & a worthy GRAE∣CIAN) is not so much to accuse him, as to make vs see the frayelty and weakenes of mans na∣ture: [unspec E] the which, though it haue neuer so excellent vertues, can not yet bring forth such per∣fit frute, but that it hath euer some mayme and bleamishe. Now, when the ACHAIANS were met againe in the citie of ARGOS, to hold the session of their parlament before proroged, and Cleomenes also being come from TEGEA, to be at that parlament: euerie man was in hope of good peace. But Aratus then, who was agreed before of the chiefest articles of the capitula∣cions with Antigonus, fearing that Cleomenes by fayre words or force would bring the people to graunt that he desired: sent to let him vnderstand, that he should but come him selfe alone into the citie, and for safetie of his person, they would geue him three hundred ostages: or o∣therwise, if he would not leaue his armie, that then they would geue him audience without the citie, in the place of exercises, called Cyllarabium. When Cleomenes had heard their aun∣swere, [unspec F] he told them that they had done him wrong: for they should haue aduertised him of it before he had taken his iorney, and not now when he was almost hard at their gates, to sende him backe againe, with a flea in his care. Thereuppon he wrote a letter vnto the counsell of

the ACHAIANS, altogether full of complaintes against Aratus. On thother side also, Aratus in [unspec A] his oration to the counsell, inueyed with bitter wordes against Cleomenes. Thereuppon Cleo∣menes departing with speede, sent a Herauld to proclaime warres against the ACHAIANS, not in the city of ARGOS, but in the city of AEGION, as Aratus wryteth, meaning to set apon them being vnprouided. Hereuppon all ACHAIA was in an vprore: for diuers cities did presently reuolt against the ACHAIANS, bicause the common people hoped after the diuision of lands, and the discharging of their dettes. The noble men also in many places were offended with A∣ratus, bicause he practised to bring the MACEDONIANS into the contrie of PELOPONNESVS. Cleomenes therefore hoping well for all these respectes, brought his armie into ACHAIA, and at his first comming tooke the citie of PALLENA, and draue out the garrison of the ACHAI∣ANS: and after that, wanne also the cities of PHENEVM, and PENTELIVM. Now the ACHAI∣ANS [unspec B] fearing some treason in CORINTHE and SYCIONE, sent certaine horsemen out of the citie of ARGOS, to keepe those cities. The ARGIVES in the meane time, attending the cele∣bracion of the feast at the games Nemeca, Cleomenes thinking (which fell out true) that if he went to ARGOS, he should finde the citie full of people that were come to see the feastes and games, and that assailing them vppon the sodaine, he shoulde put them in a maruelous feare brought his armie in the night hard to the walls of the citie of ARGOS,* 1.67 and at his first com∣ming wanne a place they call Aspis, a verie strong place aboue the Theater, and ill to come vnto. The ARGIVES were so amazed at it, that no man would take apon him to defende the citie, but receiued Cleomenes garrison, and gaue him twentie ostages, promising thenceforth to be true confederates vnto the LACEDAEMONIANS, vnder his charge and conduct. The [unspec C] which doubtles wanne him great fame, and increased his power: for that the auncient kings of LACEDAEMON, could neuer before with any policie or deuise, winne the citie of ARGOS. For king Pyrrhus one of the most valliantest and warlikest Prince that euer was,* 1.68 entring the ci∣tie of ARGOS by force, could not keepe it, but was slaine there; and the most parte of his ar∣mie: wherby, euery man wondred greatly at the diligence & counsell of Cleomenes. And where euery man did mocke him before, when Cleomenes sayd that he would follow Solon, and Lycur∣gus, in making the citizens goods common, and discharging all dets: they were then clerely perswaded that he onely was the cause and meane of that great chaunge, which they sawe in the corage of the SPARTANS: who were before so weake and out of hart, that they hauing no corage to defend them selues, the AETOLIANS entring LACONIA, with an armie, tooke away [unspec D] at one time, fiftie thowsand slaues. Whereuppon an old man of SPARTA pleasauntly sayd at that time, that their enemies had done them a great pleasure, to ridde their contrie of LACO∣NIA of suche a rabble of rascalls. Shortly after, they being entred againe into the former aun∣cient discipline of Lycurgus,* 1.69 as if Lycurgus selfe had bene aliue to haue trained them vnto it they shewed them selues verie valliant, and obedient also vnto their Magistrates, whereby they recouered againe the commaundement of all GRAECE, and the contrie also of PELO∣PONNESVS. After Cleomenes had taken the citie of ARGOS, the cities also of CLEONES, and PHLIVNTA, did yeelde them selues vnto him. Aratus in the meane time remayned at CO∣RINTHE, & there did busily accuse them which were suspected to fauor the LACEDAEMONI∣ANS. But when newes was brought him that ARGOS was taken, & that he perceiued also the [unspec E] citie of CORINTHE did leane vnto Cleomenes parte, and draue away the ACHAIANS: he then calling the people to counsell in CORINTHE, secretly stale to one of the gates of the citie, and causing his horse to be brought vnto him, tooke his backe, and gallopped for life vnto the citie of SICYONE. When the CORINTHIANS heard of it, they tooke their hosebackes also, striuing who shoulde be there soonest, and posted in suche hast vnto Cleomenes at the citie of ARGOS, that many of them (as Aratus wryteth) killed their horses by the waye: howebeit Cleomenes was verie muche offended with them, for that they had let him scape their handes. But Aratus sayth further, that Megistonus came vnto him from Cleomenes, and offered him a great summe of money to deliuer him the castell of CORINTHE, wherein there was a great garrison of the ACHAIANS. But he aunswered againe, that thinges were not in his power, but [unspec F] rather that he was subiect to their power. Now Cleomenes departing from the city of ARGOS, ouercame the TROEZENIANS, the EPIDAVEIANS, & the HERMIONIANS. After that, he came

[unspec A] vnto CORINTHE, and presentlie entrenched the castell there rounde about, and sendinge for Aratus frendes and factors, commaunded them to keepe his house and goodes care∣fullie for him, and sent Tritymallus MESSENIAN again vnto him, to praye him to be con∣tented that the castell might be kept indifferentlie betwext the ACHAIANS and LACEDAE∣MONIANS, promisinge him priuately to double the pencion that kinge Ptolomy gaue him. But Aratus refusinge it, sent his sonne vnto Antigonus with other ostages, and perswa∣ded the ACHAIANS to deliuer vppe the castell of CORINTHE, vnto Antigonus handes. Cleomenes vnderstandinge it, entred with his armie into the contrie of the SICYONIANS, and destroyed it as he went, and tooke Aratus goodes and money, of the gift of the CO∣RINTHIANS by decree. Nowe Antigonus in the meane tyme, beinge passed the moun∣tayne [unspec B] of Gerania with a greate power: Cleomenes determined not to fortifie the Isthmus or straight of PELOPONNESVS, but the wayes of the mountaynes Onienes, determininge to keepe euerie one of them against the MACEDONIANS, with intent to consume them ra∣ther by tyme, then to fight a battell with an armie, so good souldiers and well trayned as they were. Cleomenes followinge this determination, did putte Antigonus to greate trouble, bicause he had not in time prouided for corne: and coulde not winne the passage also by force, for that Cleomenes kept it with suche garde and souldiers. Then Antigo∣nus stealinge secretely into the hauen of Lechaeum, he was stowtly repulsed, and lost a number of his men: whereuppon Cleomenes and his men beinge couragious for this vi∣ctorie, went quietly to supper. Antigonus on thother side fell into dispaire, to see him [unspec C] selfe brought by necessitie into suche harde termes. Wherefore he determined to goe to the temple of Iuno, and from thence to passe his armie by sea into the citie of SICYONE, the which required a longe tyme, and greate preparacion. But the same night there came some of Aratus frendes of the ARGIVES, who comminge from ARGOS by sea, brought newes that the ARGIVES were rebelled against Cleomenes.* 1.70 The practiser of this rebellion, was one Aristoteles, who easelie brought the people vnto it, that were alreadie offended with Cleomenes, that had promised to passe a lawe for the clearinge of dettes, but perfor∣med it not accordinge to their expectacion. Wherefore, Aratus with a thowsande fiue hundred men which Antigonus gaue him, went by sea vnto EPIDAVRVM. Howebeit Aristoteles taried not his comminge, but takinge them of the citie with him, went and [unspec D] besieged the garrison of the LACEDAEMONIANS within the castell, beinge ayded by Timo∣xenus, with the ACHAIANS that came from SICYONE. Cleomenes receiuinge aduertise∣ment hereof, about the seconde watche of the night, sent for Megistonus in haste, and commaunded him in anger speedilie to goe and ayde their men that were in the citie of AR∣GOS. For it was Megistonus him selfe that promised Cleomenes the fidelitie of the ARGI∣VES, and that kept him from driuinge them out of the citie, which he suspected. So sen∣dinge him awaye foorthwith with two thowsande men, he attended Antigonus; and com∣forted the CORINTHIANS the best he coulde: aduertisinge them that it was but a litle mu∣tinie of a fewe, that chaunced in the citie of ARGOS. Megistonus beinge come to AR∣GOS, and slayne in battell, fightinge for the LACEDAEMONIANS in garrison there (who be∣inge [unspec E] in greate distresse, scant able to keepe the castell against the enemies) sent sundrie messengers vnto Cleomenes, to praye him to sende them immediate ayde. Cleomenes then beinge affrayed that the enemies hauinge taken ARGOS, woulde stoppe his way to returne backe into his contrie, who hauinge oportunitie safelie to spoyle LACONIA, and also to be∣siege the citie selfe of SPARTA, that had but a fewe men to defende it: he departed with his armie from CORINTHE. Immediatly after came Antigonus, and tooke it from him, and put a stronge garrison into it. When Cleomenes came before the citie of ARGOS,* 1.71 he scaled the walles, and breakinge the vawtes and arches of the place called Aspis; entred in∣to the citie, and ioyned with his garrison there, which yet resisted the ACHAIANS: and ta∣kinge other partes of the same also, assaulted the walles, and cleared the streetes in suche [unspec F] sorte, that not an enemie durst be seene, for feare of the archers of the CRETANS. In the meane time, when he sawe Antigonus a farre of,* 1.72 comminge downe the hilles into the val∣ley with his footemen, and that his horsemen also came apon the spurre into the citie:

dispayringe then that he coulde any lenger keepe it, he gathered all his men together, and [unspec A] safelie goinge downe by the walles retyred without losse of any man. So, when in shorte tyme he had conquered muche, and had almost wonne all within PELOPONNESVS: in shorter space also, he lost all againe. For, of the confederates that were in his came, some did presentlie forsake him: others also immediatly after surrendered vp the townes vnto An∣tigonus. Cleomenes beinge thus oppressed with the fortune of warre, when he came backe to TEGEA with the rest of his armie, newes came to him in the night from LACEDAEMON, which grieued him as muche as the losse of all his conquestes: for he was aduertised of the death of his wife Agiatis,* 1.73 whome he loued so dearelie, that in the middest of his chiefest prosperitie and victories, he made often iorneys to SPARTA to see her. It coulde not but be a maruelous griefe vnto Cleomenes, who beinge a younge man, had loste so vertuous and [unspec B] fayer a younge Ladie, so dearelie beloued of him: and yet he gaue not place vnto his so∣rowe, neither did griefe ouercome his noble courage, but he vsed the selfe same voyce, ap∣parell, and countenaunce, that he did before. Then taking order with his priuate Captaines, about his affayres, and hauinge prouided also for the safetie of the TEGEANS: he went the next morninge by breake of daye vnto SPARTA. After he had priuately lamented the so∣rowe of his wiues death, with his mother and children: he presentlie bent his minde a∣gaine to publike causes. Nowe Cleomenes had sent vnto Ptolomy kinge of AEGYPT, who had promised him ayde, but apon demaunde, to haue his mother and children in pledge. So he was a longe tyme before he woulde for shame make his mother priuie vnto it, and went oftentymes of purpose to lette her vnderstande it: but when he came, he had not the harte [unspec C] to breake it to her. She first suspectinge a thinge, asked Cleomenes frendes, if her sonne had not somewhat to saye vnto her, that he durst not vtter. Whereuppon, in fine he gaue the venter, and brake the matter to her. When she hearde it, she fell a laughinge, and told him:* 1.74 why, howe commeth it to passe, that thou hast kept it thus long, and wouldest not tell me? Come, come, sayed she, put me straight into a shippe, and sende me whither thou wilt, that this bodie of myne may doe some good vnto my contrie, before crooked age consume my life without profitte. Then all thinges beinge prepared for their iorney, they went by lande, accompanied with the armie, vnto the heade of Taenarus. Where Cra∣tesiclea beinge readie to imbarke, she tooke Cleomenes aside into the temple of Neptune, and imbracinge and kissinge him, perceiuinge that his harte yerned for sorowe of her departure, [unspec D] she sayed vnto him: O kinge of LACEDAEMON, lette no man see for shame when we come out of the temple, that we haue wept and dishonored SPARTA. For that onely is in our power, and for the rest, as it pleaseth the goddes, so lette it be. When she had spoken these wordes, and facioned her countenaunce againe: she went then to take her shippe,* 1.75 with a litle sonne of Cleomenes, and commaunded the maister of the shippe to hoyse sayle. Nowe when she was arriued in AEGYPT, and vnderstoode that kinge Ptolomy receiued Ambassa∣dours from Antigonus, and were in talke to make peace with him: and hearinge also that Cleomenes beinge requested by the ACHAIANS to make peace with them, durst not hearken to it, and ende that warre, without king Ptolomyes consent, and bicause of his mother: she wrote vnto him, that he shoulde not spare to doe any thinge that shoulde be expedient for [unspec E] the honour of SPARTA, without feare of displeasing Ptolomy, or for regarde of an olde wo∣man, and a younge boye. Suche was the noble minde of this worthie Ladie in her sonne Cleomenes aduersitie. Furthermore, Antigonus hauing taken the citie of TEGEA, and sacked the other cities of ORCHOMENVM, and MANTINEA: Cleomenes seeinge him selfe brought to defende the borders onely of LACONIA, he did manumise all the ILOTES, (which were the slaues of LACEDAEMON) payinge fiue Attica Minas a man. With that money he made the summe of fiue hundred talentes, and armed two thowsande of these freed slaues af∣ter the MACEDONIAN facion to fight against the LEVCASPIDES: (to witte, the white shieldes of Antigonus) and then there fell into his minde a maruelous greate enterprise, vn∣looked for of euery man. The citie of MEGALIPOLIS at that time being as great as SPARTA, & [unspec F] hauing the aide of the ACHAIANS, and Antigonus at hand, (whom the ACHAIANS as it seemed had brought it, chiefly at the request of the MEGALOPOLITANS) Cleomenes determininge

[unspec A] to sacke this citie, and knowing that to bring it to passe, nothing was more requisite then celeritie: he commaunded his souldiers to vittell them selues for fiue dayes, and marching with the choyce of all his armie towardes SELASIA, as though he had ment to haue spoyled the ARGIVES, sodainly turning from thence, he inuaded the contrie of the MEGALOPOLI∣TANS, and supping by ROETIVM, went straight by ELICVNTA vnto the citie. When he was come neere vnto it, he sent Panteas before with speede, with two bandes of the LACEDAEMO∣NIANS, and commaunded him to take a certeine pece of the wall betweene two towers, which he knewe was not kept nor garded: and he followed him also with the rest of his armie com∣ming on fayer and softly. When Panteas came thither, finding not onely that place of the wall without gard or watche which Cleomenes had told him of,* 1.76 but also the most parte of that [unspec B] side without defence: he tooke some parte of the wall at his first comming, and manned it, and ouerthrew an other peece of it also, putting them all to the sword that did defend it, and then came Cleomenes, and was within the citie with his armie, before the MEGALOPOLI∣TANS knewe of his comming. At length, the citizens vnderstanding that the citie was taken, some fled in hast, conueying suche light things as came to hande, in so great a feare: and the others also arming them selues, ranne together to resist the enemies. But though they val∣liantly fought to repulse them out of the citie, and yet preuayled not: they gaue the rest lei∣sure thereby to flye and saue them selues, so that there remayned not behinde, aboue a thow∣sande men. For all the rest were fled with their wiues and children, into the citie of MESSE∣NA. The most parte of them also that fought with the enemies, saued them selues, and verie [unspec C] fewe were taken, the chiefest whereof, were Lysandridas, and Thearidas, the noblest persons that were amongest the MEGALOPOLITANS: wherefore when the souldiers had taken them, they brought them vnto Cleomenes. Lysandridas, when he saw Cleomenes a good way of, cried out alowde vnto him: O king of LACEDAEMON, this day thou hast an occasion offered thee to doe a more famous princely acte, then that which thou hast alreadie done, and that will make thy name also more glorious. Cleomenes musing what he woulde request: well (q he) what is that thou requirest? One thing I will tell thee before hande, thou shalt not make me restore your citie to you againe. Yet, q Lysandridas, lette me request thus muche then, that ye doe not destroy it, but rather replenishe it with frendes and confederates, which hereaf∣ter will be true and faithfull to you: and that shall you doe, geuing the MEGALOPOLITANS [unspec D] their citie againe, and preseruing suche a number of people as haue forsaken it. Cleomenes pawsing a while, aunswered, it was a hard thing to beleue that: but yet q he,* 1.77 let honor take place with vs, before profit. After that he sent a Heraulde straight vnto MESSENA vnto them that were fledde thither, and tolde them that he was contented to offer them their citie a∣gaine, so that they would become good frendes and confederates of the LACEDAEMONIANS, forsaking the alliance of the ACHAIANS. Philopoemen would by no meanes suffer the MEGA∣LOPOLITANS to accept this gracious offer of Cleomenes, nor also to leaue their alliance with the ACHAIANS: telling them, that he ment not to geue them their citie againe, but to take them also with their citie: and therefore draue Thearidas and Lysandridas out of MESSENA, that moued this practise. It was that Philopoemen that afterwardes was the chiefest man of [unspec E] the ACHAIANS, and that wanne suche fame and honor among the GRAECIANS, as we haue particularly declared in his life. This worde being brought to Cleomenes, who had kept the city from spoyling vntill that time:* 1.78 he was then so thorowly offended, that he gaue the goods in praye to the souldiers, sent away their goodly tables, images, and pictures vnto SPAR∣TA, and defaced the chiefest partes of the citie, and then returned home againe, being af∣frayed of Antigonus, and the ACHAIANS. Howebeit they sturred not, bicause of the parla∣ment that was kept at that time in the citie of AEGIVM, where Aratus being in the pulpit for orations, and holding his gowne a long time before his face, the people maruelling at it, wil∣led him to tell what he ayled: he answered them, MEGALIPOLIS is taken, and rased by Cleome∣nes. The ACHAIANS being amazed at the sodainnes of this great losse, straight brake of their [unspec F] parlament and assemblie. But Antigonus thinking to ayde them, sent presently for all his garrisons, who being long a comming, he willed them to stay where they were, and he him selfe taking a fewe souldiers with him, went vnto the citie of ARGOS. Therefore the seconde

enterprise of Cleomenes, seemeth at the first sight a verie rashe and desperate attempt: howe∣beit [unspec A] Polybius wryteth, that it was an attempt of greate wisedome and policie.* 1.79 For Cleomenes vnderstanding that the MACEDONIANS were dispersed in garrisons in diuers places, and that Antigonus lay all the winter in the citie of ARGOS, with a certeyne number of foote∣men that were straungers: he inuaded the contrie of the ARGIVES with his armie, perswa∣ding him selfe, that either Antigonus woulde for shame come and fight with him, or if he did not, that then he shoulde put him in disgrace with the ARGIVES: which in deede came so to passe. The ARGIVES seeinge their contrie spoyled by Cleomenes, were in a maruelous rage, and gatheringe together at Antigonus lodginge, they cryed out vnto him, either to goe into the fielde, and fight with the enemie: or else if he were affrayed, to resigne hi of∣fice of Generall of GRAECE, vnto others that were vallianter than him selfe.* 1.80 But Antigo∣nus [unspec B] like a wise and excellent Captayne, thinkinge it a dishonour to him rashely to put him selfe in daunger, and his frendes also, though he were prouoked with many iniuries and opptrobrious wordes: woulde not goe into the fielde, but stoode constant in his first deter∣mination. Then Cleomenes hauing brought his armie hard to the walles of the citie of AR∣GOS, and spoyled and destroyed the contrie rounde about: without letter or daunger he safely returned home againe. Within a while after, Cleomenes beinge aduertised that An∣tigonus was come vnto TEGEA, with intent to inuade the contrie of LACONIA: he goinge an other way with his armie, (vnwitting to his enemies) they wondered when they saw him in the morning by the citie of ARGOS, spoylinge their contrie, and cuttinge downe their corne, not with sickles and knyues as other doe vse, but with long poles in forme of Sythes, [unspec C] that the souldiers as they went sportingewise, did ouerthrowe and spoyle it. But when they came to the place or exercises in the suburbes, called Cyllabaris, certaine of the soul∣diers goinge about to haue sette it afire, Cleomenes woulde not suffer them, and tolde them, that what he had done at MEGALIPOLIS, it was rather angrily then honestlie done.* 1.81 Now Antigonus, presentlye returninge backe againe, beinge minded first to haue gone direct∣ly to the citie of ARGOS, but sodainely alteringe his minde, did campe vpon the toppe of hilles and mountaynes. Cleomenes seeminge not to be affrayed of him, sent Herauldes to him to desire the keyes of the temple of Iuno, and then after he had done sacrifice, he woulde departe his waye. Thus mockinge Antigonus, after he had sacrificed vnto the goddesse, vnder the temple that was shut vp, he sent his armie vnto PHLIVNTA, [unspec D] and hauinge driuen awaye the garrison out of OLOGVNTA, he came vnto the citie of ORCHONENVM, hauinge not onely incouraged his citizens, but gotten euen amongest the enemies them selues, a fame also to be a noble Captaine, and worthie to manage greate affaires. For euerie man iudged him to be a skillfull souldier, and a valliant Cap∣taine, that with the power of one onely citie, did mainteine warre against the kingdom of MACEDON, against all the people of PELOPONNESVS, and against the treasure of so greate a king: and withall, not onely to keepe his owne contrie of LACONIA vnfoyled, but farre otherwise to hurte his enemies contries, and to take so many greate cities of theirs. But he that sayed first, that money was the sinewe of all thinges,* 1.82 spake it chiefly in my opinion, in respect of the warres. Demades the Orator sayed on a time, when the [unspec E] ATHENIANS commaunded certaine gallies shoulde be put out of the arsenall into the sea, and presently rigged and armed with all possible speed, though they lacked money: he that rules the prowe, must first see before him. Meaning, munition and vittells must be prouided, before the shippes be sette out. And it is reported also, that the auncient Ar∣chidamus,* 1.83 when the confederates of the LACEDAEMONIANS at the beginninge of the warre of PELOPONNESVS required, that they might be sessed at a certaine rate, aun∣swered: the charges of warre haue no certeyne stinte. For like as wrestlers that exercise their bodies continuallie in games, are better able to wrestle, and ouerthrowe them with tyme, that haue no strength, but onely arte and slight: euen so Kinge Antigonus,* 1.84 who by the greatnesse of his kingdome did defraye the charge of this warre, did wea∣rie [unspec F] and ouercome Cleomenes at the length, bicause he lacked money bothe to paye the straungers that serued him, and also to mayntayne his owne citizens. For otherwise,

[unspec A] doubtlesse the time serued his turne well, bicause the troubles that fell apon Antigonus in his realme, did make him to be sent for home. For the barbarous people his neighbours, in his absence did spoyle and destroye the realme of MACEDON, and speciallie the ILLYRIANS of the high contrie that came downe then with a greate armie: whereupon, the MACEDONI∣ANS being spoyled and harried on all sides by them, they sent poste vnto Antigonus, to pray him to come home. If these letters had bene brought him but a litle before the battell, as they came afterwardes: Antigonus had gone his waye, and left the ACHAIANS. But for∣tune, that alwayes striketh the stroke in all weightiest causes,* 1.85 gaue suche speede and fauour vnto time: that immediatly after the battell was fought at SELASIA,* 1.86 (where Cleomenes lost his armie and citie) the verie messengers arriued that came for Antigonus to come home, [unspec B] the which made the ouerthrowe of king Cleomenes so muche more lamentable. For if he had delayed battell but two dayes lenger, when the MACEDONIANS had bene gone, he might haue made what peace he would with the ACHAIANS: but for lacke of money, he was driuen (as Polybius wryteth) to geue battell, with twentie thowsande men, against thirtie thow∣sande: where he shewed him selfe an excellent and skilfull Captaine, and where his citizens also fought like valliant men, and the straungers in like case did shewe them selues good soul∣diers. But his onely ouerthrowe was, by the manner of his enemies weapons, and the force of their battell of footemen. But Phylarchus wryteth, that treason was the cause of his o∣uerthrowe. For Antigonus had appointed the ACARNANIANS, and the ILLYRIANS which he had in his armie, to steale vppon the winge of his enemies armie, where Euclidas, king [unspec C] Cleomenes brother was, to compasse him in behinde, whilest did sette the rest of his men in battell. When Cleomenes was got vp vpon some hill to looke about him, to see the coun∣tenaunce of the enemie, and seeing none of the ACARNANIANS, nor of the ILLYRIANS: he was then affrayed of Antigonus, that he went about some stratageame of warre. Where∣fore he called for Demoteles, whose charge was to take heede of stratageames and secret am∣bushes, and commaunded him to looke to the rerewarde of his armie, and to be verie cir∣cumspect all about. Demoteles, that was bribed before (as it is reported) with money,* 1.87 tolde him that all was cleere in the rerewarde, and bad him looke to ouerthrowe his enemies be∣fore him. Cleomenes trusting this reporte, sette forward against Antigonus, and in the ende, his citizens of SPARTA which he had about him, gaue suche a fierce charge apon the squa∣dron [unspec D] of the MACEDONIAN footemen, that they draue them backe fiue furlonges of. But in the meane time, Euclidas his brother, in the other wing of his armie, being compassed in behinde, Cleomenes turning him backe, and seeing the ouerthrowe, cried out alowde: alas, good brother, thou art but slaine, yet thou dyest valliantlie, and honestlie, and thy death shall be a worthie example vnto all posteritie, and shall be song by the praises of the women of SPARTA. So Euclidas and his men being slaine, the enemies came straight to sette vpon Cleomenes winge. Cleomenes then seeing his men discouraged,* 1.88 and that they durst no lenger resist the enemie, fledde, and saued him selfe. Many of the straungers also that serued him, were slaine at this battell: and of sixe thowsande SPARTANS, there were left aliue but onely two hundred. Now Cleomenes being returned vnto SPARTA, the citizens comming to see him, [unspec E] he gaue them counsell to yeeld them selues vnto Antigonus the conqueror: and for him selfe, if either aliue or dead he could doe any thing for the honor and benefit of SPARTA, that he would willingly doe it. The women of the citie also, comming vnto them that flying had e∣scaped with him, when he saw them vnarme the men, and bring them drinke to refresh them with: he also went home to his owne house. Then a maide of the house, which he had ta∣ken in the citie of MEGALIPOLIS (and whom he had enterteined euer since the death of his wife) came vnto him as her maner was, to refresh him comming hot from the battell: how∣beit he would not drinke though he was extreame drie, nor sit being verie wearie, but armed as he was, layed his arme a crosse apon a piller, and leaning his head apon it, reposed himselfe a litle, and casting in his minde all the wayes that were to be thought of, he tooke his frendes [unspec F] with him, and went to the hauen of Gythium, and there hauing his shippes which he had ap∣pointed for the purpose, he hoysted sayle, and departed his way.* 1.89 Immediatly after his depar∣ture, came Antigonus into the citie of SPARTA, and curteously intreated the citizens and

inhabitants he found, and did offend no man, nor prowdly despise the auncient honor and di∣gnitie [unspec A] of SPARTA: but referring them to their owne lawes and gouernment, when he had sa∣crificed to the goddes for his victorie, he departed from thence the thirde daye, newes being brought him that the warre was verie great in MACEDON, and that the barbarous people did spoyle his contrie.* 1.90 Now a disease tooke him, whereof he dyed afterwards, which appeared a tisicke, mixt with a sore catarre: but yet he yeelded not to his disease, and bare it out, that fighting for his contrie, and obteyning a famous victorie, with great slaughter of the barba∣rous people, he might yet dye honorably, as in deede he did, by Phylarchus testimonie, who sayth, that with the force of his voyce, fiercely crying out in the middest of his fight, he tare his lunges and lightes, worse then they were before. Yet in the schooles it is sayd, that after he had wonne the battell, he was so ioyfull of it, that crying out, O blessed day: he brake out [unspec B] into a great bleeding at the mouth, and a great feuer tooke him withall, that he dyed of it. Thus much touching Antigonus. Now Cleomenes departing out of the Isle of CYTHERA,* 1.91 went and cast ancker in an other Iland, called AEGIALIA. Then determining to saile ouer to the ci∣tie of CYRENA, Therycion, one of Cleomenes frendes (a man that in warres shewed him selfe verie valliant, but a boaster besides of his owne doinges) tooke Cleomenes aside, and sayd thus vnto him:* 1.92 Truely O king, we haue lost an honorable occasion to dye in battell, though euery man hath heard vs vaunt and say, that Antigonus should neuer ouercome the king of SPARTA aliue, but dead. A seconde occasion yet is offered vs to dye, with much lesse honor and fame notwithstanding, then the first. Whether doe we saile to no purpose?

Why doe we flie the death at hand, and seeke it so farre of? If it be no shame nor dishonor for the posteritie & race [unspec C] of Hercules to serue the successors of Philip and Alexander: let vs saue then our labor, and long daungerous sailing, and goe yeelde our selues vnto Antigonus, who in likelyhoode will better vse vs then Ptolomy, bicause the MACEDONIANS are farre more nobler persons then the AE∣GYPTIANS. And if we disdaine to be commaunded by them which haue ouercommen vs in battell, why then will we make him Lord of vs, that hath not ouercomen vs: in steade of one, to make vs inferior vnto both, flying Antigonus, and seruing king Ptolomy? Can we say that we goe into AEGYPT, in respect to see your mother there? A ioyfull sight no doubt, when she shall shew king Ptolomyes wiues her sonne, that before was a king, a prisoner, & fugitiue now. Were it not better for vs, that hauing yet LACONIA our contrie in sight, and our swordes be∣sides in our owne hands, to deliuer vs from this great miserie, & so doing to excuse our selues [unspec D] vnto them that are slaine at SELASIA, for defence of SPARTA: then cowardly loosing our time in AEGYPT, to inquire whom Antigonus left his Lieutenaunt and Gouernor in LACEDAEMON?

Therycion ending his oration,* 1.93 Cleomenes aunswered him thus:

Doest thou thinke it a glorie for thee to seeke death, which is the easiest matter, and the presentest vnto any man, that can be and yet, wretche that thou art: thou fliest now more cowardly and shamefully, then from the battell. For diuers valliant men, and farre better then our selues, haue often yeelded vnto their enemies, either by some misfortune, or compelled by greater number and multitude of men: but he say I, that submitteth him selfe vnto paine and miserie, reproache and praise of men, he can not but confesse that he is ouercome by his owne vnhappinesse.

For, when a man will willingly kill him selfe,* 1.94 he must not doe it to be rid of paynes and labour, but it must [unspec E] haue an honorable respect and action.

For, to liue or dye for his owne respect, that can not but be dishonorable: the which now thou perswadest me vnto, to make me flie this present miserie we are in, without any honor or profitte in our death. And therefore, I am of opi∣nion, that we shoulde not yet cast of the hope we haue to serue our contrie in time to come: but when all hope fayleth vs, then we may easely make our selues awaye when we lift.

There∣unto Therycion gaue no aunswere, but as soone as he founde oportunitie to slippe from Cleomenes,* 1.95 he went to the sea side, and slewe him selfe. Cleomenes hoysinge sayle from the Ile of AEGIALIA, went into AFRICKE, and was brought by the kinges seruauntes vnto the citie of ALEXANDRIA. King Ptolomy at his first comming, gaue Cleomenes no speciall good, but indifferent intertainment: but after that he had shewed him selfe to be of great wisedom [unspec F] and iudgement, and that Ptolomy saw in the simplicity of his LACONIAN life he had also a no∣ble disposition and corage, nothing degenerating from the princely race & blood of Hercules,

[unspec A] and that he yelded not to his aduersitie: he tooke more delight in his company, then in all the company of his flatterers and hangers on him: and then repented him greatly, that he had made no more account of him before, but had suffered him to be ouerthrowne by Antigonus, who through the victory of him, had maruelously enlarged his honor and power. Then he be∣gan to comfort Cleomenes, and doing him as great honor as could be, promised that he would send him with shippes and money into GRAECE, and put him againe into his kingdom: & fur∣ther, gaue him an annuall pencion in the meane time, of foure and twenty talents, with the which he simply and soberly enterteyned him selfe and his men about him: and bestowed all the rest apon his contry men that came out of GRAECE into AEGYPT. But now, old king Ptolo∣my deceasing before he could performe the promise he made vnto Cleomenes, to send him into [unspec B] GRAECE: the Realme falling then into great lasciuiousnes, dronckennes, and into the gouern∣ment of women, his case and miserie was cleane forgotten. For the young king his sonne was so giuen ouer to women and wine, that when he was most sober, and in his best witts, he most disposed him selfe to make feastes and sacrifices, and to haue the taber playing in his Court, to gather people together, like a stage player or iugler, whilest one Agathoclea his lemman, and her mother, and Oenanthes a bawde, did rule all the affayres of the state. But when he came to be king, it appeared he had neede of Cleomenes: bicause he was affraid of his brother Magas, who by his mothers meanes, was very wel esteemed of among souldiers. Wherefore he called Cleomenes to him, and made him of his priuy counsel, where he deuised by practise, which way to kill his brother. All other his friends that were of counsell with him, did counsell him to do [unspec C] it: but Cleomenes onely vehemently disswaded him from it, and tolde him, that if it were pos∣sible, rather moe brethren should be begotten vnto the king for the safetie of his person, and for deuiding of the affayres of the kingdome betweene them. Amongest the kinges familliers that was chiefest about him, there was one Sosibius that said vnto Cleomenes: so long as his bro∣ther Magas liued, the souldiers that be straungers, whom the king entertayned, would neuer be true to him. Cleomenes aunswered him, for that matter there was no daunger: for sayth he, of those hiered straungers, there are three thowsand PELOPONNESIANS, which he knewe at the twinckling of an eye, would be at his commaundement, to come with their armor & wea∣pon where he would appoynt them. These words of Cleomenes at that tyme shewed his fayth and good will he bare vnto the king, and the force he was of besides. But afterwards, Ptolomyes [unspec D] fearefulnes increasing his mistrust: (as it commonly hapneth, that they that lacke wit, thinke it the best safetie to be fearefull of euery wagging of a strawe, and to mistrust euery man) the remembrance of Cleomenes wordes made him much suspected of the Courtiers, vnderstan∣ding that he could doe so much with the souldiers that were straungers: insomuch as some of them sayd, see (meaning Cleomenes) there is a lyon amongest sheepe. In deede, considering his facions and behauior, they might well say so of him: for he would looke thorough his fingers as though he saw nothing, and yet saw all what they did. In fine, he required an armie & ships of the king: and vnderstanding also that Antigonus was dead, and that the ACHAIANS and AE∣TOLIANS were at great warres together, and that the affaires of his contry did call him home, all PELOPONNESVS being in armes and vprore, he prayed that they would licence him to de∣part [unspec E] with his friends. But neuer a man would giue eare vnto him, and the king also heard no∣thing of it, bicause he was continually entertained among Ladies, with banckets, dauncing, & maskes. But Sosibius that ruled all the Realme, thought that to keepe Cleomenes against his wil, were a hard thing, and also daungerous: and to let him goe also, knowing that he was a valiant man, and of a sturring minde, and one that knew the vices and imperfections of their gouern∣ment: he thought that also no safe way, sithe no giftes nor presents that could be offered him, could soften him.* 1.96 For as the holy bull (which they call in AEGYPT Apis) that is sulfed in good∣ly pasture, doth yet desire to followe his naturall course and libertie, to runne and leape at his pleasure, and plainely sheweth that it is a griefe to him to be kept stil by the Priest euen so the courtly pleasures did nothing delight Cleomenes, but as Homer writeth of Achilles:

[unspec F] It irkt his noble hart to sit at home in slothfull rest, VVhen martiall matters vvere in hand, the vvhich he liked best.

Nowe Cleomenes standing in these tearmes, there arriued in ALEXANDRIA one Nicagoras

MESSENIAN,* 1.97 who maliced Cleomenes in his hart, but yet shewed as though he loued him. This [unspec A] Nicagoras on a time had sold Cleomenes certein land, but was not payed for it, either bicause he had no present money, or els by occasiō of the warres which gaue him no leasure to make payment. Cleomenes one day by chaunce walking vpon the sandes, he sawe Nicagoras landing out of his shippe, being newly arriued, and knowing him, he curteously welcomed him, and asked what wind had brought him into AEGYPT. Nicagoras gently saluting him againe, tolde him that he had brought the king excellent horse of seruice. Cleomenes smiling, told him, thou haddest bene better haue brought him some curtisans & daunsers, for they would haue plea∣sed the king better: Nicagoras faintly laughed at his aunswer, but within few dayes after he did put him in remembraunce of the land he sold him, and prayed him then that he would helpe him to money, telling him that he would not haue prest him for it, but that he had susteyned [unspec B] losse by marchandise. Cleomenes aunswered him, that all his pension was spent he had of the king. Nicagoras being offended with this aunswer, he went and told Sosibius of the mocke Cleo∣menes gaue the king. Sosibius was glad of this occasion, but yet desiring further matter to make the king offended with Cleomenes, he perswaded Nicagoras to write a letter to the king agaynst Cleomenes, as though he had conspired to take the citie of CYRENA, if the king had giuen him shippes, money, and men of warre. When Nicagoras had written this letter, he tooke shippe, and hoysed sayle. Foure dayes after his departure, Sosibius brought his letter to the king, as though he had but newly receiued it. The king apon sight of it was so offended with Cleome∣nes, that he gaue present order he should be shut vp in a great house,* 1.98 where he should haue his ordinary dyet allowed him, howbeit that he should keepe his house. This grieued Cleomenes [unspec C] much, but yet he was worse affraid of that which was to come, by this occasion: Ptolomy the sonne of Chrysermus, one of the kings familliers, who had oftentimes before bene very conuer∣sant and famillier with Cleomenes, and did franckly talke together in all matters: Cleomenes one daye sent for him, to praye him to come vnto him. Ptolomy came at his request, and familliarly discoursing together, went about to disswade him from all the suspicions he had, and excused the king also for that he had done vnto him: so taking his leaue he left him, not thinking that Cleomenes followed him (as he did) to the gate, where he sharply tooke vp the souldiers, say∣ing, that they were very negligent and careles in looking to such a fearefull beast as he was, & so ill to be taken, if he once scaped their handes. Cleomenes heard what he sayd, and went into his lodging againe, Ptolomy knowing nothing that he was behind him: and reported the very [unspec D] wordes againe vnto his friendes. Then all the SPARTANS conuerting their good hope into an∣ger, determined to be reuenged of the iniurie Ptolomy had done them, and to dye like noble SPARTANS not tarying til they should be brought to the shambles like fat weathers, to be sold and killed. For it would be a great shame and dishonor vnto Cleomenes, hauing refused to make peace with Antigonus, a noble Prince and warrier: to tary the kinges pleasure till he had left his dronckennes and daunsing, and then to come and put him to death.* 1.99 They beeing fully re∣solued hereof, as you haue heard: king Ptolomy by chaunce went vnto the citie of CANOBVS, & first they gaue out in ALEXANDRIA, that the king minded to set Cleomenes at libertie. Then Cleomenes friendes obseruing the custom of the kings of AEGYPT, when they ment to set a pri∣soner at libertie (which was, to send the prisoners meate, and presents before to their supper) [unspec E] did send vnto him such manner of presents, & so deceiued the souldiers that had the keeping of him, saying, that they brought those presents from the king. For Cleomenes him selfe did sa∣crifice vnto the goddes, and sent vnto the souldiers that kept him, parte of those presents that were sent vnto him, and supping with his friendes that night, made mery with them, euery man being crowned with garlands. Some say, that he made the more haste to execute his en∣terprise, sooner then he would haue done, by meanes of one of his men that was priuye vnto his conspiracie: who went euery night to lye with a woman he kept, and therefore was affraid lest he would bewray them. Cleomenes about noone, perceiuing the souldiers had takē in their cuppes, and that they were a sleepe: he put on his coate, and vnripping it on the right shoul∣der, went out of the house with his sword drawen in his hand, accompanied with his friends, [unspec F] following him in that sort, which were thirty in all. Amongest them there was one called Hip∣potas, who being lame, went very liuely out with them at the first: but when he saw they went

[unspec A] faier and softly bicause of him, he prayed them to kil him, bicause they should not hinder their enterprise for a lame man, that could doe them no seruice. Notwithstanding, by chaunce they met with a townes man a horsebacke, that came hard by their dore, whome they pluckt from his horse, and cast Hippotas vppon him: and then ranne through the citie, and cryed to the people, libertie, libertie. Now the people had no other corage in them, but onely commended Cleomenes, and wondred at his valiantnes: but otherwise to follow him, or to further his enter∣prise, not a man of them had any hart in them. Thus running vp and downe the towne, they met with Ptolomy (the same whome we sayde before was the sonne of Chrysermus) as he came out of the Court: Whereuppon three of them setting on him, slue him presently. There was also another Ptolomy that was gouernor and Lieuetenant of the citie of ALEXANDRIA: who [unspec B] hearing a rumor of this sturre, came vnto them in his coche. They went and met him, and first hauing driuen away his garde and souldiers that went before him, they pluckt him out of his coche, and slue him also. After that they went towards the castell, with intent to set all the pri∣soners there at libertie to take their part. Howbeit the gaylers that kept them had so strongly locked vp the prison dores, that Cleomenes was repulsed, and put by his purpose. Thus wan∣dring vp and downe the citie, no man neither came to ioyne with him, nor to resist him, for e∣uery man fled for feare of him. Wherefore at length being weary with going vp and downe, he turned him to his friends, and sayd vnto them: it is no maruell though women commaund such a cowardly people, that flye in this sort from their libertie. Thereuppon he prayed them all to dye like men, and like those that were brought vp with him, and that were worthy of the [unspec C] fame of his so noble deedes.* 1.100 Then the first man that made him selfe be slayne, was Hippotas, who dyed of a wound one of the younge men of his company gaue him with a sword at his request. After him euery man slue them selues, one after another, without any feare at all, sa∣uing Panteas,* 1.101 who was the first man that entred the citie of MEGALIPOLIS. He was a faier younge man, and had bene very well brought vp in the LACONIAN discipline, and better then any man of his yeares. Cleomenes did loue him dearely, and commaunded him that when he should see he were dead, and all the rest also, that then he should kill him selfe last of all. Now they all being layed on the ground, he searched them one after another with the poynt of his sword, to see if there were any of them yet left aliue: and when he had pricked Cleomenes on the heele amongest others, and saw that he did yet knit his browes, he kissed him, & sate downe [unspec D] by him. Then perceiuing that he had yelded vp the ghost, imbracing him when he was dead, he also slue him selfe, and fell vpon him. Thus Cleomenes hauing raigned king of SPARTA six∣teene yeares, being the same manner of man we haue described him to be: he ended his dayes in this sort as ye heare. Now, his death being presently bruted through the citie, Cratesiclea his mother, though otherwise she had a noble minde, did notwithstanding a litle forget her great∣nes, through thextreame sorow she felt for the death of her sonne: and so imbracing Cleome∣nes sonnes, she fell to bitter lamentacion. But the eldest of his sonnes, (no man mistrusting any such matter) found meanes to get out of her handes, & running vp to the toppe of the house, cast him selfe headlong downe to the ground, that his head was all broken and splitted, yet di∣ed not, but was taken vp crying, and angry with them, that they would not suffer him to dye. [unspec E] This newes being brought to king Ptolomy, he commaunded they should first flea Cleomenes, and then hange vp his body, and also, that they should put his children, his mother, and all her women wayting on her to death: among the which was Panteas wife, one of the fayrest and curteousest women in her tyme. They had not beene longe maried before, when these mis∣chieues lighted apon them, at what tyme their loue was then in greatest force. Her parents then would not let her depart, and imbarke with her husband, but had locked her vp, and kept her at home by force. Howbeit shortly after she found the meanes to get her a horse, & some money, and stale away in the night, and gallopped towards the hauen of Taenarus, where fin∣ding a shippe ready bound for AEGYPT, she imbarked, and went to seeke her husband, with whome she gladly and louingly ledde her life, forsaking her owne contry, to liue in a straunge [unspec F] Realme. Now when the Sergeaunts came to take Cratesiclea to put her to death, Panteas wife led her by the arme, carying vp her traine, and did comfort her, although Cratesiclea otherwise was not affraid to dye, but onely asked this fauor, that she might dye before her litle children.

This notwithstanding, when they came to the place of execution, the hangman first slue her [unspec A] children before her eyes, and then her selfe afterwards, who in such great griefe and sorowe, sayd no more but thus: Alas, my poore children, what is become of you? And Panteas wife also, being a mighty tall woman, girding her clothes to her, tooke vp the slayne bodies one af∣ter another, and wrapped them vp in such things as she could get, speaking neuer a word, nor shewing any signe or token of griefe: and in fine, hauing prepared her self to dye, and plucked of her attyre her selfe, without suffering any other to come neare her, or to see her, but the hangman that was appoynted to stryke of her head. In this sorte she dyed as constantly, as the stowtest man liuing could haue done, and had so couered her body, that no man needed after her death to touche her: so carefull was she to her ende, to keepe her honestie, which she had alwayes kept in her life, and in her death was mindefull of her honor, wherewith she decked [unspec B] her body in her life tyme. Thus these LACEDAEMON Ladies playing their partes in this pitifull tragedie, contending at the time of death, euen with the corage of the slayne SPARTANS their contrymen, which of them should dye most constantly: left a manifest proofe and testimonie, that fortune hath no power ouer fortitude and corage. Shortly after, those that were appoyn∣ted to keepe the body of king Cleomenes that hong vpon the crosse,* 1.102 they spied a great Serpent wreathed about his head, that couered all his face, insomuch as no rauening fowle durst come neare him to eate of it: whereuppon the king fell into a supersticious feare, being affrayd that he had offended the goddes. Hereuppon, the Ladyes in his Court began to make many sacri∣fices of purification, for the cleering of this sinne: perswading them selues, that they had put a man to death, beloued of the gods, and that he had something more in him then a man. The [unspec C] ALEXANDRINIANS thereuppon went to the place of execution, and made their prayers vnto Cleomenes, as vnto a demy god, calling him the sonne of the goddes. Vntill that the learned men brought them from that error, declaring vnto them,* 1.103 that like as of ox∣en being dead and rotten, there breede bees, and of horse also come waspes, & of asses likewise bitels: euen so mens bodies, when the marie melteth and gathereth together, doe bringe forth Serpents. The which comming to the knowledge of the auncients in olde tyme,* 1.104 of all other beastes they did consecrate the Dragon to Kinges and Princes, as proper vnto man.

The end of the life of Agis and Cleomenes.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The fable of Ixion against ambitious persons.
• * 1.2

  Theophrastus for the praise of vertue.
• * 1.3

  Immoderat praise very daungerous.
• * 1.4

  Phocions sa∣ying.
• * 1.5

  The fable of the Dragons head and taile.
• * 1.6

  Plutarch ex∣cuseth the Gracchi.
• * 1.7

  The lynage of Agis.
• * 1.8

  The lynage of Leonidas.
• * 1.9

  Aristodemus, tyrant of Me∣galipolis.
• * 1.10

  Leonidas brought su∣perfluitie and excesse into Sparta.
• * 1.11

  The conti∣nency of Agis
• * 1.12

  The first begin¦ning of the Lacedaemoni∣ans fall, from their aunci∣ent discipline.
• * 1.13

  Lycurgus the ••ra, for parti∣tion of landes, broken by E∣pitadeus law.
• * 1.14

  Epitadues law for deuise of landes by will.
• * 1.15

  Agis goeth a∣bout to reduce the common wealth of heer auncient estate.
• * 1.16

  How louing the Laceda∣monians were vnto their wiues.
• * 1.17

  Agis law.
• * 1.18

  Pasiphaé the Daughter of Atlas.
• * 1.19

  Agis maketh his goods com¦mon.
• * 1.20

  Leonidas re∣sisteth king Agis.
• * 1.21

  King Leoni∣das accused by Lysander.
• * 1.22

  Leonidas de∣prived of his kingdome.
• * 1.23

  Leonidas fly∣eth vnto Te∣gea.
• * 1.24

  King Agis de¦ceiued by A∣gesilaus.
• * 1.25

  New lawes stablished by the Lacedae∣monians.
• * 1.26

  Aratus, gene∣rall of the A∣chaians.
• * 1.27

  King Agis ior¦ney into A∣chaiā.
• * 1.28

  King Agis gaue place vnto Araetus.
• * 1.29

  King Leoni∣das returneth from •• ••ile in∣to Sparta.
• * 1.30

  The naturall loue of Che∣lonis Leoni∣das daughter, vnto her fa∣ther and hus∣band.
• * 1.31

  The oration of Chelonis the Daughter of Leonidas.
• * 1.32

  The banish∣ment of king Cleombrotus.
• * 1.33

  The great ver¦tue and loue of Chelonis, to her husband Cleombrotus.
• * 1.34

  Amphares be∣trayed king Agis.
• * 1.35

  King Agis ca¦ried vnto pri∣son.
• * 1.36

  There the re∣uerent regard of the heathē, vnto the per∣son of a king, abhorring in lay violens handes vpon him.
• * 1.37

  King Agis, her mother, & grandmother, all three strā∣gled.
• * 1.38

  The enemies did not wil∣lingly kill a∣ny king of Lacedaemon.
• * 1.39

  Here begin∣neth Cleome∣nes life.
• * 1.40

  Cleomenes the sonne of Leo∣nidas.
• * 1.41

  Agiatis, the Daughter of Gylippus, and wife to king Agis.
• * 1.42

  Agiatis, king Agis wife, maryed vnto Cleomenes.
• * 1.43

  Sphaerus, a Philosopher of Borysthenes
• * 1.44

  Cleomenes did set the Lace∣daemonians and Achaians together by the eares.
• * 1.45

  Cleomenes ior¦ney into the contry of the Argiues.
• * 1.46

  The victorie of Cleomenes against Ara∣tus.
• * 1.47

  The saying of the kings of Lacedaemon touching their enemies.
• * 1.48

  Archidamus king Agis brother slaine.
• * 1.49

  Lysiadas slaine.
• * 1.50

  Cleomenes victorie of the Achaians.
• * 1.51

  Lysiadas, ty∣ranne of Me∣galopolis, gaue ouer his ty∣rannie, and made it a po∣pular state.
• * 1.52

  The dreame of one of the Ephores.
• * 1.53

  Cleomenes siue the E∣phores.
• * 1.54

  Diuers tēples at Sparta, of feare, death, & such other fancies.
• * 1.55

  The vallian∣test men are most affrayed or offend the law.
• * 1.56

  The chappell of feare, ioy∣ned to the halle of the Ephores.
• * 1.57

  The oration of king Cleo∣menes, tou∣ching the first originall of the Ephores.
• * 1.58

  Asteropus, the first man that gaue authori∣ty to the E∣phores.
• * 1.59

  Cleomenes re∣formeth the state of the cōmon wealth of Lacedae∣mon.
• * 1.60

  Cleomenes in∣uadeth the borders of the Megalopoli∣tans.
• * 1.61

  King Cleome∣nes, the tea∣cher and ex∣ample of tem∣perancy.
• * 1.62

  Cleomenes moderate dyet.
• * 1.63

  Cleomenes curteous en∣tertainment at his bord.
• * 1.64

  Cleomenes leadeth his army against Aratus, and the Achaians.
• * 1.65

  The victory of Cleomenes against the A∣chaians.
• * 1.66

  Aratus trea∣son to his con∣trie.
• * 1.67

  Cleomenes winneth the citie of Argos.
• * 1.68

  King Pyrr∣hus slaine at the citie of Argos.
• * 1.69

  The force of Lycurgus la••es.
• * 1.70

  The Argiues doe rebell a∣gainst Cleo∣menes.
• * 1.71

  Cleomenes lost the citie of Corinthe.
• * 1.72

  Cleomenes lost the citie of Argos.
• * 1.73

  The death of Agiatis, king Cleomenes wife.
• * 1.74

  The noble minde of Cra∣tesiclea, Cleo∣menes mo∣ther.
• * 1.75

  Cleomenes sendeth his mother and children ho∣stages vnto Ptolomy king of AEgypt.
• * 1.76

  Cleomenes wanne the citie of Me∣galipolis.
• * 1.77

  Cleomenes noble saying.
• * 1.78

  Cleomenes ra∣sed the citie of Megalipo∣lis.
• * 1.79

  Cleomenes stratageame.
• * 1.80

  A wise Cap∣taine should not rashly put him selfe in hazard.
• * 1.81

  The modera∣cion of Cleo∣menes to his enemies.
• * 1.82

  Money, the sinewe of warres.
• * 1.83

  The saving of Archidamus.
• * 1.84

  Cleomenes o∣uercomen by Antigonus, for lacke of money to pay his souldiers.
• * 1.85

  The power of fortune.
• * 1.86

  Battell be∣twixt Cleo∣menes and Antigonus at Selasia.
• * 1.87

  The treason of Demoteles.
• * 1.88

  Cleomenes o∣uerthrowen by Antigo∣nus.
• * 1.89

  Antigonus wanne the citie of Spar∣ta.
• * 1.90

  The death of Antigonus the sonne of Demetrius, king of Ma∣cedon.
• * 1.91

  Cleomenes flieth out of Peloponne∣sus.
• * 1.92

  The oration of Therycion, vnto Cleome∣nes, against death.
• * 1.93

  Cleomenes oration of death.
• * 1.94

  VVilling death, must haue honora∣ble respect.
• * 1.95

  Cleomenes flieth into AEgypt vnto king Ptolo∣my.
• * 1.96

  Cleomenes vertue.
• * 1.97

  Nicagoras Messenian, an enemy to Cle∣omenes.
• * 1.98

  Cleomenes committed to prison to A∣lexandria.
• * 1.99

  Cleomenes practiseth to kill king Pto∣lomy.
• * 1.100

  The ende and death of Cleo∣menes and his friendes.
• * 1.101

  The corage of Panteas.
• * 1.102

  Cleomenes hanging vpon a crosse, had a Serpent wrea∣thed about his head.
• * 1.103

  Liuing things breeding of the corruption of dead beasts
• * 1.104

  VVhy the Dragon is cō∣secrated vnto Princes.