The fifth and last volume of Plutarchs Lives Translated from the Greek by several hands.

THE LIFE OF DION. English'd from the Greek. by Robert Ʋvedale, L L D.

THE Trojans, as Simonides reports, were not angry with the Corinthi∣ans for joyning their Forces with the other Greeks in the confederate Expedition a∣gainst them, because Glaucus, whose An∣cestors were originally of Corinth, frankly engaged on their side, and brought them Aid to Troy: So neither can the Romans or Grecians be justly displeas'd with the A∣cademy, being both equally concern'd in

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DIO.

M Burg. sculp▪

this Historical Account of the Lives of Brutus and Dion. For one of them was contemporary and familiarly conversant with Plato, and the other from his Youth Educated in his Philosophy. So that they had the same Original and Foundation of their great Atchievements, and set out (as it were) from the same Lists to run their Race of Honour. Nor need we wonder at the near resemblance and affi∣nity of their Actions, confirming what their Tutor said, that without a mutual concurrence of Power and Success, joyn'd and tempered with Justice and Prudence, nothing great and glorious can be accom∣plish'd in the managery of Publick Affairs. For as Hyppomachus the Wrestler affirm'd, he could by their port distinguish his Scho∣lars at great distance, tho' they were but carrying meat from the Shambles; So it is very probable, that the ingenious sen∣timents of those who have had good Edu∣cation doe alike influence their Actions, and create in them a gentile Demeanour, very agreable and becoming.

Now we may draw a Parallel of the Lives of these two great Men from their Fortunes, wherein Chance, not Design, made them much alike, for they were both cut off by an untimely death, not being able to accomplish those ends which

through many risques ond difficulties they aimed at. But above all, this is most wonderful; that by Divine Permission both of them had notice given of their approaching death by a frightful and o∣minous Daemon, which visibly appear'd to them. Altho' there are a sort of men who utterly deny any such thing, and say, that no man in his right wits ever saw a Phan∣tom or apparition; but that Children on∣ly, and silly Women, or Men craz'd by some Distemper of their Mind, or Disease of their Body, entertain such idle and ab∣surd Fancies, overfondly conceiting them∣selves haunted with Sprites and Goblins. Yet if Dion and Brutus, men of great Cou∣rage and Learning, not easily deluded by Fancy, or discompos'd by any sudden ap∣prehension, were so disturbed at these Vi∣sions, that they forthwith declar'd to their Friends what they had seen; I know not how we can aviod admitting again the exploding Opinion of the Ancients, That the Devils and evil Spirits, out of an en∣vious hatred to good men, vigorously oppose whatever they do; and by raising distractions and terrors in their minds, endeavour to shake and undermine their Vertue, lest by a steady and unbyass'd perseverance in Goodness, they should af∣ter death obtain a happier condition of

futurity than those wretched Beings can ever hope for. But I shall refer these things to another place, and in this Twelfth Book of the Lives of great Men, compar'd one with another, begin with his who was the elder.

Dionysius the First, having seiz'd the Go∣vernment of Sicily, took to Wife the Daughter of Hermocrates, a Syracusian. She, in an Insurrection which the Citizens made before the Government was well settled, was abused in such a barbarous and outragious manner, that for shame she put an end to her own life. But Di∣onysius, soon re-established and con∣firmed in the Throne, married two Wives, one named Doride of Locris, the other Aristomache, a Native of Sicily, and Daugh∣ter of Hipparinus, a Nobleman of the first Quality in Syracuse, and Collegue with Dionysius when he was chosen General of the Army. 'Tis said he married them both in one day, but which he enjoyed first is uncertain; ever after he divided his kindness equally betwixt them, both accompanying him together at his Table, and in his Bed by turns. Indeed the Syra∣cusians were urgent that their own Coun∣try-woman might be preferred before the Stranger; but Doride, to recompence the aspersion of being a Foreigner, had the

good Fortune to be the Mother of Dionysi∣us's eldest Son, whilest Aristomache conti∣nued a long time without Issue, tho' the King was very desirous to have Children by her, and caused Doride's Mother to be put to death, laying to her Charge, that she had bewitch'd Aristomache, to prevent her being with Child.

Dion, Aristomache's Brother, at first found a very Honourable Reception at Court for his Sisters sake; but his own worth and parts soon procured him a near∣er place in the Princes Affection, who a∣mong other favours gave special Command to his Treasurers to furnish Dion with whatever Money he demanded, enjoyning them withal the same day to give him a particular account of what they had deli∣vered out. Now, tho' Dion was before reputed a person of extraordinary Parts, a noble Mind, and daring Courage, yet all these excellent Qualifications received a considerable improvement by Plato's happy arrival in Sicily. It was without doubt no humane Contrivance, but the direction of Providence, designing that this remote Cause should hereafter occasi∣on the recovery of the Sicilians lost Liber∣ty, and the subversion of the Tyrannical Government, which brought the Philoso∣pher out of Italy, and settled him at Sy∣racuse.

Dion soon gain'd his acquaintance, and became the most considerable among his Scholars, by his wonderful disposition to Learning, and inclination to Vertue, far above what his years could promise, as Plato himself reports of him, and his own Actions sufficiently testifie. For tho' he was bred up under the Tyrant in a condition much below himself, inur'd to a dissolute and servile kind of life, un∣der a haughty and imperious Command, glutted with extravagant Pleasures, and a customary regard to nothing but Wealth and Luxury, (the mistaken happiness of life;) yet no sooner had he tasted the Sweets of more rational Notions, and was made acquainted with the Precepts of Phi∣losophy, which direct the way to Vertue and true Satisfaction, but his Appetite increas'd, and his Soul was inflamed with a desire of more knowledge, and greater Attainments: Hereupon innocently, tho' not judiciously, concluding from his own ingenuous disposition, that the same pow∣erful Reasons would work the same Effects upon Dionysius, he made it his business, and at length obtain'd the favour of him at a leisure hour to admit and hear Plato. At this their meeting, the Subject-matter of their Discourse in general was Vertue, but more particularly they disputed con∣cerning

Fortitude, which Plato prov'd Ty∣rants, of all men, had the least pretence to; and thence proceeding to treat of Justice, he asserted the happy Estate of the Just, and the miserable condition of the Unjust. Here the King, touch'd to the quick, and not able to answer his Arguments, would not endure to hear him out, being highly displeas'd with the rest of the Auditors there present, who with wonder and de∣light had listned to his Discourses. At length, exceedingly exasperated, he asked the Philosopher in a great rage, what bu∣siness he had in Sicily? To which Plato answered, I came hither to seek an honest man: It seems then, replyed Dionysius, you have lost your labour. Dion suppo∣sing the Kings anger pretty well over, at Plato's Request, conveyed him suddenly aboard a Galley, the Captains name Pol∣lis, a Lacedemonian, bound for Greece; but Dionysius privately dealt with Pollis, by all means to kill Plato in the Voyage; If not, to be sure to sell him for a Slave; alledging for an inducement, that as a good man he could not be endammaged, but would still enjoy his happiness, tho' he lost his Liberty. Pollis therefore, as 'tis reported, carryed Plato to Aegina, and there sold him to the Aeginetes, then at War with Athens, having made a decree,

That whatever Athenian was taken on their Coasts, should forthwith be exposed to Sale. Notwithstanding Dion was in no less Favour and Credit with Dionysius than formerly, but was entrusted with the most considerable Employments; and sent on an Honourable Embassage to Car∣thage, in the management of which he gained very great Reputation. Besides, the King bore with the Liberty he took to speak his mind freely; he being the only man who upon any occasion durst so bold∣ly say what he thought; witness his smart Repartee upon the account of Gelon. Di∣onysius on a time ridiculing Gelon's Govern∣ment, and alluding to his Name, said, Ge∣lon was [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] the laughing-stock of Sicily: while others seem'd to admire and applaud the Quibble, Dion very warmly reply'd, Sir, you got the Crown, by be∣ing trusted for Gelon's sake; but for your sake no man will ever hereafter be trusted again; for indeed Gelon made it appear, that Monarchy was the best of Govern∣ments, and you have convinced us 'tis the worst. Dionysius had three Children by Dori∣de, and by Aristomache four, two of which were Daughters, Sophrosyne and Arete. Sophrosyne was married to his Son Dionysius; Arete to his Brother Thearides; after whose death, Dion took his Niece Arete to Wife.

Now, when Dionysius was sick, and like to die, Dion endeavour'd to discourse with him in behalf of the Children he had by Aristomache; but was still prevented by the Phisitians, designing thereby to ingra∣tiate themselves with the next Successor, who also, as Timaeus reports, gave him, as he desired, a sleeping Potion, which soon depriv'd him of his Senses, and made him sleep his last.

Hereupon at the first Council Dionysius the Second held with his Confidents, Dion discours'd so well of the present Exigency and state of affairs, that he made all the rest appear in their Politicks but young States-men; and in their Votes, rather Slaves than Councellors, who timorously and disingenuously advis'd what would best please the young King, rather than advance his Interest. But that which startled them most, was the Proposal he made to avert the imminent danger they feared of a War with the Carthaginians, undertaking to sail immediately over into Africk, and if the King desired it, to con∣clude a Peace upon honourable terms; but if he rather inclined to War, that he would fit out and maintain at his own proper cost and charges fifty Galleys, rea∣dy for the Service. Dionysius admired his Gallantry, and received the frankness of

his Offer with great satisfaction. But the other Courtiers, thinking this his Genero∣sity reflected upon them, and jealous of being lessened by his growing greatness, from hence took all occasions by private insinuations and slanders to render him obnoxious to the Kings displeasure; as if he designed by his Power at Sea to surprize the Government, and by the help of those Naval Forces confer the supreme Authori∣ty upon his Sister Aristomache's Children. But indeed the most apparent and prime Cause of their invidious and malicious proceedings against him, was his reserved∣ness in Conversation, and Singularity in his way of Living; for they who had from the beginning by flatteries and all unworthy artifices insinuated themselves into the favour and familiarity of the Prince, youthful and voluptuously bred, were wholly subservient to his Pleasures, and sought how to entertain him daily with new Amours, and such idle and extrava∣gant Employs, as Wine, Women, and o∣ther lewd Diversions: By which means the Tyranny, like Iron softned in the fire, seemed to the Subject to be more mode∣rate and gentle, and to abate somewhat of its extreme severity; the edge thereof being blunted, not by the Clemency, but rather the sloth and degeneracy of the

young King; whose dissoluteness gaining ground daily, and growing upon him, soon weakned and broke those Adaman∣tine Chains, with which his Father Diony∣sius said he had left the Monarchy fastned and secured. 'Tis reported of him, that having begun a drunken Debauch, he con∣tinued it ninety days without intermissi∣on; in all which time no grave Man ap∣peared, or serious Discourse was heard at Court, but Drinking, Singing, Dancing, Buffoonry, and all sorts of licentious Rail∣lery reigned there without controul. 'Tis likely then they had little kindness for Dion, who never indulged himself in such Diversions and Youthful Frolicks; for which reason they made his very Vertues the subject of their Calumnies, and nick-named whatever was remarkable in him, Vice: They called his Gravity Pride, his Plain-dealing Obstinacy, the good advice he gave was all construed Reprimand, and he was censured for neglecting and scorn∣ing those whom he would not accompany in their Misdeameanours. And to say the truth, he was naturally of a haughty Hu∣mour, austere, reserved, and unsociable in Conversation, which made his Compa∣ny unpleasant and disagreeable, not only to the young King, who delighted in none but his smooth-tongued Courtiers

and Parasites, but many also of Dion's in∣timate Friends, tho' they well approved the Integrity and Generosity of his temper, yet justly blamed his surly Carriage, as savouring too much of an uncouth and starched humour, and wanting something of Address and due Civility in the recepti∣on of those that applyed themselves to him; of which Plato afterwards wrote to him, and (as it were) Prophetically ad∣vised him carefully to avoid a surly de∣meanour, unless he intended to be aban∣doned by all Society, and live alone by himself.

Now, tho' Dion, by reason of the pre∣sent state of Affairs, was very considera∣ble, and in great esteem, as being the on∣ly stay and prop of the Government, which was in a tottering and unsafe condi∣tion; yet he well understood that he ow'd not his Greatness to the Kings kindness, but to the necessity of his concerns; and supposing the prime cause of this to be his Ignorance, and want of Education, he en∣deavoured to induce him into a course of ingenious Studies, and acquaint him with the Precepts of Morality; thereby hoping to take off the aversion he had to Vertue, and by degrees inure him to a complacen∣cy in performing good and laudable Acti∣ons. Dionysius in his own Nature was

not the worst of Princes, but his Fa∣ther fearing that if he should come to un∣derstand himself better, and converse with wise and learned Men, he might complot against him, and dispossess him of his Kingdom, kept him in a close confine∣ment to his Lodgings; where for want of other Company, and ignorant how to spend his time better, he busied himself in making little Chariots, Candlesticks, Joynt-stools, Tables, and the like wood∣en Implements. For his Father, Dionysius the First, was so diffident and suspicious of all mankind, and withal so wretchedly fearful, that he would not suffer a Barber to trim him with Razour or Scissers, but made one of his Artificers with a live Coal sear off his excrescent hairs. Neither were his Brother or his Son allowed to come into his Appartment in the Habit they wore, but they, as all others, were strip'd to their skins by some of the Guard, and put on other Cloathes before they were admitted into the Presence. When on a time his Brother Leptimes was dis∣coursing the situation of a place, and took a Javelin from one of the Guard to de∣scribe the Plot, he was highly incensed at him, and caused the Soldier that deli∣vered him the Weapon to be put to death. He declared, the more judicious his Friends

were, the more he suspected them; be∣cause he knew that were it in their choice, they would rather Command, than be subject to a Superiour. He flew Marsyas, one of his Captains, whom he had pre∣ferred to a considerable command, for dreaming that he killed him; suppo∣sing that it was not a roving Fancy, but a previous thought, and resolved design which had formed that Idea in his imagi∣nation; so timorous was he, so miserable a Slave to his fear, yet very angry with Plato, because he would not allow him to be the valiantest Man alive.

Dion (as we said before) seeing Diony∣sius the Son defective in his Understand∣ing, and irregular in his Manners, for want of good Education, advised him to set to Study; persuading him earnestly to entreat Plato, the greatest Philosopher in the World, to come into Sicily; and when he came, to permit himself to his direction and advice, by whose instructi∣ons he might learn to lead a vertuous life, and be conformable to the glorious Idea of that Divine Essence, whose wise Conduct all things obey, and out of confusion form∣ed the beautiful Order of the Universe; by which means he would procure great happiness to himself and all his Subjects, who obliged by his Justice and Modera∣tion,

would then willingly pay him Obe∣dience as their Father, which now grudg∣ingly, and upon necessity they are forced to yield him, as their Lord. For Fear and Force, a great Navy and standing Ar∣my of ten thousand Mercenary Soldiers, are not (as his Father said) the Adaman∣tine Chains which secure the Regal Power, but the love and affection of Subjects to their Prince, endeared to him by his Cle∣mency and Justice; which tho' they seem more pliant than the stiff and hard bonds of Severity, are nevertheless the strongest and most durable Tyes to fix and establish a settled and lasting Empire: Moreover, it is mean and dishonourable that a Prince, glorious in his Equipage, splendid in the Gallantry and Magnificence of his Court, should not at all excell a Peasant in Dis∣course and Conversation, nor have his princely Mind accomplished, as well as Body adorned, according to his Royal Dignity.

Dion frequently entertaining the King upon this Subject, and as occasion offered, repeating some of the Philosophers Learn∣ed Arguments, Dionysius grew impatient∣ly desirous to have Plato's Company, and to hear him discourse: Forthwith there∣fore he sent divers Letters to him to A∣thens, to which Dion added his entreaties;

also several Philosophers of the Pythagore∣an Sect from Italy, perswaded him to come and manage the plyable Youth of the King, and by his grave and serious Advice re∣strain the unstable and desultory efforts of his new-acquired Power and Grandeur. Plato (as he says of himself) being asha∣med to seem busie only in words, and sloath∣ful in Action, hoping withal that if he could work a Cure upon one Man, the Head and Guide of the rest, he might re∣medy the Distempers of the whole King∣dom of Sicily, yielded to their Requests.

But Dion's Enemies fearing an alterati∣on in Dionysius, perswaded him to recall from Banishment one Philistus, a Learned Man, and very skilful in Tyrannical Po∣licy, whom they designed to set in opposi∣tion to Plato and his Philosophy. For Philistus from the beginning was a great instrument to promote the Tyranny, and being Governour of the Castle, kept it a long time for that Faction. There was a report that he had to do with the Mother of Dionysius the First; and that he was not altogether ignorant of it. But Lepti∣mes having two Daughters by a married Woman whom he had Debauched, gave one of them in marriage to Philistus with∣out acquainting the King, who being en∣raged, put Leptimes's Mistress in Prison,

and Banished Philistus the Kingdom: Whereupon he fled to some of his Friends at Adria, in which retirement and leisure 'tis probable he writ the greatest part of his History; for he returned not into his Country during the Reign of that Diony∣sius.

But after his Death, as is before related, Dion's Enemies occasioned him to be re∣called Home, as fitter for their purpose, and a firm Friend to the Arbitrary Govern∣ment, which he immediately upon his return endeavoured to abett; and at the same time divers Calumnies and Accusa∣tions against Dion were by others brought to the King; as that he held Correspon∣dence with Theodotes and Heraclides, to subvert the Monarchy: for indeed 'tis like∣ly he had hopes by the coming of Plato to take off the unlimitted Power of Dionysius, and make him more moderate and equi∣table in his Authority; but if he continued averse to that, and were not to be reclaim∣ed, he resolved to depose him, and restore the Common-wealth to the Syracusians; not that he approved a Democracy or Po∣pular Government, but thought it pre∣ferrable to a Tyranny, when a good Aris∣tocracy, or Regency of the Grandees, could not be procured.

This was the state of Affairs when Pla∣to came into Sicily, who at his first arrival was received with wonderful demonstra∣tion of Kindness and Respect; for one of the Kings richest Chariots waited upon him when he came on shore. Dionysius himself sacrificed to the Gods, in thank∣ful acknowledgment for the great happi∣ness which had befel his Kingdom: The Citizens also entertained marvellous hopes of a speedy and thorough Reformation. For that at Court they observed a modest Decorum in their Feastings, a grave com∣posure in their Behaviour, and the King himself returned kind and obliging An∣swers to all Petitions and Causes that came before him. Men were generally grown very desirous of Learning, and eagerly in∣tent upon the study of Philosophy; inso∣much, that the very Palace, as 'tis repor∣ted, was covered with dust by the nume∣rous Concourse of the Students in the Ma∣thematicks, that resorted thither.

Not long after, at a Solemn Sacrifice in the Castle, according to the Custom of the Country, when the Priest, as he was wont, prayed for the long continu∣ance of the present Government: Diony∣sius standing by, was heard to say, What, will you never leave off cursing me? This sensibly vext Philistus and his Party, who

conjectured, that if Plato by so little ac∣quaintance, had thus transformed and al∣tered the young King's mind, consequent∣ly by longer converse, and greater inti∣macy, he would get such Power and Au∣thority, that it would be impossible to withstand him. They did therefore no longer privately, and apart, but joyntly, and in publick all of them rail at Dion, noising it about, that he manifestly charm∣ed and bewitched Dionysius by Plato's So∣phistry; to the end, that when he was persuaded voluntarily to part with the Re∣gency, and throw off his Authority, Dion might take it up, and settle it upon his Sister Aristomache's Children. Others seemed to take it in great scorn, that the Athenians, who formerly arrived in Sicily with a great Fleet, and numerous Land-Army, but were routed and beaten off with great loss, without being able so much as to take the City of Syracuse; should now by means of one Sophister, overturn the whole Empire of Dionysius; inveagling him to cashier his Guard of ten thousand Lances, dismiss a Navy of four hundred Galleys, disband an Army of ten thousand Horse, and treble the number of Foot, and go seek in the Schools an un∣known and imaginary Bliss, and learn by the Mathematicks how to be happy;

while in the mean time he resigned the substantial enjoyments of absolute Power, Riches, and Pleasure of Dion and his Si∣sters Children.

By these means at first Dion incurred the Kings suspicion, and by degrees his apparent displeasure and aversion. A Let∣ter also was intercepted, which Dion had writ to the Carthaginian's agents, advising them, that when they treated with Dio∣nysius concerning a Peace, they should not come to their Audience, unless he were there; and then he would effectually dis∣patch their business according to their minds. When Dionysius had shewed this to Philistus, and as Timaeus relates, consulted with him about it, he over-reached Dion by a feigned reconciliation, fairly pretending to receive him again to his favour; but lead∣ing him alone one day to the Sea-side, un∣der the Castle Wall, he shewed him the Letter, and taxed him with Conspiring with the Carthaginians against him; when Dion assayed to offer something in his own defence, Dionysius suffered him not; but immediately forced him aboard a Vessel, which lay there for that purpose, and commanded the Sailors to set him a∣shore on the Coast of Italy.

When this was publickly known, all Men thought it very hard usage, and a

great piece of Cruelty. The Ladies also in the Court mightily lamented Dion. But the Citizens of Syracuse encouraged them∣selves, expecting that for his sake some In∣surrection would ensue; which together with the mistrust others would have of the King, upon this account, might occa∣sion new measures, and an alteration in the state; which Dionysius perceiving, and being very much concerned at, he endea∣voured to pacifie the Women, and others of Dion's Kindred and Friends; assuring them, that he had not banished, but on∣ly sent him out of the way for a time, fear∣ing that if he continued there present up∣on the place, Passion might prevail upon him to punish his Obstinacy with greater severity. He gave also two Ships to his Relations, with Liberty to send him into Peloponnesus what of his Estate, Goods, or Servants they thought fit

Dion was very Rich, and little inferiour to the King himself in the Splendor and Furniture of his House; which his Friends packt up and conveyed to him: besides many Rich Presents, which were sent him by the Ladies and others of his Acquain∣tance. The Abundance of his Wealth and Treasure gained him great Honour and Regard among the Grecians; and by his Riches and Grandeur, at the best but a

and now an Exile, set out the Magnifi∣cence and Power of his Lord the King.

Upon this, Dionysius immediately re∣moved Plato into the Castle, designing under colour of an honourable and kind Reception, to set a Guard upon him, lest he should follow Dion, and declare to the World in his behalf, how injuriously he had been dealt with. And now time and Conversation (as Wild Beasts by use grow tame and tractable) brought Dionysius to endure Plato's Company and Discourse; so that he began to love the Philosopher, but with such an Affection, as had something of the Tyrant in it, requiring of Plato, that he should, in return of his kindness, love him only, and admire him above all other Men; being ready to permit to his care the chief management of Affairs, and e∣ven the Government too, upon Condition that he would not prefer Dion's Friendship before his. This extravagant Affection was a great trouble to Plato; for it was accompanyed with petulant and jealous Humours, like the fond Passions of those that are desperately in Love; frequently falling out with him, and presently en∣treating to be friends again; for now he was beyond measure desirous to be Plato's Scholar, and to proceed in the Study of Philosophy: yet he seemed still to have

some regret, and to be ashamed of himself to those that endeavoured to pervert him from this design, as if he were grown de∣generate, and like to be spoiled and un∣done.

But a War about this time breaking out, he sent Plato away, promising him the next Summer to recall Dion, tho' in this he was not so good as his Word; ne∣vertheless, he remitted to him the product of his Revenues; desiring Plato to excuse him for the prefixt time, by reason of the War; but as soon as he had settled a Peace, he would immediately send for Dion; re∣quiring him in the interim to be quiet, and not raise any disturbance, nor speak any thing ill of him among the Grecians. This Plato endeavoured to effect, by keeping Dion with him in the Academy, and busy∣ing him in his Philosophical Studies.

Dion sojourned in the City with Calip∣pus, one of his Acquaintance; but for his diversion, he bought a Seat in the Country, which afterwards, when he went into Sicily, he gave to Speucippus, the most familiar Companion he had of all his Friends at Athens; Plato designing by his pleasant Conversation, full of seasonable and witty Mirth, to sweeten and divert Dion's austere and melancholy Temper; for Speucippus was a very ingenious and

merry Droll, as Timon, in his Satyrs, calls him.

Now Plato intending to exhibit a Play for the Youth, Dion took upon him the ordering and management thereof, and defrayed the whole Expence at his own Charge; Plato giving him this opportu∣nity to oblige the Athenians, which was like to procure his Friend more kindness than himself Credit. Dion went also to see several other Cities, and was entertain'd in their Publick Assemblies by those of the best Quality, and the greatest States-men; betraying nothing in his Conversa∣tion either rude or unbecoming; neither taking too much state upon him, nor of too easie condescension; but in all his be∣haviour shewed a great deal of Modesty, Generosity, and Manly Bravery: And in his Philosophical and Political Discourses, no less Skill and Learning; by which means he gained the Love and Respect of all men, and in many Cities had Publick Honours decreed him: the Lacedemonians making him a Citizen of Sparta, without regard to the displeasure of Dionysius, tho' at that time he aided them in their Wars against the Thebans.

It is reported, that Dion, upon an Invi∣tation, went to the House of Pteodorus, the Megarensian, who was a very Potent

and Wealthy Man; and when by reason of the great concourse of People about his Doors, who waited the dispatch of Busi∣ness, his access was troublesome and diffi∣cult, turning about to his Friends, who seemed concerned and angry at it, What reason, said he, have we to blame Pteodo∣rus, who our selves used our Visitants no better when we were at Syracuse?

Soon after, Dionysius envying Dion, and withal jealous of the favour and inte∣rest he had among the Grecians, put a stop upon his Incomes, and no longer sent him his Revenues; making his own Commis∣sioners Trustees of the Estate; but endea∣vouring to obviate the ill will and discre∣dit, which upon Plato's account might ac∣crue to him among the Philosophers, he got into his Court many that were re∣puted Learned Men; and ambitiously de∣siring to surpass them all in their Debates, he was forced to make use of (tho' some∣times impertinently) what he had occa∣sionally learnt of Plato, and now wished for his Company again, repenting he had not made better use of it when he had it, and given no greater heed to his excellent Precepts and Discourses: Like a Tyrant therefore, inconsiderate in his Desires, heady and violent in his Passions; on a sudden he was eagerly bent on the de∣design

of recalling him, and left no stone unturned, but prevailed with Archytas the Pythagorean, by whose means he first became acquainted and familiar with Plato, to stand obliged for the performances of his Promises, and to perswade him to re∣turn into Sicily.

Archytas therefore sent Archidemus, and Dionysius a Galley, with divers Friends, to entreat his return; moreover, he writ to him himself expresly and in plain terms, that Dion must never look for any favour or kindness, if Plato would not be pre∣vailed with to come into Sicily; but up∣on his arrival he might then be assured of whatever he desired. Dion also was much sollicited by his Sister and his Wife to ob∣lige Plato to gratifie Dionysius in this re∣quest, and pretend no excuse to the con∣trary. So that, as Plato says of himself, the third time he set Sail for Sicily,

Venturing again to shoot Charibdis dange∣rous Gulph.

This arrival brought great joy to Dionysius, and no less hopes to the Sicilians, who were as earnest in their wishes, as studi∣ous in their endeavours, that Plato might get the better of Philistus, and Philosophy triumph over Tyranny: Neither was he

unbefriended by the Ladies, who upon all occasions studied to oblige him; but he had from Dionysius that peculiar Credit, which no man else ever obtained, to that degree of confiding, that he might come into his Presence without being examined or searched. When the King offered him a very considerable sum of Money, and repeated the tender of his Bounty; but Plato still refused to accept it, Aristippus, the Cyrenian, then present, said, That Dionysius was liberal without danger of hurting his Treasury; for to those that wanted much he gave very little, and a great deal to Plato, who received nothing.

After the first Complements of kindness were over, when Plato began to discourse of Dion, he was at first diverted by dila∣tory Excuses, which soon after begat feuds and disgusts, tho' as yet not publick∣ly taken notice of; Dionysius endeavouring all he could to conceal them; and by o∣ther Civilities and Honourable usage, to draw him off from his Kindness to Dion: Plato, for some time, did not divulge this his perfidious dealing, and breach of promise, but bore with it, and dissembled his rescent: While matters stood thus be∣twixt them, and as they thought, they were unobserved, and undiscovered, He∣licon the Cyzicinian, one of Plato's follow∣ers,

foretold an Eclipse of the Sun, which happened according to his Prediction: for which he was much admired by the King, and rewarded with a Talent of Sil∣ver. Aristippus, drolling with some o∣thers of the Philosophers, told them, he also had something extraordinary to Prog∣nosticate; which they entreating him to declare, I fore-tell, said he, that Dionysi∣us and Plato will in a very little time fall out.

At length, Dionysius made Sale of Dion's Estate, converted the Money to his own use, and removed Plato from an Apart∣ment he had in the Gardens of the Palace, to Lodgings near those of the Guards he kept in Pay, who bore Plato an old grudge, and sought Opportunity to make him away; suppposing he advised Diony∣sius to lay down the Government, and disband his Soldiers. When Archytas un∣derstood the danger Plato was in, he im∣mediately sent a Galley with Messengers to demand him of Dionysius; alledging, that he stood engaged for his safety, upon the confidence of which, Plato came for Sicily. Dionysius, to palliate his secret ha∣tred, before Plato came away, treated him with great Entertainments, and all seem∣ing demonstrations of kindness; but could not forbear breaking out one day into

such an expression as this; No doubt, Pla∣to, but when you are at home among the Phi∣losophers your Companions, you will complain of me, and reckon up a great many of my faults. To which Plato smiling, return'd Answer, I hope, Sir, we shall never be so put to it in the Academy, for want of Sub∣jects to discourse of, as to talk of you. Thus they say Plato was dismissed; but his own Writings do not altogether agree with this Relation.

Dion was very angry at this, and not long after he declared himself an open E∣nemy to Dionysius, having received some intelligence concerning his Wife, about which Plato by Letters had held a Corres∣pondence with Dionysius; now thus it was. After Dion's Banishment, Dionysius send∣ing back Plato, desired him to ask Dion privately, if he would be against his Wife's marrying another Man: (for there went a report, whether true, or raised by Dion's Enemies, was uncertain; that his Marri∣age was not pleasing to him, and that he lived with his Wife uneasie and dissatisfi∣ed:) When Plato therefore came to A∣thens and had discoursed the matter with Dion, he writ a Letter to Dionysius in which he expressed every thing else plain∣ly and intelligibly; but this affair in co∣vert and abstruse terms, that none else but

he might understand it; signifying therein to him, that he had talked with Dion a∣bout the business, and that it was evident, he would highly resent the Affront, if Di∣onysius should attempt any such thing: At that time therefore, while there were yet great hopes of an accommodation, he al∣tered nothing in his Sisters concerns, suf∣fering her to live with Dion's Son; but when things were come to that pass, that no Reconciliation could be expect∣ed, and that Plato, after his second re∣turn, was again sent away in displeasure, he then forced Arete, against her will, to Marry Timocrates, one of his Fa∣vourites; in this Action coming short, even of his Fathers Justice and Lenity. For when Philoxenus, who had married his Sister, Theste, being in disgrace, and is declared Enemy, for fear had fled and left Sicily, he sent for his Sister and taxed her, that being privy to her Husbands flight, she had not declared it to him: But the Lady, confident and fearless, made him this reply: Do you believe me, Brother, so bad a Wife, or so timorous a Woman, that having known my Husbands flight, I would not have born him company, and shared the worst of his Fortunes? Alas! I was ignorant of it; for better had it been for me, and more honourable, to be called

the Wife of the Exile Philoxenus, than the Sister of the Tyrant Dionysius. 'Tis said, the King admired her ready and confident answer; the Syracusians also honoured her for her Bravery; insomuch, that she re∣tained her Dignity and Princely Retinue after the dissolution of the Tyranny; and when she died, the Citizens, by Publick Decree, attended the Solemnity of her Fu∣neral. Tho' this be a digression from the present purpose, it is not altogether an use∣less Remarque.

From this time, Dion set his mind whol∣ly upon a War, tho' Plato was against it with a modest regret, reflecting upon the Entertainment he had received from Diony∣sius; and also considering Dion's Age: But Speucippus, and the rest of his friends as∣sisted and encouraged him to undertake the deliverance of Sicily from Slavery, which in humble manner, with lift up hands, seemed to implore his help, and with open Arms ready to receive him. For when Plato sojourned at Syracuse, Speucippus being oftner than he in compa∣ny with the Citizens, throughly under∣stood how they were inclined; and tho' at first he was shy of, and suspected their bold talk, fearing they were set on by the King to trapan him; yet at length he gave ear and credit to what they said.

They generally agreed in their wishes and prayers that Dion would undertake the De∣sign, and come, tho' without either Navy, Men, Horse, or Arms: that he would put himself aboard a Ship, and lend the Sicilians only his Person and Name against Dionysius. This Information from Speu∣cippus encouraged Dion, who that he might the better conceal his Design, he employed his Friends privately to raise what men they could; many great States-men and Philosophers were assisting to him; among whom was Cyprius Endemus, (on whose Death Aristotle writ his Dia∣logue of the Soul) and Timonides, the Leucadian; they also engaged on his side Miltas, the Thessalian, who was skilful in fore-telling Events, and his fellow-Stu∣dent in the Academy: Of all that were Banished by Dionysius, who were not few∣er than a thousand, five and twenty only listed themselves; the rest for fear decli∣ned the undertaking. The general Ren∣dezvous was in the Island Zacynthus, whi∣ther they marched a small Army, being not in all eight hundred compleat; but all of them experienced Men, who had signalized themselves in many and great Engagements; well disciplin'd and inur'd to hardship, and for Courage and Con∣duct, the very flower of all the Soldery;

and such as by their Example would ani∣mate and encourage to action the nume∣rous Forces Dion hoped to have in Sicily. Yet these Men, when they first under∣stood the Expedition was against Dionysi∣us, were troubled and disheartned, bla∣ming Dion, that hurried on like a mad man by his Passion and Despair, he rashly threw both himself and them into cer∣tain Ruin: Nor were they less angry with their Commanders and Muster-Mas∣ters, that they did not in the beginning let them know the design of the War. But when he had in an Oration set forth the unsafe and weak condition of Arbi∣trary Government; and declared that he carryed them rather for Commanders than Soldiers; the Citizens of Syracuse, and the rest of the Sicilians having been long ready for a Revolt: and after him, Alcimenes, a Grecian Noble-man of great Quality and Reputation, who accompany∣ed him in the Expedition, harangued them to the same effect; they were quiet and contented.

It was now the midst of Summer, and the Winds blew which are constant to that season of the year called by the Greeks E∣tesiae; the Moon being at the full, when Dion prepared a magnificent Sacrifice to Apollo, and with great Solemnity march∣ed

his Soldiers to the Temple in all their Arms and Accoutrements; after the Sacri∣fice, he feasted them all in the Publick Cir∣que, or place of Exercise of the Zacynthians, where he had made Provision for their Entertainment; who seeing with wonder the plenty and richness of Gold and Silver Plate; and the Tables furnished in an ex∣traordinary manner, far exceeding the fortunes of a private Man, concluded with themselves, that one of his Age, and Ma∣ster of so much Treasure, would not en∣gage himself in so hazardous an Enter∣prize, without good assurance of hope, and certain and sufficient Supplies from his Friends. As they were offering Wine to the Gods, and performing their custo∣mary Devotions, the Moon was Eclipsed, which was no wonder to Dion, who under∣stood the revolutions of Eclipses, and how the Moon was over-shadowed by the di∣rect interposition of the Earth between her and the Sun: But because it was ne∣cessary that the Soldiers should be satisfi∣ed and encouraged, who were surprized and troubled at it, Miltas the Diviner standing up in the midst of the Assembly, bid them be of good chear, and expect all happy success; for that the Gods did fore-tell something that was at present glorious and resplendent should be Eclip∣sed

and obscured. Now, nothing being more resplendent than they Grandeur of Dionysius, their arrival in Sicily should cloud the glory, and extinguish the brightness of that illustrious Empire. Thus Miltas in publick descanted upon the Accident: But concerning a swarm of Bees, which settled on the Poop of Dion's Ship, he privately told him and his Friends, that he feared the great Actions they were like to perform, tho' for a time they should thrive and flourish, would be of short continuance, and soon suffer a decay. it is reported also, that many ill prodigies hapned to Dionysius at that time. An Eagle snatching a Javelin from one of the Guard, carried it aloft, and from thence let it fall into the Sea. The water of the Sea, that washed the Castle Walls, was for a whole day sweet and potable; as many that: tasted it expe∣rienced. Piggs were farrowed perfect in all their other parts, but without Ears. The Diviners did declare this to portend a Revolt and Rebellion; for that the Sub∣jects would no longer give ear to the Com∣mands of their Superiours. They ex∣pounded the sweetness of the Water to sig∣nifie to the Syracusians, a Change from bad and woful Times into better and more happy Circumstances. The Eagle, being

the Bird of Jupiter, and the Spear, an Emblem of Power and Command: This Prodigy was to denote, That Jupiter, the chief of the Gods, designed the destructi∣on and dissolution of the present Govern∣ment. These things Theopompus in his History relates.

Two great Ships carryed all Dion's Men, which were tended by a third some∣what less, and two Galleys of thirty Oars. Besides his Soldiers Arms, he carried two thousand Shields, a very great number of Darts and Lances, and abundant stores of all manner of Provisions, that there might be no want of any thing in their Voyage; because they resolved to keep out at Sea, and ply in the Main, fearing to come near the Shore upon advice that Philis∣tus rode at Anchor in the Bay of Apulia with a Fleet ready to intercept them. Twelve days they sailed with a fresh and gentle gale; the thirteenth they made Pa∣chynus, afore-Land of Sicily: There the chief Pilot advised them to Land present∣ly; for if they were forced again from the Shoar, and did designedly pass the Cape, they might ride out at Sea many Nights and Days, expecting a Souther∣ly Wind in the Summer season. But Dion fearing a descent too near his E∣nemies and desirous to land at greater

distance, and further up in the Country, weathered the Cape Pachinus. They had not sailed long, before stress of Weather (the Wind blowing hard at North) drove the Fleet from the Coast, it being a very stormy Season, much about the time that Arcturus appears; and there hapning then a great deal of Thunder and Light∣ning, with violent Rains, and tempestu∣ous gusts of Wind, the Mariners were at their Wits end, and wholly ignorant what Course they ran; till on a sudden they found they were driven to Circina, an I∣sland on the Coast of Africk, craggy, and full of dangerous Rocks, upon which they scaped narrowly of being forced and staved to pieces; but labouring hard at their Oars, with much difficulty they kept clear until the Storm ceased. Then lighting by chance upon a Vessel, they understood they were upon the beginning of the Flats, called the great Syrtis: Be∣ing now again disheartned by reason of a sudden Calm, and beating too and again, without making any way, they had a Southerly briese from the Shoar, when they least expected the Wind in that quar∣ter, and scarce believed the happy change of their Fortune. The Gale increasing, and beginning to blow fresh, they clapt on all their Sails, and praying to the

Gods, put out again to Sea, steering to rights for Sicily from the Coast of Africk; and running steady before the Wind, the fifth day they arrived at Minoa, a little Town of Sicily, in the Possession of the Carthaginians; of which, Synalus, an Ac∣quaintance and Friend of Dion's hapned at that time to be Governour; who not knowing it was Dion and his Fleet, endea∣voured to hinder his Men from Landing; but they made their descent with their Swords in their hands, yet slew none of their Opponents (for that Dion had strict∣ly forbidden them, because of the kind∣ness he had for the Governour) but forced them to retreat; and following close, pres∣sed in a body with them into the place, and took it. As soon as the two Com∣manders met, they mutually saluted each other; and Dion delivered up the place again to Synalus without the least damage done to any one therein. Synalus Quar∣tered and Entertained the Soldiers, and supplyed Dion with what he wanted. They were very much encouraged by the lucky accident of Dionysius's absence at that nick of time, for he was lately gone with eighty Sail of Ships into Italy: Where∣fore, when Dion perswaded the Soldiers to refresh themselves there after their te∣dious and troublesom Voyage, they would

not be prevailed with, but earnest to make the best use of that Opportunity, they urged Dion to lead them straight on to the Capital City. Leaving therefore their Baggage, and the Arms they did not use, Dion desired Synalus to convey them to him as he had occasion, and marched di∣rectly to Syracuse.

The first that came in to him upon his march, were two hundred Horse of the Agrigentines, who inhabit near Ecnomus; and after them, the Geloans: Which News soon flying to Syracuse, Timocrates, who had married Dion's Wife, the Sister of Di∣onysius, and was left Commander in Chief in the City in his absence, immediately dispatched a Courrier to Dionysius with an Express concerning Dion's Arrival; while he himself took all possible care to prevent any stirs or tumults that might arise in the City; where all were in great suspence, but as yet continued quiet, fear∣ing, to give too much credit to what was reported. A very strange Accident hap∣pened to the Messenger who was sent with the Letters; for being arrived in Italy, as hē travelled through the Country of the Brutii, hastening to Dionysius at Caulonia, he met one of his Acquaintance, who was carrying home part of a Sacrifice. The Fellow accepted a piece of the Flesh, which

his Friend offered him, and proceeded in his Journey with all speed: But having travelled hard a good part of the Night, and being, through weariness, forced to take a little Rest, he laid himself down in the next convenient place he came to, which was in a Wood near the Road. A Wolf winding the Flesh, came and seized it as it was fastned to the Mail, and therewith carried it away also, in which was the Ex∣press to Dionysius. The man awaking, and missing his Mantua, sought for it up and down a great while, and not finding it, resolved not to go to the King without his Letters, but to conceal himself, and keep out of the way. Dionysius therefore came to hear of the War in Sicily, from other Hands, and that a good while after.

As Dion proceeded in his March, the Camarineans joyned his Forces, and many of the Territory of Syracuse revolting, came in to him: the Leontines and Cam∣panians, who, with Timocrates, guarded the Epipole, receiving a false Alarm, which was spread on purpose by Dion, as if he intended first to attack their Cities, left Timocrates, and hasted home to take care of their own Concerns. When this News was brought to Dion, where he lay near Macra, he raised his Camp by Night, and came to the River Anapus, which

is distant from the City about ten Fur∣longs; there he made a halt, and sacri∣ficed by the River, directing his Devoti∣ons to the rising Sun. The South-sayers declared, That the Gods promised him Victory; and they that were present see∣ing him assist at the Sacrifice, with a Gar∣land on his head, one and all crowned themselves with Garlands. There were a∣bout five thousand that joyned his Forces in their March; who, tho' but ill provided with such Weapons as came next to hand, yet by their Briskness and Courage, sup∣plyed the want of better Arms; and as if Dion were already Conqueror, they ran forward with loud Shouts and Acclamati∣ons, encouraging each other by the Hopes of regaining their long lost Liberty. The most considerable Men, and better sort of the Citizens of Syracuse, clad all in White, met him at the Gates. The mobile set upon all that were of Dionysius's Party, and principally searched for those they call Setters or Informers; a parcel of wicked Atheistical Wretches, who made it their Business to go up and down the City, thrusting themselves into all Com∣panies, that they might inform Dionysius what men said, and how they stood affec∣ted. These Varlets were the first that suffered, being drub'd and knocked on

the head by the Rabble that light upon them.

Timocrates, not being able to force his way to the Garrison that kept the Castle, taking Horse, fled out of the City; and by his Flight fill'd the places where he came with Fear and Confusion, magnify∣ing all he could Dion's Forces, lest he should seem upon a slight Apprehension, to have deserted the City. By this time Dion was come up, and appeared in the sight of the People; he marched first in a rich Suit of Arms, and by him on one hand his Brother Megacles, on the other Calippus the Athenian, crowned with Garlands; of the foreign Soldiers a hun∣dred followed for his Life-guard. The several Officers led the rest in good Order and Equipage. While the Syracusians be∣held, and received them like a sacred and triumphal Proceeding, bringing in, after forty eight years Exile, the Liberty and Authority of the People again into their City, entring by the Gate Menetide; and having by sound of Trumpet quieted the Noise of the People, he caused Procla∣mation to be made, that Dion and Mega∣cles, who were come to destroy the Ty∣rannical Government, did declare the Sy∣racusians, and all other Sicilians to be free from Slavery and Arbitrary Power. But

being desirous to harangue the People himself, he went up by the Acradina. The Citizens on each side the way brought Beasts for Sacrifice, set out their Tables, Goblets, and standing Plate; and as he pass'd by, threw Flowers and other Rega∣lia's upon him, with Vows and Accla∣mations, honouring him as a God. There was under the Castle and Pentapyla, a lof∣ty and stately Sun-Dial which Dionysius had set up; getting up upon the top of that, he made an Oration to the People, perswading them to maintain and defend their Liberty; who with great expressi∣ons of Joy and Acknowledgment, created Dion and Megacles Lieutenant-Generals, chusing at their Request and Desire, twen∣ty other Collegues of which half were of those who returned out of Banishment. It seemed also to the Diviners a happy Omen, that Dion, when he made his O∣ration to the People, had under his Feet as a sign of Subjection, that slately Mo∣nument which Dionysius at his own Ex∣pence had erected. But because it was a Sun-Dial on the which he stood when he was made General, they expressed some Fears, that the great Actions he had per∣formed, might be subject to decline, and admit a sudden change of Fortune.

Dion taking the Epipole released all the Prisoners, and invested the Castle with a strong Work. Seven days after Diony∣sius arrived, and got into the Cittadel, a∣bout the same time Dion received the Car∣riages, with the Arms and Ammunition he left with Synalus. These he distributed among the Citizens, the rest that wanted, furnished themselves as well as they could, and expressed great Courage and Readiness for the Service. Dionysius sent Agents at first privately to Dion to try what Terms they could make with him. But he de∣claring, that what Overtures they had must be in publick, the Syracusians being now no longer in Subjection, but at Li∣berty to manage their own Affairs: They then addressed themselves to the Citizens, with fair Words and specious Promises, assuring them, that they should have A∣batements of their Tributes and Taxes, not be compelled to serve in the Wars, tho' undertaken by their own Approba∣tion and Consent. The Syracusians laught at these Offers, and Dion returned their Answer, That Dionysius must not think to treat with them upon any other Terms, but resigning the Government; which, if he would actually do, he would not for∣get how nearly he was related to him, or be wanting to assist him in whatsoever

was reasonable and just. Dionysius seem∣ed to consent to this, and sent his Agents again, desiring some of the Syracusians to come into the Cittadel, and consult with him for the good of the Publick, being ready to make fair Propositions, which he▪ believed they could not but yield to, and equally willing to accept such as they had to offer him. There were there∣fore some deputed, such as Dion appro∣ved of; and the general News from the Castle, was That Dionysius would vo∣luntarily resign his Authority, and that he did it out of Choice rather than Com∣pulsion. But this was only a feigned device, and crafty Trick to amuze the Syracusians; for he imprisoned the De∣puties that were sent to him, and cau∣sed the Garrison by break of Day, having first, to encourage them, made them drink plentifully, to make a sudden salley, and attack the Works Dion had made. The Alarm being unexpected, and the Action carried on with a great deal of Courage and Resolution on the part of the Besie∣ged, they broke through the Works, and with loud Shouts assailed the Besiegers so furiously, that they were not able to main∣tain their Post. But a Party of Dion's men taking the Alarm, hasted to their Relief; neither did they at first know

what to do, or how to employ the Aid they brought; not being able to hear the Commands of their Officers, for the hor∣rid Noise and Confusion of the Syracusians which fled from the Enemy; and do what they could, ran in among them, and broke through their Ranks; till Dion seeing none of his Orders could be heard, resolved to let them see by his Example what they ought to do; and charged into the thick∣est of the Enemy: The Fight about him was fierce and bloody; for he being sig∣nally known, as well by the Enemy as his own Party, they ran with great Noise and Fury to the Quarter where he fought. Tho' by reason of his Age he was unfit for such a brisk Engagement, yet with great Vigor and Courage he charged all he met, cutting in pieces several of the Enemy that withstood him, till he was wounded in the Hand with a Lance; his Armour also being very much battered in this close Fight, and scarce any longer servi∣ceable, and having many Hurts through his Shield, by Arrows and Darts, where∣with they gall'd him at distance; at length he fell to the ground, b••t was immediate∣ly rescued, and carried off by his Soldiers. The Command in chief he left to Timoni∣des, and mounting his Horse, rid about the City, rallyed those that fled, and com∣manding

a Detachment of the foreign Soldiers out of Acradina, where he had posted them to guard that Place, he brought them as a fresh Reserve upon the Enemy, who were tired with the heat of the Acti∣on, and well nigh ready to give over their Design; for having hopes at their first Sal∣ley to have re-taken the City, when be∣yond their Expectation, they found such brave Resistance, and now fresh Assail∣ants, they retreated into the Castle: As soon as they gave ground, the Greek Sol∣diers pressed hard upon them, and pur∣sued them to the very Walls. There were lost in this Action, of Dion's men, seven∣ty four, and a very great number of the Enemy; this being a signal Victory, and principally obtained by the Valour of the foreign Soldiers. The Syracusians reward∣ed them with a hundred Grecian Pou••ds, and presented Dion a Crown of Gold.

Soon after this, there came Messengers from Dionysius, bringing Dion Letters from the Ladies his Relations; and one was superscribed, Hipparinus to his Father Dion: this was the Name of Dion's Son, tho' Timaeus says, he was from his Mo∣ther Arete's Name, called Aretoeus; but I think credit is rather to be given to Timo∣nides's Report, who was his fellow-Soldier and Confident. The rest of the Letters

were read publickly, containing many Sollicitations and humble Requests of the Ladies; but the People not admitting that which was sent from his Son to be unseal∣ed, Dion forcibly broke it open. It was from Dionysius seemingly writ to Dion, but in effect to the Syracusians, and so worded, that under a plausible Justificati∣on of him, and civil Requests to him, was couch'd a Design of rendring him suspect∣ed to the People. He reminded him of the good Service he had formerly done the Government, and how vigorous an Assertor he had been of the Prerogative; adding many Threats to his dearest Rela∣tions, his Sister, Son and Wife, if he did not comply with the Contents; conjuring him in the most passionate and moving Expressions to have regard to their Safe∣ties. But that which touched Dion most, was, he earnestly entreated him, That he would not destroy the Government, but take it upon himself, and not put the Power into the Hands of those men, who always hated him, and would never for∣get their old Picques and Quarrels, but keep it in his own, and thereby secure from Injuries and Violence himself, his Friends, and Dependants.

When this Letter was read, the Mobi∣le did not (as they ought in Justice) pay

a due Deference to the unmoveable Con∣stancy and Bravery of Dion, who with∣stood all his most pressing Concerns, to be true to his Virtue, and his Honour; but from hence took occasion to fear and suspect that he lay under invincible Obli∣gations to be favourable to Dionysius; and therefore began already to be han∣kring after a new General; and the rather, because to their great Joy, they received the News of Heraclides's arrival. This Heraclides was one of those whom Dio∣nysius had banished, a very good Soldier, and of great Note for the considerable Commands he had formerly under the King; yet a Man of no constant Resolu∣tion, but of a fickle Temper, and least of all steady and unbiass'd when he had either a Rival or a Collegue in any ho∣nourable Command. He had a Difference formerly with Dion in Peloponnesus, and thereupon resolved upon his own Fund, with what Ships and Soldiers he had, to make War upon Dionysius. When he ar∣rived at Syracuse with seven Galleys and three Ships, he found Dionysius already close besieged, and the Syracusians high and proud of their Victories. Forthwith therefore he endeavoured by all ways to make himself popular; and indeed he had in him naturally something that was very

insinuating and taking with the Mobile, who love to be courted and cajol'd. He gained his end also the easier, and drew the People over to his side, because they were angry with Dion, and dislik'd his Gravity as too Majestical, Stately, and not enough condescending; for Success had made them head-strong and insolent, so that they now thought fit to be treated with, and harangued as a free People, be∣fore they had in reality obtained their Freedom. Getting therefore together in a riotous Assembly, they chose Heraclides their Admiral; but when Dion came and complain'd, That conferring this Trust upon Heraclides, was, in effect, to can∣cel what they had formerly granted him (for he was no longer their Generalissimo, if another had the Command of the Na∣vy) they repealed their Order, and, tho' sore against their Wills, took his Commis∣sion away again. When this Business was over, Dion invited Heraclides to his House, and gave him a gentle Reprimand, That he did not well, nor advisedly to quarrel him upon a Punctilio of Honour at a time when the least false Step might be the Ruin of their whole Design; and then calling a Common Council, he made Heraclides Admiral, and prevailed with the Citizens to allow him a Life-guard, as he himself had.

Heraclides openly pretended much Ob∣servance for Dion, and made him great Acknowledgments for this Favour, attend∣ing him with all Submission, as ready to re∣ceive his Commands; but underhand he dealt with, and tainted the Mobile and Innovators, so that he involved Dion in perpetual Disturbances, and created him much Perplexity and disquiet; for if he advis'd to give Dionysius Pass-port to leave the Castle, he was censured as designing to deliver and protect him: if to avoid gi∣ving the People any Trouble or Suspicion, he continued the Siege, they cryed out, He protracted the War the longer to keep his Command of General, and over-awe the Citizens. There was one Sosis, noto∣rious in the City for a bold and wicked Villain, yet a great Pretender to the Li∣berty and Property of the Subject; espe∣cially that which consists in the uncon∣troulable Freedom of their Tongues. This Fellow plotting against Dion, stood up one Day in an Assembly, and having suffici∣ently railed at the Citizens, as a parcel of Sots and Blockheads, that could not see how they had made an Exchange of a dis∣solute and drunken Tyrant, for a sober and crafty Master, publickly declared, he was absolutely against Dion, and Arbitra∣ry Government; and so he took his leave

of the Company. The next day he was seen running through the Streets (as if he fled from some that pursued him) almost stark naked, wounded in the head, and bloody all over: in this pickle getting the Rabble about him, he told them, that he was barbarously assaulted by Dion's Men; and to confirm what he said stew'd them the Wounds he had received in his Head. The Mobile in general took his part, raging and railing against Dion, as cruel and tyrannical, who took such Ar∣bitrary Courses to stop the Mouths of the People, by knocking them on the Head. Just as they were in this seditious and tu∣multuous Hurly-burly, Dion came to vin∣dicate himself, and made it appear, That this Sosis was Brother to one of Dionysius's Guard; and that he was set on by him to embroil the City in Tumult and Confu∣sion: Dionysius having now no way left for his Security, but to make his Advantage of their Dissentions and Distractions. The Chyrurgions also having searched the Wound, found it was rather raz'd, than cut with a down-right Blow; for the Wounds made with a Weapon are most commonly deepest in the middle, but this was very slight, and all along of an e∣qual depth; that it was not one continu∣ed Wound, as if cut at once, but several

Incisions, in all probability, made at se∣veral times, as he was able to endure the Pain. There were some too that knew him, who brought a Razor, and shewed it openly to the Company, declaring, That they met Sosis running in the Street all bloody, who told them, That he had narrowly escaped with his Life from Dion's Soldiers, who had sorely wounded, and were still in pursuit of him. They hast∣ning to take the Pursuers, could meet with no man, but spyed this Razor lying under a hollow Stone near the place from which they observed he came. Sosis was now like to go by the worst of it. But when, to back all this, his own Servants came in and gave Evidence, That he came out of his own House alone before break of Day, with a Razor in his Hand, Dion's Accusers sneak'd away, and the People by a general Vote, condemned Sosis to die, being once again well satisfied with Dion, and his Proceedings.

Yet they were still no less jealous of his Soldiers, and the rather because the War was now carried on principally by Sea; for that Philistus was come from A∣pulia with a great Fleet to Dionysius's As∣sistance, they supposed therefore that there would be no longer need of the Greek Soldiers, who were all Land-men, and

arm'd accordingly, and rather in a Con∣dition to be protected by them, who were skilful Sea-men, and depended at present chiefly upon the strength of their Ship∣ping. They grew also more haughty, and self-conceited, by the Advantage they got in an engagement by Sea, in which they took Philistus Prisoner, and us'd him in a most barbarous and cruel manner. Ephorus relates, That when he saw his Ship was taken he slew himself. But Timonides, who from the beginning of the War was with Dion in all the con∣siderable Actions, writing to Speucippus the Philosopher, relates the Story, That Philistus's Galley running a-ground, he was taken Prisoner alive, and first disar∣med, then stript, and exposed stark naked, tho' an old Man, to all sorts of Scorn and Contumely; afterward they cut off his Head, and gave the Rabble his Body, who drag'd it along the Acradina, and then threw it into a Common-shore. Ti∣maeus upbraiding him, adds further, That the Boys tied him by his lame Leg, and so drew him through the Streets of the City, while the Syracusians insulted over his Carkass, to see him tied by the Leg, who said, It would not become Dionysius to be beholding to the Swiftness of his Horse to fly from his Throne, but rather

to be drag'd from thence by the Heels; tho' Philistus relates, That this was said to Dionysius by another, and not by him∣self. But Timaeus takes this Occasion, and truly a just one, of his zealous and con∣stant Adherence to the Tyranny, to vent his own Spleen and Malice against him. They indeed who were injured by him, are the more excusable, if they exprest their Resent in Indignities to his dead Body; but they who write his History after his Death, and were no way wrong∣ed by him in his life-time, but have had the Advantage of his learned Writings, in Honour ought not with opprobrious and scrurrilous Language upbraid him for those Misfortunes, which many times by un∣happy Accidents have befallen even the best of Men. On the other side, Ephorus is as much out of the way in the lavish Encomiums he bestows on Philistus; for tho' he is very good at disguising base and unworthy Actions with fair and co∣lourable Pretences, and in his Expressions is very florid and Rhetorical, yet when he has done his best, he can never acquit him of the Imputation he lies under, of being of all Mankind the most zealous Assertor of Arbitrary Government; and that no man ever more industriously pro∣moted, or fondly admired the Luxury,

Power, Riches and Alliances of such as made themselves absolute Princes. But between both these Extreams, he that neither praises Philistus for his Faults, nor insults over his Misfortunes, seems to me best to consult his own Credit, and per∣form the part of an Historian.

After Philistus's Death, Dionysius sent to Dion, offering to surrender the Castle, all the Arms, Provisions, and Garrison-Soldiers, with full Pay for them for five Months, demanding, That he might have safe Pass-port to go unmolested into Italy, and there to continue, and also enjoy the Seigniory of Gyata (a large and fruitful Territory in the Precinct of Syracuse, reaching from the Sea-side to the middle of the Country.) Dion rejected these Pro∣posals, and referr'd him wholly to the Syracusians to treat with them. And they hoping in a short time to take Dionysius alive, dismiss'd his Ambassadors without Audience; which he understanding, left his eldest Son Apollocrates to defend the Castle; and putting aboard those he lov'd best of his Friends, and the richest of his Goods and Treasure, took the Opportu∣nity of a fair Wind, and made his escape undiscovered by the Admiral Heraclides and his Fleet.

The Citizens loudly exclaim against Heraclides for this Neglect, and were rea∣dy to mutiny against him, but he set up one Hippon, a great Man with the Po∣pulacy, and a notable Haranguer, to pro∣pose to them an equal Division of the Lands and Revenues of the Country, al∣ledging, That the beginning of Liberty was Equality, and that Poverty and Sla∣very were inseparable Companions. He∣raclides sided with him in this levelling Project, and encouraged the Faction a∣gainst Dion, who rigorously oppos'd it; in fine he perswaded the People to ratifie this by their Vote, and pass it into a Law, and farther to decree, That the fo∣reign Soldiers Pay should be stopt, That they would proceed to the Election of new Commanders, take away Dion's Com∣mission, and no longer be subject to his severe and imperious Discipline. The Peo∣ple eagerly desirous to shake off their Yoke of Slavery, which, as a Disease had long hung upon them, began to do things at random, and like wilful and lawless Men, inconsiderately destroyed what they en∣deavoured to set up; hating Dion, who, like a good Physician, endeavoured to keep the City, by a sparing and regular Diet, in a due and lasting temperament of Health.

When they assembled to choose their Commanders, in the midst of Summer unusual and terrible Thunders, with other dreadful Prodigies for fifteen days toge∣ther, dispersed the People, deterring them in point of Religion to create new Gene∣rals with such ominous Prognosticks: But the leading men of the City, in a fair and clear day, having got their Party toge∣ther, to make an Election, a draught-Ox, who was us'd to the Croud and noise of the Streets, without any Provocation grew unruly to his driver, and breaking his Yoak, ran furiously into the Theatre, where they were assembled, driving out the People before him in great disorder and confusion: From thence madding, and tearing, and throwing down all that stood in his way, he rambled over that part of the City which the Enemies after∣wards made themselves masters of. Ne∣vertheless, the Syracusians not regarding all this, elected five and twenty Captains, and among the rst Heraclides; and un∣der-hand tamper'd with Dion's Men, pro∣mising, if they would desert him, and List themselves in their Service, to make them Citizens of Syracuse, and invest them with all the Priviledges and Immu∣nities of the Natives. But they, to shew their fidelity and courage, with their

Swords in their hands, placing Dion, for his security, in the midst of their Batali∣on, march'd out of the City, not offe∣ring violence to any one, but openly up∣braiding all they met with their baseness and ingratitude. The Citizens slighted them, because they were but few, in re∣spect of their greater numbers, and be∣cause they did not first assail them; and supposing they might with ease over-pow∣er and cut them all off, before they got out of the City, they fell upon them in the Rear: Here Dion was in a great straight, being necessitated either to fight against his own Country-men, or tamely suffer himself and his faithful Soldiers to be cut in pieces. He therefore us'd many entrea∣ties to the Syracusians, stretching out his hands towards the Castle, wherein was a strong Garrison, and shewing them the Enemy, who in great numbers appear'd on the Walls to be Spectators of this Acti∣on. But no persuasions could stop the impetuous Torrent of the Multitude, who like waves in a Storm were blown up by the seditious breath of their busie Incen∣diaries. He commanded his Men there∣fore not to charge them, but to advance with shouts and clashing of their Arms; which when the Syracusians saw, not a man of them durst stand their ground,

but fled incessantly through the streets, tho' none but their own fears pursued them. Dion presently commanded his Men to face about, and led them towards the City of the Leontines.

The very Women laught at the new Captains for this cowardly Retreat; who to redeem their Credit, ordering the Ci∣tizens to stand to their Arms, followed after Dion, and came up with him as he was passing a River; some of the light Horse began to Skirmish. But when they saw Dion no more tame and calm, no signs in his Face of his Fatherly tender∣ness towards his Country-men, but with a stern look, and full of fury, as resolved not to suffer their indignities any longer, ordering his Battalia, and ready to give the On-set, they presently turned their backs more cowardly and basely than be∣fore, and fled to the City, with the loss of some few of their Men.

The Leontines received Dion very Ho∣nourably, rewarded his Men, and made them free of their City; sending Envoys to the Syracusians, to require them to do the Soldiers Justice, and give them their Pay; who in return, sent back other A∣gents to accuse Dion. But when in a full Assembly of the Leontines, the matter was heard and debated, the Syracusians

appear'd plainly to be in fault; but they refus'd to stand to the award of their Con∣federates, huffing and disdaining to heark∣en to any thing but what their cajoling Leaders, and popular Sycophants advis'd them to.

About this time Dionysius sent a Fleet under the Command of Nypsius, the Neo∣politan, with Provisions and Pay for the Garrison. The Syracusians fought him, had the better, and took four of his Ships; but they made very ill use of their good success, and for want of good Discipline to express their Joy, sell to Drinking and feasting in an extravagant manner, with so little regard to their main concern, that when they thought themselves sure of taking the Castle, they were very near losing their City. Nypsius seeing all the Citizens in this disorder, spending Day and Night in their drunken Revels and Debauches, and their Commanders well pleas'd with the Frolick, or at least not daring to contradict the riotous Crew, who were Pot-valiant, and not to be con∣troul'd; taking advantage of this Oppor∣tunity, made a descent, and storm'd their Works, which having gain'd and ruin'd, he attacqued the City, leaving the ravage of it to the Will and Mercy of his Soldiers.

The Syracusians quickly saw their Folly and Misfortune, but could not in the di∣straction they were in, so soon redress it. The Soldiers made miserable havock in the City, putting the men to the Sword, demolishing the Fortifications, dragging the Women and Children with lamenta∣ble shrieks and cries Prisoners into the Castle. The Commanders giving all for lost, were not able to put the Citizens in any tolerable posture of defence, who were confusedly mixt with the Enemy. While they were in this condition, and the Acradina in danger to be taken, in which was all the hope they had left, and every one was sensible what they want∣ed; but no man for shame durst name Dion, whom they had so ungratefully and basely dealt with; Necessity at last for∣cing them, some of the Auxiliary Troops cryed out, Send for Dion and his Pelopon∣nesians from the Leontines, or we are ut∣terly undone. No sooner had they the con∣fidence to mention his Name, and it was heard among the People, but they gave a shout for joy, and with tears in their Eyes wished him there, that they might once again see that Hero at the Head of them, whose Courage and Bravery in the worst of dangers they could never forget; re∣membring not only with what undaunted

Gallantry he always behaved himself, but also what courage and confidence he inspir'd them with when he led them a∣gainst the Enemy. They immediately therefore dispatched Archonides and Tele∣sides of the Auxiliaries and Hellanicus, with five more of the Horse; who post∣ing with all the speed they could make, reach'd the City of the Leontines in the close of the Evening. The first thing they did, was to leap from their Horses, and fall at Dion's feet, with tears relating the sad condition the Syracusians were in. Ma∣ny of the Leontines and Peloponnesians be∣gan to throng about them, guessing by their speed, and the manner of their Ad∣dress, that there was something extraor∣dinary in the business.

Dion presently call'd an Assembly, and the People being gathered together in a very little time, Archonides and Hellani∣cus came in among them, and in short de∣clared the misery and distress of the Syra∣cusians; begging the Foreign Soldiers to forget the injuries they had received, and ashst the distressed, who had suffered more for the wrong they had done, than they themselves who received it would (had it been in their power) have inflicted up∣on them. When they had made an end, there was a profound Silence in the Thea∣tre;

Dion then stood up, and began to speak, but a flood of Tears stopt his words: his Soldiers were sensibly troubled at his Grief, praying him to moderate his Passi∣on and proceed: When he had therefore recovered himself a little, Gentlemen (says he) and fellow-soldiers, I have called you here together to take care of your own Con∣cerns, for it will ill become me to consult my self if Syracuse be lost; which tho' I cannot save from Destruction, I will never∣theless hasten thither, and be buried in the Ruines of my Country, yet if you can find in your hearts to assist us, the most inconside∣rate and unfortunate of Men, you may to your eternal Honour, again retrieve this un∣happy City. But if the Syracusians can ob∣tain no more pity nor relief from you, may the Gods reward you for what you have for∣merly valiantly done for them, and for your constant fidelity and kindness to Dion; who you must remember, as he deserted you not, when injur'd and abus'd, so he cannot now forsake his fellow-Citizens in their Afflicti∣ons and Misfortunes.

Before he had well ended his Speech, the Soldiers with a great shout testified their readiness for the Service, crying out, To march immediately to the Relief of the City. The Syracusian Courriers hugg'd and embrac'd them, praying the Gods to

shower down Blessings upon Dion and his valiant Peloponnesians. When the noise was pretty well over, Dion gave Orders that all should to their Quarters, to pre∣pare for their March; and having resresh∣ed themselves, come compleatly Armed to their Rendezvous in the very place they now were; resolving that very night to hasten to their Succour.

Now, at Syracuse, Dionysius's Soldiers, as long as day continued, ransacked the City, and did all the mischief they could; but when Night came on, they retir'd in∣to the Castle, missing very few of their number; at which the factious Ring-lea∣ders taking heart, and hoping the Enemy would rest content with what they had done, and make no further Attempt upon them; perswaded the People again to re∣ject Dion, and if he came with the Foreign Soldiers, not to admit him; advising them not to yield, as inferior to them in point of Honour and Courage; but to save their City, and defend their Liberties and Properties themselves. The Popula∣cy therefore and their Leaders send Mes∣sengers to Dion, to forbid him to advance; but the Nobility and the Horse sent others to him, to desire him to hasten his March: For which reason he slack'd his pace, and came forward but slowly; and in the mid∣dle

of the Night the Faction that was against him set a Guard upon the Gates of the City to hinder him from coming in.

But Nypsius made another Salley out of the Castle with a far greater number of Men than before, who quite ruined what of the Rampart was left standing, and fell in pell-mell to sack and ravage the City. The slaughter was now very great, not only of the Men, but of the Women also and Children; for they regarded not so much the Plunder, as to destroy and kill all they met. For Dionysius despairing to re-gain the Kingdom, and mortally ha∣ting the Syracusians, resolved to bury his lost Empire in the utter Ruin and Desola∣tion of Syracuse. The Enemy therefore to prevent Dion's Succours, resolved upon the most terrible and ready way of de∣struction, to lay the City in ashes; firing all at hand with Torches and other Com∣bustibles; and at distance with flaming Arrows, and other Fire-works, shot from their Bows and Engines. The Citizens in great distraction fled every way before them. They who to avoid the Fire for∣sook their Houses, were taken in the Streets, and put to the Sword: They who betook themselves for Refuge into the the Houses, were forced out again by the

flames. Many were burnt, and many kill'd by the fall of Houses and Ruines of Walls and Towers. This fresh misfortune by general Consent opened the Gates for Dion: It hapned that he made no extra∣ordinary hast when he received advice, that the Enemies were retreated into the Castle; but early in the Morning some Horse brought him the news of another Assault; and soon after some of those who before oppos'd his coming, fled now to him, to entreat him he would hasten his Relief. The Fire and Desolation increa∣sing, Heraclides sent his Brother, and after him, his Uncle Theodotes, to beg him to help them, for that now they were not able to make any longer Oppo∣sition; that he himself was wounded, and the greatest part of the City was either in ashes, or in flames.

When Dion met this sad News, he was about sixty furlongs distant from the City. When he had acquainted the Soldiers with the Exigency, and exhorted them to behave themselves like men; the Army no longer marched, but ran forwards, and by the way were met by several who begged them to quicken their pace. By the wonderful eagerness of the Soldiers, and their extraordinary Speed, Dion quick∣ly came to the City, and entered at the

Gate Hecatompedon, sending his Van∣guard presently to charge the Enemy; that seeing them, the Syracusians might take Courage: In the mean time he drew up in good Order his main Body, and all the Citizens that came in and joyn'd him; forming his Battalions long, and setting over them double Officers, that he might, as occasion required, make Detachments, and to amuse and terrifie the Enemy, fight them in several Quarters at once. As they saw him in the Streets advance at the Head of his Men to engage the Enemy, a confused Noise of Shouts, congratulati∣ons, Vows, and Prayers was rais'd by the Syracusians, who now called Dion their Deliverer, their Tutelar-Deity, and his Soldiers their Friends, Brethren, and Fel∣low-Citizens; none seem'd to regard themselves, or value their safeties, but to be concerned more for Dion's Life, than for all their own together. So daringly he marched before them to meet the dan∣ger, first through Blood and Fire, and o∣ver heaps of dead Bodies that lay in his way.

And indeed the Posture of the Enemy was in appearance terrible; for they were flush'd with Victory, enrag'd, and had posted themselves very advantageously along the demolish'd Works, which made

the approach to them very hazardous and difficult: yet that which discouraged Dion's Men most was the apprehension they were in of the Fire, which made their march very troublesome and diffi∣cult; for the Houses being in flames on all fides, they were surrounded with them, and treading upon burning Ruines, every minute in danger of being over∣whelm'd with falling Houses, through clouds of Ashes and Smoak they labour'd hard to keep their Order, and maintain their Ranks. When they came near to the Enemy, by reason of the advantage of their Post, and the inconvenience of a Defile they were to pass, but few of them could engage at a time; but at length fighting with great Bravery, and the Syracusians with shouts encouraging their Party, Nypsius's Men were beaten off and routed; most of them escaped into the Castle, which was near at hand; all that could not get in, were pursued and pick'd up here and there by the Sol∣diers, and put to the Sword.

The present Exigence did not suffer the Citizens to reap the benefit of their Conquest in such mutual Congratulations and expressions of Joy as become the Vi∣ctorious; for now all were busily em∣ployed to save what Houses were left

standing, labouring hard all Night, and could scarce master the Fire. The next day not one of the Popular Haranguers durst stay in the City, but all of them, knowing their own Guilt, by their flight confessed it, and secured their Lives. On∣ly Heraclides and Theodotus voluntarily surrendred themselves to Dion, acknow∣ledging that they had wrong'd him, and begging he would be kinder to them than they had been just to him; adding, how much it would be for his Honour, who was Master of so many excellent Accom∣plishments, to moderate his Anger, and be generously compassionate to the un∣grateful; confessing, that they who were formerly his professed Enemies, were now absolutely overcome by his Vertue. Tho' they humbly addressed to him, his Friends advised him not to pardon those turbulent and ill-natured Men, but to leave them to the mercy of his Soldiers, and utterly root out of the Common-wealth the ambitious Affectation of Po∣pulacy; a Disease as pestilent and perni∣cious as the most Arbitrary Power what∣ever. Dion endeavoured to satisfie them, telling them, That other Generals em∣ployed their thoughts and designs chiefly about warlike Acquists; but that he had long studied in the Academy how to con∣quer

his Passions, and not let Emulation and Envy conquer him. That to do this, it is not sufficient that a Man be obli∣ging and kind to his Friends, and those that have deserved well of him; but also indulgent and favourable to those from whom he has received Injuries and Af∣fronts. That he was resolved to let the World see that he valued not himself so much upon excelling Heraclides in Abi∣lity and Conduct, as he did in out-doing him in Justice and Clemency; herein to have the Advantage is to excell indeed. The Honour of Victory in War is never entire; for Fortune will be sure to claim her share, tho' no man pretend to rival the Conqueror. What if Heraclides be perfidious, malicious, and base, must Di∣on therefore sully his Honor, or injure his Vertue by a passionate Concern for it? For tho' the Laws determine it juster to revenge an Injury, than to do an Injury; Yet it is evident, that both Originally pro∣ceed from the same deficiency and weakness of Humane Nature: The malicious Humor of Men, tho' perverse and refractory, is not so savage and invincible, but it may be wrought upon by Kindness, and habitually altered by repeated Obligations. Dion ma∣king use of these Arguments, pardon'd and dismiss'd Heraclides and Theodotes.

And now resolving to repair the Block∣ade about the Castle, he commanded all the Syracusians to cut Palisado's, and bring them to the Works; and then dismissing them to refresh themselves, and take their Rest, he employed his own men all Night, and by Morning had finish'd his Line of Circumvallation, and fortified his Trench∣es. Both the Enemy and the Citizens next day wondred to see the Works so far advanc'd in so short a time; burying therefore their Dead, and redeeming the Prisoners, which were near two Thousand, they call'd a publick Assembly, whe••e Heraclides made a Motion, that Dion should be declared General at Land and Sea. The Nobility approv'd well of it, and desir'd the Commonalty to assent. But the Mobile of Sailors and Handycrafts∣men would not yield that Heraclides should lose his Command of the Navy; and tho' they knew him to be otherwise an ill Man, yet they believed he would be more compliant with the Popu••acy, than Dion, and readier to serve their Ends. Dion therefore submitted to them in this, and consented Heraclides should continue Admiral. But when they began to press the levelling Project, of an equal Distribu∣tion of Lands and Estates, he not only oppos'd it, but repeal'd all the Votes they

had formerly made upon that account, which most sensibly vext them. Heracli∣des took Advantage of this, and being at Messana, he harangu'd the Soldiers and Ships Crews that sail'd with him, accu∣sing Dion, That he had a Design to make himself Absolute: And at the same time he held a private Correspondence with Dionysius by means of his Confident, Pha∣rax, a Spartan. Which when the Nobi∣lity of Syracuse had Intimation of, there arose a Sedition in the Army, and the Ci∣ty was reduced to that Extremity, that they were almost famish'd for want of Provision. Dion now knew not what Course to take, being blam'd by all his Friends, for that he had encouraged a∣gainst himself such a troublesome, malici∣ous, and perverse Man as Heraclides was.

Pharax at this time lay encamp'd at Neapolis. Dion therefore drew out the Syracusians, but with an intent not to en∣gage him, till he saw a fit Opportunity. But Heraclides and his Sea-men exclaim'd against him, That he delayed fighting on purpose, that he might the longer con∣tinue his Command; so that tho' much against his Will he was forced to an En∣gagement, and beaten, his loss being in∣considerable, and that occasion'd too chief∣ly by the Dissention that was in the Ar∣my;

he rallied his men, and having put them in good Order, and encourag'd them to redeem their Credit, resolv'd upon a second Onset. But in the Evening he re∣ceiv'd Advice, That Heraclides with his Fleet were under Sail for Syracuse, with a Resolution to possess himself of the City, and keep him and his Army out; pre∣sently therefore taking with him some of the principal Men, and a Party of light Horse, he posted to the City, and got thi∣ther about Nine the next Morning, ha∣ving rid seven hundred Furlongs that Night. Heraclides, tho' he strove to make all the Sail he could, yet coming too late, tack'd and stood out again to Sea; being unresolv'd what Course to steer, accidentally he met Gaesylus the Spartan, who let him know, that he was come to head the Sicilians, as Gausippus had formerly done. Heraclides readily joyn'd with him, and brag'd to his Sail∣ers, That now he had a Counter-balance to weigh down Dion's Ambition. Hereup∣on he sent a Herauld to Syracuse to sum∣mon them to accept a Spartan General: Dion returned Answer, That▪ they had Generals enough; and if they wanted a La∣cedemonian to command them, he could supply that Office, being himself a Citizen of Sparta. When Gaesylus saw he had

lost his hopes of being Generalissimo, the landed, and reconcil'd Heraclides to Di∣on, making Heraclides swear the most solemn Oaths to perform what he•• en∣gag'd, for which Gaesylus himself under∣took to be Guarranty.

The Syracusians then laid up their Na∣vy, which was at present a great Charge, and of little use to them; but an occusi∣on of Differences and Dissentions among the Generals and press'd on the Siege, fi∣nishing another Breast-work, with which they invested the Castle. The besieged seeing no hopes of Succours, and their Provisions sailing, began to mutiny 〈…〉〈…〉o that Apollicrates, in despair of holding longer out for his Father, capitulated, and articled with Dion to deliver up the Castle, with all the Garrison Soldiers and Ammunition, to have five Galleys and safe Pass-port for himself, his Mother, and Sisters, which Dion granted, and he with them sail'd to Dionysius. Scarce a man in the City but was there to behold this joyful Sight, calling upon those that were absent to come and see this happy Day. How gloriously the Sun now shin'd upon the Syracusians, who were enfranchis'd and deliver'd from all their Slavery and Oppression. This Flight of Dionysius, be∣ing one of the greatest, and most remark∣able

Examples of Fortunes Inconstancy, that any History mentions, how extra∣ordinary may we imagine their Joy to be? How entire their Satisfaction, who total∣ly subverted the most potent Tyranny that ever was, by very slight and incon∣siderable Means?

When Apollicrates was under Sail, and Dion going to take Possession of the Castle, the Ladies could not stay while he made his Entry, but ran to meet him at the Gate. Aristomache led Dion's Son, and Arete follow'd after weeping, fearful and dubious how to salute, or address to her Husband, because she had so long accom∣panied with another man. Dion first ca∣ress'd his Sister, then his Son; when A∣ristomache bringing Arete to him, O Dion (said she) your Banishment made us all e∣qually miserable; your Return and Victory has rais'd our drooping Heads, and can∣cell'd. all our Sorrows, excepting this poor Lady's, whom I, to my great Ʋnhappiness, saw compell'd to be anothers, while you were yet alive. Fortune has now given you the sole dispose of us; how will you determine concerning her in these her necessitous Circum∣stances? Or in what Relation must she salute you, as her Ʋncle, or as her Husband? This Speech of Aristomache's forc'd Tears from Dion, who with great Tenderness and Af∣fection

embraced his Wife, gave her his Son, and desired her to retire to his own House, where he intended to reside, when he had deliver'd up the Castle to the Sy∣racusians. For tho' all things now suc∣ceeded to his Wish, yet he resolved not to enjoy any present Advantage of his good Fortune before he had gratified his Friends, rewarded his Allies, and bestow∣ed upon his Fellow-Citizens and foreign Soldiers some special Mark of Favour and Honour; his Generosity herein exceed∣ing his Ability, being content himself with a very frugal and moderate Compe∣tency; for which he was much admired. That when, not only Sicily and Carthage, but all Greece lookt upon him as extreme∣ly happy, and no Man living greater than he, no General more renown'd for Valour and Success: Yet in his Garb, his Atten∣dance, his Table, he seem'd as if he ra∣ther common'd with Plato in the Acade∣my, than liv'd among his Soldiers and Of∣ficers, who love to be jolly, enjoy them∣selves plentifully every day, and chear their Hearts after the toils of War, and dangers they have past. Plato indeed writ to him, that the Eyes of all Men were now upon him; but 'tis evident that he himself had sixt his Eye upon one particular place, the Academy; and con∣sidered,

That the inquisite and judicious there regarded not his great Actions, his Courage, or his Fortune, but watch'd to see how temperately and humbly he could bear his Prosperity; how evenly and unconcern'd he could behave himself in the honourable and happy Condition he now was. Neither did he remit any thing of his wonted Reservedness in Con∣versation, or Majestical Carriage to the People, notwithstanding a little Conde∣scension and obliging Civility was very necessary for his present Affairs. And Plato, as we said before, advis'd him to avoid a surly Demeanor, unless he intend∣ed to be abandoned by all Company, and live alone by himself. But certainly he was naturally an Enemy to Complai∣sance; and besides, he had a design to reform the Syracusians, and make them more grave and stayed, who were grown very dissolute, soppish and humorsome.

Heraclides began again to set up against him; and being sent for one day by Dion to Council, he refus'd to come, or con∣sult otherwise than as a private Citizen, and in a Publick Assembly. Soon after, he impeacht Dion, because he had not demolish'd the Cittadel, and because he had hindred the People from throwing down Dionysius's Tomb, and doing despite

to the Dead; moreover, he accus'd him for sending to Corinth for Counsellors and Assistants in the Government, and there∣by neglecting and slighting his Fellow-Citizens. And indeed he had prevail'd with some Corinthians to come to him, hoping by their means and presence the better to settle that Government he in∣tended; for he design'd to restrain the un∣limited Power of the People; which in∣deed is not a Government, but (as Plato calls it) a Market, where Authority is bought and sold; and to introduce and establish a mixt Policy made up of the Spartan and Cretian, betwixt a Common-wealth and a Monarchy, wherein the Nobles did preside and manage the Affairs of greatest Consequence; for he saw the Corinthians were chiefly govern'd by the Grandees, and that the People were but little concern'd in Publick Business.

Now, knowing that. Heraclides would be his most considerable Adversary, who was always a turbulent, fickle, and facti∣ous Man; he gave way to some, whom formerly he hindred when they designed to kill him, who breaking in, Murder'd Heraclides in his own House. His Death was much resented by the Citizens: Dion made him a splendid Funeral, follow'd his Herse with all his Soldiers, and made

an Oration to the People; by which they understood, that it would have been impossible to have kept the City quiet, as long as Dion and Heraclides were Com∣petitors in the Government.

Dion had a Friend, call'd Calippus, an Athenian, who, Plato says, grew famili∣ar with him, and his Confident: not up∣on the merit of his Learning, but because he was introduc'd by him into some My∣sterious Ceremonies of their Religion, and so contracted an accidental Acquain∣tauce. This man was all along with him in the Army in great Honour and Esteem, being the first of his Friends, who march'd by his side into Syracuse with a Garland upon his Head, for that he had behav'd himself very well in all the Action, and made himself remarkable for his Courage and Gallantry. He finding that Dion's principal and most considerable Friends were cut off in the War, Heraclides now dead, and the People without a Leader, and that the Soldiers had a great Kindness for him, like a perfidious and wicked Vil∣lain, in hopes to get the Chief Command of Sicily, by the ruin of his Friend and Benefactor; and, as some say, being brib'd by the Enemy with twenty Talents to destroy Dion, inveagled and engag'd se∣veral of the Soldiers in a Conspiracy a∣gainst

him, laying this cunning and wick∣ed beginning of his Plot. He daily in∣form'd Dion what he heard, or what he feign'd the Soldiers said against him; whereby he gain'd that Credit and Con∣fidence that he was allowed by Dion to consort privately with whom he would, and talk freely against him in a∣ny Company, that he might discover who were his secret and factious Malig∣nants. By this means Calippus in short time got together a Cabal of all the sedi∣tious Discontents in the City; and if any one who would not be drawn in, advis'd Dion that he was tampered with, he was not troubled or concern'd at it; believing Calippus did it in compliance with his Directions.

While this Conspiracy was a foot, a strange and dreadful Apparition was seen by Dion, as he sat one Evening in a Gal∣lery in his House, melancholy and thought∣ful, hearing a sudden Noise, he turn'd a∣bout, and saw at the end of the Room, by clear day-light, a tall Woman, in her Countenance and Garb like one of the Tragical Furies, with a Broom in her Hand sweeping the floor; being amaz'd, and terribly affrighted, he sent for some of his Friends, and told them what he had seen; entreating them to stay with

him, and keep him company all Night; for he was greatly astonish'd and perplext, fearing that if he were left alone, the Spe∣ctre would again appear to him: He saw that no more. But a few days after, his only Son, being almost grown up to mans Estate, upon some displeasure and pet he had taken upon a Childish and frivolous Occasion threw himself headlong from the top of the House, and brake his Neck.

While Dion was under this Affliction, Calippus drove on his Conspiracy, and spread a Rumour among the Syracusians, That Dion being now Childless, was re∣solv'd to send for Dionysius's Son, Apollo∣crates, who was his Wife's Nephew, and Sister's Grand-Son, and make him his Heir and Successor. By this time, Dion, his Wife, and Sister began to suspect what was doing, and were from all hands confirm'd in the Belief of the Plot. Dion as 'tis probable, being troubled for Hera∣clides Murder, which was like to be a blot and stain upon his Honour, and the great Actions of his Life, in great anxiety and disquiet declar'd, he had rather die a thousand times, and open his Breast himself to the Assassine, than live not on∣ly in fear of his Enemies, but suspicion of his Friends.

Calippus seeing the Ladies very inqui∣sitive to search the bottom of the busi∣ness, and fearing the event, came to them, utterly denying it with Tears in his Eyes; and offering to give them whatsoever as∣surances of his Fidelity they desir'd: They requir'd, That he would take the great Test and solemn Oath, which was after this manner: The Juror went▪ into the Temple of Ceres and Proserpine; after the performance of some Ceremonies, he was clad in the Purple Vestment of the God∣dess, and holding a lighted Torch in his Hand, took his Oath. Calippus did as they requir'd, and forswore the Fact. But he so little valued the Goddess, that he stay'd but till the Festival of Proserpine, by whom he had Sworn, and on that ve∣ry day committed his intended Murder; disregarding the Solemnity of the Day, for that he knew he must at any other time as impiously offend her whensoever he, who introduc'd him into her Religi∣on, should be the Murderer of her Devo∣to.

There were a great many in the Con∣spiracy; and as Dion was at home with several of his Friends in his Entertaining-Room, some of the Conspirators beset the House round, others secur'd the Doors and Windows. The Assassines were Za∣cinthians,

who went in to him in their ordinary Habit unarm'd. The Guard without shut the Doors upon them, and kept them fast. The Murderers fell upon him, endeavouring to stifle and dispatch him; but not being able, they call'd for a Sword, but none durst open the Door: There were a great many within with Dion, but every one was for securing himself; supposing, that by letting him lose his Life, he should save his own; and therefore no man ventur'd to assist him. When they had waited a good while, at length Lycon the Syracusian, reach'd a short Sword in at the Window to one of the Zacinthians, and stunn'd and almost senseless as he was, like a Sacri∣fice at the Altar, they cut Dion's Throat; his Sister and Wife big with Child they hurried to Prison, who, poor Lady, in her unfortunate condition, was there brought to Bed of a Son, which by the consent of the Keepers they intended to bring up, the rather because Calippus began already to be embroyl'd in Trou∣bles.

After the Murther of Dion, he was the only man that was look'd upon, had the sole Government of Syracuse in his Hands; and to that effect writ to Athens, a place, which, next the Immortal Gods, being

guilty of such an abominable Crime, he ought to have reverenc'd and fear'd. But true it is, what is said of that City, That the good Men she breeds are the most Ex∣cellent, and the bad the most notorious; as their Country Attica▪ produces the most delicious Honey, and the most deadly Poy∣son. Calippus did not long continue to scandalize Fortune, and upbraid the Gods with his Prosperity, who seem'd to wink at, and bear with that wretched man, while he purchas'd Riches and Power by the most heinous and enormous Impieties, but he quickly receiv'd the Punishment he deserv'd; for going to take Catana, he lost Syracuse; whereupon they report he said, He had lost a City, and got a Bau∣ble. Then attempting Messene, he had most of his Men cut off, and among the rest, Dion's Murtherers. When no City in Sicily would admit him, but all hated and abhorred him, he went into Italy, and took Regium; there being necessitous, and not able to maintain his Soldiers, he was kill'd by Leptimns and Polyperchon, and (as Fortune would have it) with the same Sword that Dion was Murther'd, which was known by the size, being but short, as the Spartan Swords, and the Workman-ship of it very curious and Ar∣tificial. Thus Calippus receiv'd the Re∣ward of his Villanies.

When Aristomache and Arete were re∣leas'd out of Prison, Icetes, one of Dion's Friends, took them to his House, and for a while entertain'd them well, and like a faithful Friend; afterwards, being per∣swaded by Dion's Enemies, he provided a Ship, and pretended to send them into Peloponnesus, but commanded the Sailors, when they came out to Sea, to kill them, and throw them over board. Others say, that they and the little Boy were thrown alive into the Sea. This Man also esca∣ped not the due recompence of his wick∣edness for he was taken by Timoleon, and put to Death; and the Syracusians, to re∣venge Dion, slew his two Daughters, of which I have Discours'd more particular∣ly in the Life of Timoleon.

Notes

• The Com∣parison of Dion and Brutus.
• Dionysius the Tyrant of Sicily.
• Marries two Wives.
• Dion comes to Court.
• Plato comes into Sicily.
• Dion Pla∣to's Scho∣lar.
• Dionysius hears Pla∣to dis∣course.
• Plato leaves Si∣〈…〉〈…〉y.
• Dion sent Embassa∣dor to Carthage.
• Dionysius his Chil∣dren.
• His Death.
• Dionysius the Second succeeds his Fa∣ther.
• His De∣bauchery.
• Dion's haughty Humour.
• His Edu∣tion.
• Dionysius the first very timo∣rous.
• Dion per∣swades Di∣onysius to send for Plato.
• Plato sent for.
• Philistus the Histo∣rian.
• Why ba∣nish'd.
• Recalled from Ba∣nishment.
• Plato ar∣rives in Sicily.
• Dion rail∣ed at by the Cour∣tiers.
• Out of fa∣vour at Court.
• Is forced away into Italy.
• His Rich∣es.
• Plato sent away.
• Dion so∣journs at Athens.
• Exhibits a Play for the Youth.
• Travels in Greece.
• Is made Citizen of Sparta.
• His Reve∣nues stopt.
• Plato sent for.
• Plato ar∣rives in Sicily.
• Sent away again.
• Theste's Answer to Dionysius the First.
• Dion re∣solves upon a War with Dio∣nysius.
• Is encou∣rag'd by the Sicili∣ans readi∣ness to a∣ssist him.
• Zante.
• Dion Sa∣crifices to Apollo.
• The Moon Eclipsed.
• Prodigies before the War in Sicily.
• Dion sets Sail with his Fleet.
• Passes the Cape Pa∣chinus.
• I•• driven 〈…〉〈…〉e Coast of Africk.
• Arrives at Minoa in Sicily.
• Takes the Town.
• And deli∣vers it up again.
• Marches to Syra∣cuse.
• By a strange Accident Dionysius hears not Dion's ar∣rival.
• The Citi∣zens meet him at the Gates.
• Dion marches into the City in triumph.
• Proclaims the Sicili∣ans free.
• Is chosen General.
• Besieges the Castle.
• Dionysius arrives.
• Sends to treat with Dion and the Citi∣zens.
• Their An∣swer.
• Dionysius puts the Deputies in Prison.
• Makes a Salley.
• Is wound∣ed
• And car∣ried off.
• Dionysi∣ns's men beat into the Castle.
• Letters sent to Di∣on from Dionysius.
• Read pub∣lickly.
• Dion sus∣pected.
• Heraclides arrives.
• Courts the Mobile.
• Is chosen Admiral.
• Sosis plots against Dion.
• Is found guilty of false Accu∣sation, and condemn'd to die.
• Philistus arrives with a Fleet to help Dio∣nysius.
• Taken Pri∣soner, and slain.
• Timaeus the Histo∣rian.
• Ephorus the Histo∣rian.
• Dionysius makes of∣fer of Sur∣render.
• Receives no An∣swer.
• Makes his Escape by Sea.
• Hippon a Leveller.
• Heraclides joyns with him.
• Sets the Citizens against Dion.
• They choose five and twenty Comman∣ders.
• Dion's Soldiers guard him out of the City.
• The Citi∣zens set upon them.
• Fly before them.
• Dion marches to the Leon∣tines.
• The Syra∣cusians march af∣ter him, and are beaten
• The Leon∣tines re∣ceive Di∣on.
• Nypsius arrives with a Fleet.
• Storms the Works, and 〈…〉〈…〉ters the 〈…〉〈…〉ty.
• Dion sent for back by the Sy∣racusians.
• Calls an Assembly.
• His Speech to his Sol∣diers.
• Dionysi∣us's Men retreat in∣to the Ca∣stle.
• Make ano∣ther Sally.
• Fire the City.
• Dion and his Men come to their suc∣cour.
• March in great dan∣ger thró the Ruins.
• Beat Nyp∣siu••'s Men into the Castle.
• The Dema∣gogues leave the City:
• Dion par∣dons He∣raclides and The∣odotes.
• Carries on the Siege.
• Repeals the Votes of the Le∣vellers.
• A Famine occasion'd by the Se∣dition in the Army.
• Dion, forc'd to engage Pharax▪ is beaten.
• Prevents Heraclides Design of Possessing himself of the City.
• Gaesylus the Spar∣tan.
• Apollicra∣tes deli∣vers up the Castle upon Ar∣ticles.
• Dion en∣ters the Castle.
• Takes a∣gain his Wife.
• He is mur∣ther'd by Dion's means.
• Calippus the Athe∣nian.
• Dion sees ae strange Appariti∣on.
• His Son breaks his Neck.
• Dion in∣form'd of the Plot.
• Calippus denies it upon Oath.
• Calippus Chief at Syracuse.
• Kill'd at Rhegium.
• Dion's Si∣ster, Wife and Son drown'd.