Claudius Ælianus, his various history

CHAP. XIX. Of the dissension betwixt Aristotle and Plato.

The first dissension betwixt Aristotle and Plato is said to be thus occasioned; Plato did not approve of his life and habit, for Aristotle wore rich garments and shoes, and cut his hair after a manner not used by Plato▪ He also wore many Rings for or∣nament; he had a deriding kind of look, and was peremptory in discourse: all which mis-became a Philosopher. Plato seeing this rejected him, and preferred before him Xenocrates, Speusippus, Amyclas, and o∣thers; to whom he shewed respect, and ad∣mitted them to his conversation. On a time, Xenocrates being gone into his Coun∣try, Aristotle came to Plato, accompanied with a great many of his Disciples, of whom was Mnason the Phocian, and the like: Speusippus was then sick and unable to be with Plato: Plato was fourscore years old, and through age his memory much im∣paired. Aristotle assaulting and circumvent∣ing him by propounding arrogantly some questions, and arguing with him, discove∣red himself injurious and ingrateful. Here∣upon

Plato retiring from his outward Walk, walked privately with his friends. After three months Xenocrates returned from his Journey, and found Aristotle walking where he had left Plato, and seeing that he and his Disciples went not from the walk to Plato, but directly to the City, he asked one of the Walk where Plato was, doubting that he was sick. He answered, He is not sick, but Aristotle troubling him hath made him quit the Walk, and now he teacheth Philosophy privately in his own Garden. Xenocrates hearing this went presently to Plato, whom he found discoursing with such as were pre∣sent, who were young men of eminent quality, and some of the Noblest. When he had ended his discourse, he saluted Xe∣nocrates kindly, according to his usual man∣ner, and Xenocrates did the like to him. When the company was dismist, Xenocra∣tes, without speaking a word to Plato, or acquainting him with it, got his friends to∣gether, and sharply reproved Speusippus for having yielded the Walk to Aristotle. Then to his utmost he opposed the Stagirite, and so farre proceeded the contention, that at last Aristotle was thrown out, and Plato restored to his former place.