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THUS have we, to the utmost of our power, made a true and faithful Collection of what∣ever has occur'd to our Enqui∣ry concerning the Life of Plato.
To him succeeded Speusippus an Atheni∣an, the Son of Eurymedon, and Potone the Sister of Plato, born in the Village of Myrchinusium. He govern'd Plato's School
for eight years together, beginning from the hundred and eighth Olympiad. He plac'd the Statues of the Graces also in the School, which was erected by Plato in the Academy. He likewise persever'd in the same Opinions with Plato, but dif∣fered in his Manners. For he was hasty, and addicted to pleasure: Therefore it is reported of him, that in his Passion he threw a little whelp into a Well, and that to indulge his pleasure, he made a Journey into Macedonia, to be present at the Nuptials of Cassander. He is also said to have been a hearer of Plato's she Disciples Lasthenia the Prophetess, and Axiothea the Phliasian. Whence it hap∣pen'd that Dionysius thus derides him; And we may learn Philosophy from thy Fe∣male Arcadian Disciple. And in another place, Plato taught for nothing all that came to his house, but thou exactest pay, and scrap'st as well from the unwilling as the willing. He was the first, accord∣ing to Diodorus in his first Book of Com∣mentaries, who first sought out for what was common in all Arts and Sciences, and as far as could be done, joyn'd 'em together, and made 'em agree one with another. He likewise first divulg'd those things called Mysteries by Isocrates, as Cae∣nous affirms: And was the first that in∣vented
the way of making Wicker Bas∣kets, and such like hollow Utensils com∣pos'd of Twigs. At length finding his Body consum'd by a Palsey, he sent for Xenocrates, desiring him to come and suc∣ceed him in his School. While he was in this condition, it is reported that being carry'd in a little Chariot to the Academy, he met Diogenes, whom after he had saluted with the usual complement, of, I am glad to see you well. The other re∣ply'd, But I won't wish you well, that can endure a life so miserable. At last wasted with old age, such was his despair and discontent, that of his own accord he put an end to his irk••om Life. However Plutarch, in his Life of Lysander and Sylla, reports that he was all over-run with Lice: for he was of an infirm and loose Constitution, according to the Report of Timotheus in his Book of Lives.
To a rich Man that lov'd a deform'd Woman, he is said to have given this re∣buke: What need hast thou of such a Dow∣dy as this? For I'le procure thee a far hand∣somer for ten Talents.
He left behind him a great number of Commentaries, and several Dialogues; among which is that of Aristippus the Cy∣renaean. Of Riches, one; Of Pleasure, one; Of Justice, one; Of Philosophy, one: Of
Friendship, one: Of the Gods, one: The Philosopher, one: To Cephalus, one: Clei∣nomachus, or Lysias, one: The Citizen, one: Of the Soul, one: To Gryllus, one: Aristippus, one: The Probation of Arts, one: Dialogues by way of Commentary, one: Ten Dialogues relating to things alike in business. Divisions and Propositions rela∣ting to things alike. Concerning the Kinds and Forms of Examples: To Amartyrus: The Eucomium of Plato: Epistles to Die, Dionysius, and Philip: Concerning the making of Laws, Mathematicus, Mandry∣boulus, Lysias: Definitions: The Order of Commentaries: Of Verses an infinite number. To all which Simonides adds some Histories, wherein he has set down the Lives of Bion, and Dio. And Pha∣vorinus reports in his Second Book of Commentaries, how that Aristotle bought all his Books for three Talents. There was also another Speusippus, a Physician, Herophilius of Alexandria.
XEnocrates, the Son of Agathenor, a Chalcedonian, from his very youth was a great admirer and hearer of Plato; nor would he leave him when he travel∣led into Sicily. He was naturally dull, and blockish; insomuch that Plato was wont to say, when he compar'd him with Aristotle, That the one wanted a Spur, and the other a Bridle: And at other times, To what a Horse what an Ass do I joyn! As to other things, Xenocrates was very grave in his gate, and sowre-look'd; in∣somuch that Plato would several times cry out to him, Xenocrates, go and sacri∣fice to the Graces.
He liv'd in the Academy for the most part: But if at any time he went into the City, the Rabble of loose and Har∣lotry People would still gather about him, to molest and affront him as he pas∣sed along. Phryne also, the famous Cur∣tezan, having a mind to try her tempta∣tions upon him, to that purpose pretend∣ed to be pursu'd, and flying to his little house for shelter, was by him let in, meer∣ly
in compassion: After that, perceiving there was but one little Bed, she desir'd him to let her have part of it, which he readily granted: But after she made use of all her allurement••, she was forc'd to return as she came, telling those that ask∣ed her how she had sped, that she h••d lain with a Statue, not with a Man. Some there are who report▪ that certain of his Scholars put Lais to Bed to him; but that he was so chast that he would suffer him∣self to be cut and burnt about the Privi∣ties, to prevent venereal Insurrections.
He was faithful of his word, even to admiration; so that the Athenians gave him alone that liberty of delivering hi•• testimony unsworn, which was not al∣low'd to any other of what degree o•• quality soever.
He was also a person of great Frugali∣ty; so that when Alexander gave him a large sum of Money, he only accepted of three thousand Atticks, and return'd the rest, with these words, That he had need of more, who had more to maintain. And as for another Sum, sent him by An∣tipater, he would not so much as touch it, as Myronianus witnesses in his Similes. Another time, being presented with a Crown of Gold by some of Dionysius's Favourites, for bearing up briskly at a
Drinking Match; when he was gone out of doors, he laid it before the Statue of Mercury, where he was wont only to de∣posit Garlands of Flowers before.
It is also reported of him, that being sent with others on an Embassy to Philip, when all the rest, suffering themselves to be mollify'd by the King's Presents, both accepted of his Invitation, and held pri∣vate Conferences with him, he would neither do one, nor t'other: Neither in∣deed was it for Philip's interest to admit him. Wherefore when the Ambassadors return'd to Athens, they complain'd Xeno∣crates had done 'em no Service, upon which the Senate was ready to have Fin'd him. But being inform'd by himself, when he came to plead in his own justi∣fication, how much it behov'd 'em at that time, more than ever, to take care of the City, in regard that Philip had corrupted his Accusers already, but could never bring him over to his Designs; then they gave him double honour. And Philip himself afterwards confess'd, that of all the Ambassadors that were sent to his Court, only Xenocrates was the Person whom no Gold could dazle.
Another time being sent Ambassador to Antipater for the Redemption of the Athenian Captives, taken in the Lamiac
War, and invited by the Prince to a Ban∣quet, he return'd him these Verses in answer,
O Circe, thy allurements tempt in vain The Man whose Vertue prudent thoughts su∣stain; For who can come with pleasure to a Feast, Before he see his Captive Friends releas'd.
Which was so well taken by the Prince; that he presently order'd all the Captives their liberty.
Another time a Sparrow being pursu'd by a Hawk, flew into his Bosom, where he secur'd the Bird, saying withal, That it was not generous to betray a Suppliant.
Being sharply reprimanded by Bion, he would make him no return, saying, That Tragedy when injur'd by Comedy, never vouchsafed her any answer.
To one, who neither understanding Music, Geometry, nor Astronomy, would yet frequent his School, Be gone, (said he) for thou want's•• the supports of Philosophy. Others report that he thus reprov'd him, For this is no place to hatchel Wooll in.
Dionysius threatning Plato in these words, Some body will take off thy head; Xenocrates being present, and shewing his own, No body (said he) before he take off this.
Farther they report of him, that An∣tipater coming to Athens, and saluting him, he return'd no answer to the Prince, until he had finish'd the discourse which he had begun.
Lastly, being a great contemner of Pomp, and Vain-glory, many times he spent the day time in Contemplation, and dedicated one hour particularly to Si∣lence.
The most of the Commentaries, pro∣verbial Verses, and Exhortations which he left behind him were these. Of Na∣ture, six Books: Of Philosophy, six: Of Riches, one: Arcas, one: Of Infinity, one: Of a Boy, one: Of Continency, one: Of Profitable, one: Of a Freeman, One: Of Death, one: Of Voluntary Acts, one: Of Friendship, two: Of Writing one: Of Memory, one: Of Modesty, one: Of Con∣trary, two: Of Felicity, two: Of a Lye, one: One inscrib'd, Callicles: Of Pru∣dence, two: One Oeconomic: Of Frugali∣ty, one: Of the Power of the Law, one: Of a Common-wealth, one: Of Sanctity, one: That Vertue is subject to Treachery, one: Of that which is, one: Of Fate, one: Of Perturbations, one: Of Lives, one: Of Concord, one: Of Disciples, one: Of Ju∣stice, one: Of Vertue, two: Of Specios, one: Of Pleasure, two: Of Life, one:
Of Knowledge, one: One Political: Of Fortitude, one: Of the Number, one: Of Idea's, one: Of Art, one: Of the Gods, two: Of the Soul, two: Of Skill, one: One call'd Parmenides: Archedemus, or of Justice, one: Of Good, one: Of those things that belong to the mind, eight. A solution of those things that happen to dis∣course, one: Of Natural Hearing, six: One entitl'd, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or the Head: Of Kinds and Species, one: Pythagories, one: So∣lution, two: Divisions, eight: Books of Positions, thirty three: Of the study and practice of Discourse, fourteen. After this, fifteen Books, and sixteen more. Of Lo∣gical Instructions concerning reading, six: Of things relating to the Mind, other two Books: Of Geometricians, five Books: Of Commentaries, one: Of Contraries, one: Of Numbers, one: Of the Theory of Num∣bers, one: Of Intervals, one: Of those things that belong to Astrology, six: Ele∣ments to Alexander concerning Rule, four: To Arybas: To Ephestion: Of Geometry, 345 Verses.
Nevertheless, as great a person as he was, the Athenians sold him once, think∣ing to break his heart by Exilement. He was bought by Demetrius Phalereus, who salv'd up the matter between both, to their satisfaction, by restoring Xenocrates
to his liberty, and ordering the Athenians to receive their Exile. This is recorded by Myronianus the Amastrian, in the first of his Historical similar Chapters.
He succeeded Speusippus, and govern'd his School five and twenty years; begin∣ning, under Lysimachus, in the second year of the 110th. Olympiad.
He dy'd in the night-time, stumbling at a Platter, in the fourscore and second year of his age: Whose death produc'd these following Lines of ours.
Xenocrates, so learned and so grave, Mark what a strange Fate brought him to his Grave, 'Twas late and dark, and in his way a Plat∣ter: Now whether toapt or sober, 'tis no matter, But, stumbling, down he fell, and broke his forehead; And what was yet far more to be deplored, Depriv'd of time to speak, he only groan'd, His Soul abhorring such a Scullion wound.
There were five others of the same name; the first very ancient, and both a Kinsman to the forementioned Philoso∣pher, and his Fellow-Citizen. There goes about in public a Poem of his En∣titl'd Arsinoetica, upon Arsinoe deceas'd.
Another a Philosopher, and a writer of Elegies, but little taken notice of. For so it happens that Poets endeavouring to write in Prose, fortunately succeed; but writers of Prose when they give them∣selves to Poetry, unhappily falter. And the reason is, because the one is the Gift of Nature, the other the Toyl of Art. The other was a Statuary; and the last, by the testimony of Aristoxenes, a Writer of Odes.
POlemo, an Athenian, the Son of Philo∣stratus, and born in the Village cal∣led Oeta, when he was a young Man, was so dissolute and profuse, that it was his cu∣stom to carry summs of Money along with him where-ever he went, that he might be provided still with sufficient supplies for the satisfaction of his pleasures. Nay, he would hide his money up and down in holes and corners of the streets; in so much that some of his Cash was found in the Academy, near a certain Pillar, laid there to be ready when he had occasion
to fetch it for his private uses. Now it happen'd that one time among the rest, as had been agreed between him and his companions, in the height of their Carou∣sing, that in a drunken frolick, with his Garland upon his head, he brake into Xenocrates's School: Who nothing di∣sturb'd at the rudeness of such Roysters, pursu'd his discourse, which then fell out to be concerning Temperance, the more vigorously. And this Oration it was, which so prevail'd at first upon the list'n∣ing Debauchee, that stopping the Career of his Extravagance; at length he became quite reclaim'd. And such were the ef∣fects of his laborious and industrious studies, that he surpassed all others, and himself succeeded in the School, begin∣ning from the hundred and sixteenth Olympiad.
Antigonus Carysthius, in his Lives, re∣ports, That his Father was one of the chief Men of the City, and one that bred up Horses for the Chariot: And that Po∣lemo fled from the severe Sentence of Ju∣stice, being prosecuted by his Wife for his addiction to Male-Venery.
In the first years that he fell to his stu∣dies, he acquir'd such a constancy of Ha∣bit and Aspect, that it became unalter∣able; neither did he ever change his
voice. Which were the reasons that Crantor so highly admir'd him. Hence it was that being bit in the Heel by a mad Dog, he never so much as chang'd co∣lour: And that at another time, a great uproar happening in the City, and under∣standing what was the matter, he stood undaunted like one that had been un∣concern'd; nor could the Theatre at any time move him to Joy, Anger, or Compassion. So that when Nicostratus, surnam'd Clytemnestra, told a lamentable story to him and Crates; that which mov'd the latter, nothing affected him, who all the while persever'd in an equal temper, as though he had not heard him. And indeed he was altogether just such another, as Melanthius the Painter de∣scribes in his Treatise of Painting. For he says that there is a certain Pride and Moroseness that ought to accompany a Man's Actions as well as his Manner. And it was the saying of Polemo, that i•• behov'd Men to exercise themselves i•• Things, and not in Logical Speculations; which is but labouring, and as it were drinking up some little pleasing Science whereby they become admir'd for the subtilty of some particular questions, but shew themselves most opposite in their affections. And therefore as he was civi••
and affable, so was he no less resolutely constant; and he avoided that which Aristophanes writes concerning Euripides, when he gives him the Nick-names of Oxotes, and Stilpho, who no doubt were two cross-grain'd, stingy, vinegar-condition'd fellows, well known at that time. For he never sate when he return'd his An∣swers to the Questions that were pro∣pounded to him, but always walking.
Polemo therefore for his extraordinary generosity was highly honour'd in his Ci∣ty. Nor did he wander out of the way neither, but remain'd in the Garden, where his Pupils making up little sheds, lodg'd near the Musaeum, and the Cloi∣ster.
Indeed Polemo seems in every thing to emulate Xenocrates, and to have had a great love for him, as Aristippus witnesses in his fourth Book of the Ancient Delights. For which reason he always took an oc∣casion to talk of his Innocency and Sin∣cerity, and had appropriated to himself his resolution and gravity, affecting, as it were, a kind of Dorick Government of himself.
He was a great admirer of Sophocles, especially in those places where some sur∣ly Mastiff (according to the Taunts of the Comedian) seem'd to have assisted
him in the composition of his Verses, and where (according to the relation of Phry∣nicus) he did not towre in lofty swelling Language, but flow'd in a smooth and placid Style. And therefore he was wont to call Homer, Epic Sophocles, and Sopho∣cles, Tragic Homer.
He dy'd, well stricken in years, of •• Consumption, leaving not a few Writing•• and Commentaries behind him. Upon whom we made the following Lines.
Know'st thou not, Passenger, already?—no. Then sickness here has hid fam'd Polemo— For my part I believe ye, Sir,—for why? Diseases never spare Philosophy— 'Tis true—but this I'le tell ye for your com∣fort, Though his dry Bones ly here, his Soul is run for't; And whither think'st thou? To the starry Spheres: Let Death and Sickness now go shake their Ears.
CRATES, the Son of Antigenes, of the Thriasian Tribe, was both a Hearer, and Lover of Polemo, and suc∣ceeded him in his School, and profited in such a manner mutually together, so that living, they not only followed the same studies, but to their very last gasps they liv'd alike one to another, and being dead were buried in the same Tomb. Whence Antagoras made the following lines upon both.
Stranger, who e're thou art, that passest by, Within this Tomb a noble pair doth lye; The Holy Crates, and Great Polemo; From whose sweet Lips such Sacred Love did flow: Whose Lives in Wisdom so serenely bright, Shon forth to give succeeding Ages light. Both equal in their praise, both equal friends, Both liv'd alike, and both had equal ends.
Hence it was, that Arcesilaus when he left Theophrastus to associate with them, is reported to have said, that they were
either certain Deities, or the remainders of the Golden Age. For they were nei∣ther of 'em lovers of Popularity, nor did they covet vulgar Applause; but rather it might be said of them, as Dionysiodoru•• the Musitian was wont to boast of him∣self▪ That never any of his Composition were to be heard at your public Meeting•• like those of Ismenius.
Antigonus reports that he was wont of∣ten to Sup at Crantor's House; Aroesilaus and they two being all three inseparable Cro∣nies. Farther he adds, that Arcesilaus and Crantor liv'd together; and that Polemo liv'd with Crates and Lysiclides, another of their Country-men; Crates being par∣ticularly belov'd by Polemo, and Arcesi∣laus having a peculiar friendship for Cran∣tor.
As for Crates, when he dy'd (as Apollo∣dorus relates in his third Book of Chro∣nicles) he left several Books behind him▪ some Philosophical, some concerning Co∣medy; also several popular Orations, and some in relation to Embassies. He had also several Disciples of great note: Of which number was Arcesilaus; of whom more hereafter; together with Bio, and Borysthenites; and lastly Theodorus, the Author of the Theodoric Sect. Of whom next after Arcesilaus.
There were in all ten that carry'd the name of Crates. The first a writer of An∣cient Comedy: The second, a Trallian Rhetorician, of the family of Isocrates. The third, an Engineer that serv'd under Alexander in his Wars. The fourth, a Cynic. The fifth, a Peripatetic. The sixth an Academic, of whom already. The se∣venth a Grammarian. The eighth, a Geo∣met••••cian. The ninth an Epigrammatist. The tenth, of Tarsus, an Academic Philo∣sopher also.
CRANTOR, of the City of Soli, being in great honour among his own Citizens, went to Athens, and there became a hearer of Xenocrates, and a fol∣low Student with Polemo.
He left behind him Verses amounting to thirty thousand; of which there are some who ascribe a good number to Arce∣silaus.
It is reported, that being asked where∣fore he was so strangely addicted to Po∣lemo, he should answer, because he never
heard any Man speak more acutely, nor more gravely.
Finding himself not well, he retir'd to the Asclepianum, and there resided for his health. At what time there flock'd to him Disciples from all parts, believing that sickness was not the cause of his re∣tirement, but that he did it out of a re∣solution to set up a School there. Among the rest came Arcesilaus, desirous to be by him recommended to Polemo, though no man more his friend than Crantor himself. Which request he was so far from taking ill, that when he recovered, he became Polemo's Hearer himself; which won him great honour and applause.
It is reported that he left all his Estate to Arcesilaus, to the value of twelve Ta∣lents: And being by him requested to tell him where he intended to be inter'd; he answered,
Within the kind recesses of the Earth, There let me lye, whence all things have their Birth.
He is said to have written Poems, and to have laid 'em, seal'd up, in the Temple of Minerva: Of whom the Poet Theaetetes thus writes.
Grateful to Men, but yet much more, The Muses sweet delight; Such Crantor was, whom we deplore, Snatch'd from the World before his hairs grw whte. Gently, O Earth, the Bard embrace Within thy tender Arms; And from the common harms, By Worms and Pick-axes increas••, Defend his quiet rest.
This Crantor, among all the Poets most admir'd Homer and Euripides, saying, that it was a work of great labour, to observe propriety, and at the same time to write Tragically, and with a true sense of com∣miseration, and fellow-feeling of the suf∣ferings he describes; and he vould often repeat that Verse in Belleropho••,
Ay me! But why Ay me? Fo▪ we no more Endure, than mortals have endur'd before.
It is also reported that Antagoras, the Poet, would have the following Verses upon Love to have been made by Cran∣tor.
Assist me, Thoughts and Mind, those heighths to soar, Meet for the heav'nly Race all Men adore.
Then, mighty Love, will I in praise of thee ••••gin, of all the Immortal Progeny The first, whom ancient Erebus begot, O Night brought forth, in Regions far remo••e: Beneath the Sea's Foundations, dark and vast, Tree, Son of Venus, without blemish, chast. Or whether of the Earth, or of the Winds The wondrous Off-spring, since so many kinds Ofinterw••v'n Good and ill, each hour, Oblige weak Mortals to confess thy power. This double power of thine would I display, And teach the World thy Scepter to obey.
He had a shrewd faculty at giving shrewd and proper Epithetes and Characters, both to Men and things. Thus he was wont to say, that it behoved a Tragedian to have a strong Voice, which he called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉▪ not to be smoothed with a Plainer, but full of Bark, that is to say rugged and une∣ven: and of a certain Poet, that his Ver∣ses were full of Prickles; and of Thee∣phrastus, that his Tenents were written upon Oysters.
Among all his Works, his Treatise of Mourning is most admir'd: And though the time of his death be uncertain, yet this is sure that he dy'd of a Dropsie be∣fore Crates and Polemo; which gave occa∣sion to these Lines of ours.
Ah Crantor, there's no mortal sickness-proof, But thee the worst distemper carry'd off: For tho' no water touch'd thy outward skin, Alas! Thy Bowels lay all drown'd within. In thy own Styx thy Soul to Pluto floats, As th' hadst design'd to cozen Charon's Boats. But that we can't believe, conjecturing rather Thou thought'st to lay thy Low-lands under water, Meaning thereby to hinder Death's approaches, But death no colours fears, so Buenas Noches.
ARcesilaus was the Son of Seuthus, or Scythus, (as Apollodorus relates in his third Book of Chronicles) a Pytanean of Eolia. This was he who first set up the Middle Academy, restraining negati∣ons through contrariety of words. He was the first that disputed pro and con: The first also that renewed Plato's manner of discourse, which Plato introduc'd, and render'd it more Argumentative by way of Question and Answer.
He came acquainted with Crantor after this manner. He was the fourth and youngest of all his Brothers; of which two were by the Father's, and two by the Mother's side. Of these, the eldest by the Father's side was called Pylades, and the eldest by the Mother's side Moereas, who was also his Guardian. First of all he heard Autolycus the Mathematician, and his fellow Citizen, before he went to Athens, with whom he also travell'd to Sardis. After that he was a Scholar un∣der Xanthus, an Athenian Musician; and there he became Theophrastus's Scholar: And lastly, he betook himself to the Aca∣demy under Crantor. For Moereas his Brother advis'd him to learn Rhetoric; but he had a greater kindness for Philo∣sophy. Crantor therefore having an amo∣rous Affection for him, courted him with the following Verse out of Euripides's An∣dromeda,
O Virgin, if I save thee, thou wilt thank me.
To which he presently repartee'd,
Take me for which thou likest best, Thy Handmaid or thy Wife.
And so from that time forward they both
liv'd together. Thereupon Theophrastus being disgusted, is reported to have gi••ded him with this expression, How ingenious and tractable a Lad he went▪ from School! Where 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or easie to be manag'd, seems to be tak'n in an ill sence. For he was at that time not only a grave and discreet Speaker, and a great lover of Learning, but much addicted to Poe∣try. In so much that it is said he wrote the following Epigrams, the first to Attalus.
Not only potent once in Arms Did Pergamus advance her Head; She boasted too with equal Pride, Her warlike Steeds on flowry Pissa bred.
But yet if Mortals may pronounce The high Decrees of ruling Fate; Succeeding Ages shall behold Her ancient Fame renew'd, and far more great.
The second was upon Menodorus, a lo∣ver of Eudamus, one of his fellow Stu∣dents.
Though Phrygia distant lyes in space, And Thyatim as remote a place; Nor Menodorus, if survay'd, Less far thy native Cadenade:
Yet to the dark Infernal Court The way is plain, the journey short; Where by experience thou canst tell The best conveniencies of Hell: Where soon or late all Motals go, And center in the shades below; Yet Eudamus with curious Art, From a large Purse, but larger Heart, A Marble Monument does give, And spite of Fate still makes thee live; Poor tho' thou wert, as all Men know, (And most adore the gaudy show) His friendship from such dross refin'd, Valu'd the Treasures of thy mind.
Above all the Poets he chiefly admir'd Homer, of whose works, when going to his rest, he always read some few pages. And when he rose in the morning, being asked when he would go to his beloved youth, his answer was, when the Lad was ready to read. Of Pindar he was wont to say, That he fill'd the mouth with a noble sound, and afforded a plentiful va∣rity of names and words. When he was a young man he affected the Ionic Dialect. He was also a Hearer of Hipponicus the Geometrician, whom he was wont to joque upon, as being in other things dull and heavy, but skilful in his Art, saying, That Geometry flew into his mouth, when he
gap'd. He also kept him for some time at home, being mad, and took a continu∣al care of him, till he recover'd his senses. When Crates dy'd, he succeeded him in his School, by the consent of one Socra∣tides, who would by no means contest the superiority with him. He is not known ever to have wrote any Treatise, or Discourse himself▪ as being a severe censurer of other Mens Works: Though others say it was, because he was surpriz'd while he was mending what others had writ∣ten; which emendations, as some say, he published; but as others report he com∣mitted to the fire. He held Plato in high esteem, and diligently study'd his Wri∣tings. Some there are also who affirm, that he was a great imitator of Pyrrho; and moreover, that he was well skill'd in Logic, and greatly vers'd in the Sentences and Arguments of the Eret••ics. Whence it was said of him by Aristo.
Plato before, while Pyrrho put behind, For Diodore the middle leaves assign'd.
And Timon says thus of him.
Let Menedemus have the grace With Breast of Lead, the next to place The Lubber Pyrrho, or if not, Dull Diodore, no less a Sot.
After which he brings him in th•••• speaking.
I'le swim to Pyrrho from the Stygian shoar, Or else to find the Booby Diodore.
He was very full of Sentences, and con∣cise; besides that, he was very curio•••• in the explanation of words; neverthe∣less he could not refrain his Gibes, and Jests, and was very free in his Expres∣sions; for which reason Timon says th•••• of him.
And while thou dost with Joques and Gibes On others loosely play, Forget'st thy youthful years, that then As much obnoxious lay.
And therefore it was, that once to a young man who spoke more insolently than became him: Is there no body here, (quoth he) to play at Trap with this Boy? To one who concluded erroneously, that he could not perceive This to be bigger than That.—It may be so, (said he) be∣cause you do not believe ten fingers length to exceed six.
To one Emon a Chiote, who was very deformed, yet thought himself to be very fair, and always went richly apparel'd,
that put him this question, Whether he seem'd wise enough to him to be belov'd: Yes (said he) if thou canst meet with any one so lovely as thy self, and so richly habited. To one addicted to Male-pleasure, yet offended at Arcesilaus's gravity, who there∣fore put this Verse to him,
Is't lawful to love chastly, or be mute?
He thus return'd,
Woman speak out, and put me no hard Questions.
Being importun'd by a prating fellow of mean Birth:
The Sons of Slaves can never rule their Tongues.
To another that talk'd him almost to death, and made a din of words about his Ears: In good truth, (said he) tho•• hadst a very bad Nurse: But to several he would never answer at all. However to a talkative Usurer, who told him, there was something which he did not under∣stand: He made this reply,
The Female Bird forgets a stormy blast, Ʋntil it shake her young ones in the Nest.
Which words were taken out of Sopho∣cles's Oenomaus. To a certain Rhetorici∣an, whose name was Alexinus, who was not able to expound certain Sentences of Alexinus, he gave this admonition, to re∣member how Philoxenus serv'd the Brick∣maker; for he over-hearing some of the Brick-makers spoiling his Songs, while they sung without skill, and out of Tune, fell a breaking their Bricks, saying with∣al, You spoil my Songs, and I'le break your▪ Bricks. He was offended with all those that had not learn'd the liberal Sciences in due time. Naturally in discourse he was wont to make use of this expression, I say, and Such a one will not agree to this. Which many of his Scholars imitated, as they did also his Rhetorical Manner, and the Form of his Elocution. He was also very happy in the invention of proper words, and to fit the periods of his Ora∣tions to the subject; and to accommo∣date his Sentences to all Times and Sea∣sons. He was also endu'd with a most admirable gift of perswasion upon any Argument whatever. For which reason great numbers of Scholars flock'd to his School, that condemn'd his Acuteness; and yet for all that they willingly bore with him: For he was very honest, and fill'd his Hearers with good hopes. In
his life also he was very communicative, and ready to do kindnesses, scorning to boast of his courtesies which he endea∣vour'd to conceal as much as in him lay. So that going to visit Ktesibus in a fit of sickness, and finding him distressed with Poverty, he privately convey'd a Purse of Money under his Pillow; which the other finding, cry'd out, this is one of Arcesi∣laus's childish tricks. And by his recom∣mendation of Archias the Arcadian to Eu∣menes, he got him into great preferment. Being also very liberal, and one that con∣temned Mony, he lov'd to shew his Gran∣deur in Silver Plate, wherein, while he la∣boured to out-vy Archecrates and Calli∣crates, he would not be at quiet till he was serv'd in Gold; and lent his Plate to many with whom he frequently Supp'd and Feasted. Among the rest there was one who had borrowed his Plate, to en∣tertain his Friends, never sent it again; nor did he ever ask for it, or lay claim to it more. Others say, he purposely lent him the Plate, and perceiving him to be poor, freely afterwards gave it him. For he had an Estate in Pitana, a Town of Laconia, from whence his Brother Pylades furnished him with Money. Besides that Eumenes the Son of Philetaerus allowed him plentifully. And therefore of all the
other Kings he devoted himself to th•••• Prince alone. So that when many flock∣ed to Antigonus, courting his favour, he only forbore, as unwilling to thrust him∣self into his acquaintance. However he was a great friend of Hierocles's who pos∣sessed Mynichia, and the Piraeum. And therefore upon Holy-days he was always wont to go and visit him: And being by him perswaded to wait upon Antigonu••, he would not absolutely refuse him, but when he came to the Door, he turn'd back and would not go in. Moreover, after the Naval fight fought by Antigo∣nus, when several wrote to him consla∣tory Epistles, he only kept himself silent. And therefore being sent by his Country upon an Embassy to Antigonus, as far as Demetriades, he return'd without being able to effect what he went for. And therefore he always spent his time in the Academy, avoiding the trouble of State Affairs; and sometimes exercised his Wit in the Piraeum, discoursing upon Argu∣ments Extempore. For he was very fa∣miliar, as we have said, with Hierocles; for which he was tax'd by several. And being very magnificent in his Expences, (for what was he other than a second Aristippus?) he not only made great en∣tertainments for those of his own humour,
but also accepted of their entertainments: besides that he openly frequented the two Elean Curtezans Theodota and Philae∣t••; and to those that reproved him, he still quoted the Apothegms of Aristippus: He was also very much addicted to Male-Incontinency, and therefore Aristo the Chiote, and his Scholars, called him cor∣rupter of youth; and Eloquent and Au∣dacious Buggerer. And therefore he is said to have been greatly in love with Demetrius, in his Voyage for Cyreone, and with Leocharus the Myrleanian, of whom he was wont to say among his Compota∣tors, That he himself would fain have open'd, but the other would not let him. On the o∣ther side he was beloved by Demochares, the Son of Laches, and Pythocles the Son of Bugelus; whom, when he admitted, he was wont to say, he only gave way for patience sake.
More than this, his Back-biters before mention'd, severely tax'd him for his vain affectation of Glory, and vulgar Admira∣tion. But he was chiefly set upon by Hieronymus the Peripatetic, when he in∣vited his friends to celebrate the Birth∣day of Alcyoneus the Son of Antigonus, up∣on which day Antigonus sent him a con∣siderable ••••••m of Money to bear his Ex∣pences. At what time refusing to enter
into any formal discourse, yet being by Ari∣delus importun'd to speak to a Theoreme which he propos'd: 'Tis the chief Quality of Philosophy, said he, to teach the Scholars the Time and Season for every thing. Now that he affected popular Applause, Timo•• among other things declares after his Sa∣tyrical manner.
This said, obstreperously loud He rush'd i'th' thickest of the Croud: Where had you seen him act the part Of Fool by chance, but Knave by Art: You'd thought the Rabble, silly Fowl, Struck mute at sight of Monstrous Owl; But never boast to gain the Prize From those that see with others Eyes. For though like Oyl thou swim'st a top, `Th' art ne'r the less conceited Fop.
Yet for all this he was so far from Pride and Vain-glory, that he would often ex∣hort his Scholars to hear other Men. So that when a certain young man, more ad∣dicted to the forementioned Hieronymus than to him, he took the Scholar by the hand, and carrying him along recom∣mended him to the Philosopher, to whom he exhorted him withal to be observant and obedient. Pleasant also is that which is reported of him, when being asked by
a certain Person, Why the Scholars of o∣ther Sects frequently betook themselves to the Epicurean, but never the Epicureans forsook their own Masters; made answer, Because that many times Men were made Capons, but Capons could never be made Men.
At length when he drew near his end, he left his whole Estate to Pylades his Brother. For which purpose he brought him to Chios, without the knowledge of Moirea, and thence to Athens. For in his life time he never marry'd a Wife, nor had any Children. However he made three Wills, of which he deposited one with Amphicritus in Eretria; another, with some of his friends in Athens, and the third he sent home to Thaumasias, a certain kinsman of his, desiring him to keep it, and to whom he also sent the following Epistle.
Arcesilaus to Thaumasias, Greeting.
I Have given Diogenes my Will to con∣vey to thee; for by reason I am fre∣quently ill, and very weak in Body, so that if any sudden change should hap∣pen, I may not be said to have dealt dishonestly by thee, to whom a∣mong all my friends I have been most
He dy'd, as Hermippus reports, after he had drank a great quantity of pure, un∣mixt Wine, and getting a fall upon it, being in the seventy fifth year of his Age; being honour'd by the Athenians above all before him: Upon whom we also made this joquing Epigram.
Arcesilaus! What didst thou think, Had'st nothing else to do but drink? While night and day thou spard'st no pains To bring a Deluge o're thy Brains: The generous Wine why didst abuse, Which might have serv'd for better use, Then thus to murder such a Sot, Whose shameful death I pity not?
There were three other Arcesilaus's: The one a writer of ancient Comedy: the other a Composer of Elegies: The third a Statuary: Upon whom Simonides made this Epigram.
Arcesilaus, Aristodicus Son, This noble Statue finish'd and begun; Diana's Portraicture, made to the life, The only Goddess, that would n'er be Wife; Three hundred Parian Drachma's was the price Of famous Artist for this Master-piece; In money paid, to which Aratus face Gave both the value and the outward grace.But the abovesaid Philosopher flourish∣ed (according to Apollodorus, in his Chro∣nicles) about the hundred and twentieth Olympiad.
BION, as to his Country and Na∣tion, was a Borysthenite; but who were his Parents, and by what means he attain'd to Philosophy, we know no more than what he himself made known to Antigonus; for thus it was that he was by him interrogated;
Say in what Country, or what City born, Hither thou cam'st, thy betters thus to scorn?
To which he answer'd (finding himself touched to the quick by the King's Inter∣rogation, upon the report of some of his ill-willers) my Father was a Borysthenite, who wore in his dis-figur'd forehead the engraven marks of his cruel Master; af∣terwards being free from Bondage, he learnt to wipe his mouth with his Sleeve, (intimating that he sold Bacon and Suet) and he took my Mother out of a Brothel House, such a one as was suitable to his condition, and he could ask to have him. Afterwards being behind hand in his pay∣ments to the Toll-gatherers, he was sold
with all his family. In that place there liv'd an Orator, who seeing me to be young, and a very handsome youth, bought me for a Sum of Money, and at his death left me his whole Estate. Where∣upon I, taking all his Pictures and Wri∣tings, tore the one half, and set fire to the other, with a resolution to come to A∣thens, where I study'd Philosophy ever since.
And thus you have, in short, the story, Which I account my chiefest glory.
This is all that I can say, in few words, concerning my self: And therefore there was no need for Perseus and Philonides to break their Brains about inserting my Genealogy into their History: If thou hast any more to say to me, look upon me, and let my Ancestors alone.
Bion was a very subtle Man, full of wiles and tricks, and one that for niceties and evasions had not his Equal among the Sophisters: For he began, when he was but very young, to challenge the field of dispute with any that would ex∣ercise their gifts in Philosophy. Never∣theless in several other things he knew well how to confine his humour, and was extreamly civil and pleasing in his beha∣viour.
He has left to Posterity several remark∣able Tracts, and an infinite number of Sentences very grave and profitable, as for example: He was upbraided by a certain person, That he had not detained a certain young man at his House: To whom returning this answer, 'Tis not an easie thing, said he, to hang a green Chees•• upon a Hook. Another time he was ask'd who were the least troubled with care? They, said he, that give themselves the least trouble to spend the day in quiet. He was also ask'd whether it were good to mar∣ry a Wife? (for this Repartee is also as∣cribed to him) If thou marriest a deformed Woman, said he, thou wilt always be in discontent; and if thou marriest a beautiful Woman, she will be common. He call'd old Age the Haven of all Diseases (for that all our miseries and sufferings seem to be unladen, and put there ashore.) That Ho∣nour was the Mother of Years, Beauty a good Passenger, and Riches the Sinew•• of Business. To one that had spent his Estate in Lands, The Earth, said he, for∣merly swallowed Amphiaraus, but thou hast devoured the Earth. He was wont to say, 'twas a great evil not to be able to suffer Evil. He reprehended those that buried the Bodies of the dead, as if there re∣mained no feeling after death. He was
us'd to say, that 'twas better to pleasure others with his Beauty, than to seek the satisfaction of his own Lust, for that he who did otherwise, wasted both his Body and his Understanding. He argued a∣gainst Socrates in this manner; Either he might make use of Alcibiades, or he might not: If he could and would not, he was a Fool: If he had a mind and could not, 'twas no Vertue in him. He said, that certainly the way to Hell was easie to find, because all men went thither blind∣fold. He blam'd Alcibiades, saying, that in his Youth he had debauch'd Men from their Wives, but that when he came to be a Man, he debauch'd Women from their Husbands.
Thus, as some of the Athenians with whom he met at Rhodes, profess'd the Art of Oratory, he taught Philosophy; and being ask'd why he did so, Be∣cause, said he, I brought Wheat hither, but I sell Barley. He was wont to say, that 'twas a greater pain to the damn'd to carry water in sound Vessels, than in such as were bor'd thorough.
To a certain talkative person that de∣sir'd him to lend him his assistance in some business he had to do: Yes, said he, I will, provided thou wilt stay at home, and send me i'thy stead. Another time as he was go∣ing
to Sea, very meanly habited, he fell into Pyrats hands; at what time, the rest whispering among themselves, We are lost, if we should be known: And I, reply'd he, am lost on the other side, if we are not known. He was wont to say that Arrogance was a great hinderance to a Man in the at∣taining of Knowledge. And talking of a Covetous Man, he is not Master of his Wealth, but his Wealth is Master of him: That covetous Men were careful of their Riches, as belonging to 'em; but made use of their Wealth as if it were none of their own. That prudence is as far dif∣ferent from the other vertues, as the sight from the rest of the Senses: That we make use of our Strength in our Youth, of our Prudence in our old Age; and that we ought not to upbraid old Age, as being that to which we all aspire. To a certain envious person that look'd with a sowre and pensive Aspect; The question is, said he, whether thy misfortune be great∣er than the others good luck. He was also wont to say, that Impiety was an ill com∣panion for Fidelity. For,
'Twill gain the Man, how stout so e're he be.
And that a Man ought to preserve his friends, in whatsoever condition they are,
that we may not give people an occasion that we shun the good, because they will not humour our bad Manners; or if they be bad, that wicked familiarity cannot last long.
At first he contemned the Statutes of the Academy, at the same time that he was a Hearer of Crates; afterwards he made choice of the Stoics manner of li∣ving, walking with a stick in his Hand, and a Wallet about his Neck. But who could have perswaded him to that Con∣stancy of Courage, but Crates? Then he would needs understand the Doctrine of the Theodorians, upon which conside∣ration he frequented the disputing Place of prophane Theodorus, being allured thither by the floridness of his Language: for he enriched, and embellished it with all manner of Figures. And lastly, he went to hear Theophrastus the Peripatetic.
But now he was ambitious of Specta∣tors himself, whom he entertain'd with lively and pleasant Proposals, so as to move the Auditory to Laughter; for he discoursed of every thing in extravagant Terms. But in regard he interlarded his Discourses partly with Philosophical Sim∣plicity, partly with Rhetorical Gayety; 'tis reported that Eratosthenes said of him, that Bion was the first that had accouter'd
Philosophy in a Garment, embroidered with several Flowers pluck'd from the Garden of Oratory. His natural Genius inclined him to make Verses, as you may see by this short sketch of his Wit.
My pretty Archytas Spruce Fidle-faddle, Wealth-boasting Fop, and Songster from thy Cradle: Who dares dispute, or sing with thee for Praise? Not I, beshrew my Heart, I love my Ease.
As for Music and Geometry, his Exer∣cises were but Pastimes to him. He was also greatly delighted to be in good Com∣pany, especially where there was Mirth and good Chear; which was the Reason that he frequently travelled from City to City. Sometimes he would strive to delude his Spectators with some genteel Illusion; as when at Rhodes, he perswa∣ded the Seamen to put on long Garments, and go along with him to the Colledge, that he might seem to appear in State a∣mong a train of Philosophers. His cu∣stom also was to adopt youngmen, that he might make use of their Bodies for his Kindness, and be Protected by their fa∣vour.
As to what remains, he was a person that did all for the love of himself, and who had this Expression frequently in his Mouth, That all things ought to be com∣mon among Friends. And this was the Reason, that among so great a number of Scholars, there was not one that would acknowledge himself to be his Disciple, because he was noted for debauching several, and tempting 'em to Impudence. For it is reported, that Bution one of his familiar Acquaintance could not forbear saying one day to Menedemus, every Night I am linked to Bion, and yet I cannot think I act any thing that unbeseems me. Moreover he entertained those that went to visit him, with lewd Discourses, full of Impiety; which he had learned at Pro∣phane Theodorus's School.
At length falling sick at Chal••is, for there he dyed, he was perswaded, as they say that were about him, to implore the Mercy of the Gods, and to repent of his Transgressions against the Celestial Powers, and at length to make use of certain Charms and Invocations. And at last he fell into great want of all things necessary for the Comfort of the Sick, until Antigonus sent two of his own Servants to attend him. But as Phavori∣nus reports in his various History, he died
in a Litter upon the Road, where Antigo∣nus himself was coming to meet him, and bear him Company. However after his Death we displayed him to the World in these nipping Verses of our own.
Bion, the Man whom Soythian Earth On Borysthenian Banks gave Birth, When he all herds of Sects had tryed, The Gods themselves at last denied; In which, if fix'd, I would presage Him Virtuoso of his Age. But long he could not thus persist, An Accident dispers'd the Mist, And made him surcease to pursue Thoughts surely false, tho' seeming true. A lingring Sickness on him seiz'd, And neither Drink, nor Diet pleas'd; His Sight grown dim, and short his Breath, (sure Symptoms of approaching Death.) He that the Gods call'd Sons of Whores, with Prayers and Tears their aid implores. He, that at sight of Temples smil'd, And scornfully their Rites revil'd; With Superstition now oregrown, No Zeal can please him like his own. Their Altars oft by him despis'd, With adoration now are priz'd; With far-fetch'd Gums, and rich Perfumes, To expiate his Guilt presumes.
Such strange Effects works Big ot Fear, Now, God•• can Smell as well as Hear. His Neck stoops down to bear whole loads Of Old Wives Charms, and parched Toads, His wrists the Philter'd Bracelet binds, And strong Perswasion Reason Blinds. White-Thorn and Laurel deck his Gates, Ʋncertain Spells for certain Fates. A thousand Tricks he'd gladly try, Rather than once submit to dye. Confounded Sot to take such Pain, To fashion Gods for thine own Gain. As if that Gods must then be made, Only when Bion wants their Aid. All this too late, when parch'd to Cole, And nothing left but only Soul: Nothing remains for thee to do, But the Infernal God to woe; And he no doubt will make thee room, When thou shalt cry, Great Bion's come.
We find that there were ten Bions in all; the first was a Proconnesian, in the time of Pherecydes the Syrian, of whose Writing we have ten Treatises. The second was a Syracusian, who wrote a tract of Rhetoric. The third was he whose Life we have exposed. The fourth was an Abderite, a follower of Democri∣tus, who wrote of the Mathematics in the Attic and Ionic Dialect, and the first
who affirm'd that there were Regions, where there was six Months of Day, and six Months Night together. The fifth was a Native of Soli, who wrote the Ethiopic History. The sixth was a Rheto∣rician, of whose Writings we have nine Books, every one under the name of a particular Muse. The seventh was a Ly∣ric Poet. The eighth, a Statuary of Mi∣letum; of whom Polemo makes mention, the ninth a Tragic Poet, of the number of those whom we call Tarsicks. And the tenth a Statuary of Clazomenia, or Chio, of whom Hipponax makes mention.
LACYDES, a Native of Cyrene, was the Son of Alexander; Head of the new Academy, succeeding Arcesilaus; a Person certainly of an exquisite severity, and one that had a number of Scho∣lars that followed his Precepts. From his Youth he was much addicted to study, but very Poor, which made him the more complaisant, and delightful in Conver∣sation.
'Tis reported that he had a custom to fix his Seal upon the Keyhole of his But∣tery, and then threw the Ring into the Buttery again, through a small slit in the Door, that no Body might get to his Victuals but himself. Which his Servants observing, did the same as he did; for they took off the Seal, stole his Meat, then fixing the Impression of his Seal up∣on the Lock, threw the Key into the But∣tery again; which little Theft, though they frequently practised, yet could they never be caught.
But now Lacydes, being Head of the new Academy, retired to the Garden, which King Attalus caused to be made, where he set up his School, and call'd it Lacydion, from his own Name. He was the only Person, who in his Life surren∣dered the Charge of his School to ano∣ther: for they report that he turned it over to two Phoceans, Teleclus, and Evan∣der, to whom succeeded Hegesinus a Per∣gamenian, and from Hegesinus, Carnea∣des.
The chiefest of his Repartees were these. Attalus sent for him one day to come to him; to whom he returned for answer, That Images were to be view'd afar off. To one that check'd another for studying Geometry in his old Age, and
crying to him, Is this a time to be learn∣ing? Lacydes replied, When wouldst thou have him learn then? after he is Dead?
As to his death, he ended his days present∣ly after he was made chief of the School, which was in the fourth Year of the Hun∣dred thirty fourth Olympiad; after he had spent six and twenty Years in the Schools. He died of a Palsy, which he got with excessive Drinking. Which was the rea∣son we gave him the following Epi∣gram.
All the report about the Country goes, Friend Lacydes, how Bacchus bound thy toes, And haul'd thee bound to Hells infernal Gate, Where then he left thee overcharg'd in Pate. What Riddle's this? for Riddle it must be, When chearful Wine sets all the Members free. That's the Mistake; for Bacchus did not bind him; He only found him bound, and so resign'd him.
CARNEADES the Son of Epicomus, or according to Alexander, in his Book of Successions, the Son of Philo∣comus, was a native of Cyrene.
He diligently employed his time in read∣ing the Books of Speusippus and other Sto∣ics; which having done, he was not rea∣dily drawn to consent to their opinions, though if he were constrained to oppose 'em; he did it with all the Modesty ima∣ginable, as he that was wont to say, unless Chrysippus were, I could not be. He was wonderfully studious, more espe∣cially in moral Philosophy; for of natu∣ral Philosophy he made no great reckon∣ing. Nay he was so intent at his Study, that he would not allow himself leisure to Comb his hair, and pair his Nails. So that at length his Discourses were so Si∣newy in matters of Philosophy, that the Orators flocked from all parts to his School, on purpose to hear him. Besides he had a very strong and sonorous Voice, insomuch that the head of the Colledge sent to him, not to speak so loud: to
whom he sent word, that he should send him a Measure for his Voice; upon which the Principal replied, that Carnea∣des had answered wisely, and to the pur∣pose. For that the Auditory was the measure that set Bounds to the Voice.
However he was a violent Man, and almost insupportable in his Disputes, and therefore never cared to appear at great Meetings and Festivals.
It happened that Mentor a Bithynian fell in Love with his Concubine (as Pha∣vorinus in his Miscellanies reports) which made him so angry, that he could not refrain to give him a sharp Reprimand in the following Verses.
Within these Walls, I see a Letchero•••• Knave, An old decripit, fornicating Slave; So like to Mentor, both in Speech and Chins, That they who saw 'em both, would swear 'em Twins. Him, good for nothing but to play the Fool, Do I intend to banish from my School.
To which Mentor rising up immedi∣ately, made this suddain Repartee.
This having heard, the other briskly rose, Disdains the Speaker, and away he goes.
He seems to have born impatiently the approach of his last End: as one that had this Expression frequently in his Mouth:
Nature that forms, dissolves the frame as soon, And thus we dye, e're Life is well begun.
Now hearing that Antipater had killed himself, by taking a draught of Poyson, his Example encouraged him to do the like, to the end he might anticipate the hour of his Death; and to that pur∣pose turning toward those that had told him the Story: Give me a Poti∣on too, said he. What Potion? answer∣ed they. A draught of Honied Wine, cry'd he. 'Tis reported that there happened a great Eclipse of the Moon after his Death; as if the most beautiful of all the Cele∣stial Luminaries next the Sun, had seemed to sympathize with Men for his Loss.
Apollodorus relates in his Chronicles, that he departed this Life in the fourth Year of the Hundred seventy second O∣lympiad.
We find some Epistles of his to Ariara∣thes, King of Cappadocia. Whatever else was attributed to him, was written by some of his Scholars; for there is no∣thing of his own Writing extant. More∣over we made him the following Epi∣gram
in Logadic, and Archebulian Mea∣sure.
Tell me my Muse, why dost thou teaz Me thus to chide Carneades? Such an illiterate Fop as yet, He understood not Nature's Debt: Nor could find out the Reason why Men Rational should fear to dye. An Ʋlcer in his Lungs begun, Made him a walking Skeleton, Whose putrid Fumes affect the Brain, And down descend in slimy Rain. A constant Feaver, and a siow, Retards deaths smart, and suddain Blow; Yet at these Symptoms he ne're starts, But damns Physicians and their Arts. Mean time Antipater had quaff't In great distress a poisoned Draught, Which having heard, t' himself he laugh'd. Then jocund, to his Friends, said he, Give me a Dose too, such another, With equal swiftness Life to smother. Dull Nature, why so flegmatick, That I must for Assistance seek; When thou beginnest, thou should'st be quick. Poor silly Nature, thus in vain, Building and pulling down again. While we have so short time to strive, 'Tis hardly worth our time to live. Thus Bantring Nature, e're he went, To Staygian Shades himself he bent.
It is reported, that being intent upon his Meditations, he took so little notice of a dimness in his Sight, to which he was very subject, that one day not being a∣ble to see, and having commanded the Boy to bring him a Candle; so soon as he had brought it, and told him it was upon the Table, he bid him read on then, as if it had been Night.
We find that he had several Disciples, among whom was Clitomachus, the most excellent of all the rest; of whom we shall speak the very next in order. There was also one more, Carneades an Elegiac Poet; who nevertheless was a Person lit∣tle valued, by reason of the meanness of his Stile.
CLITOMACHƲS, a Carthaginan, was called in the Language of his Country, Asdrubal, and was wont to ar∣gue Philosophically in his own Language among his Countrymen.
He travelled to Athens at forty years of Age, and became a Hearer of Carneades, who observing his Industry and Sedulity, caused him to be instructed in Learning, and took particular Care of him. Where∣in he attain'd to such a degree of Know∣ledge, that he wrote above four Hun∣dred Volumes, and succeded Carneades, upon whose Sayings he greatly enlarged in his Writings. He principally embraced the Doctrine of the three chief Sects, viz. The Academics, the Peripateties, and the Stoics. But Timon was an inveterate Enemy to the Academics, and therefore takes all occasions sharply to inveigh a∣gainst 'em, so that Clitomachus could not escape him; as for Example,
Nor must I here omit that prating Fool, Chief of the stupid Academic School.
And thus we have hitherto spoken of the Philosophers descended from Plate; let us now come to the Peripatetics de∣scended from Plato, of whom Aristotle was the Chief.