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CHAP. II.
His institution of a Sect.
a 1.1 S. Ocrates being dead, of whom he learned tolerance and apa∣thy, he made choice of Cynosarges, a Gymnasium at Athens just without the gates, as of the fittest place in which he might dis∣course of Philosophy.b 1.2 It was so called upon this occasion. Didy∣mus the Athenian sacrificing in his own house, a white dog that was by, snatcht the Victim, and running away with it, laid it down in another place; Didymus much troubled thereat, consult∣ed the Oracle, which enjoined him to erect a Temple in that place where the Dog had laid down the Victim, and to dedicate it to Hercules, which was called Cynosarges, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, The Tem∣ple of the white Dog.c 1.3 Hence Antisthenes & his follo••ers were call∣ed Cynicks, and, by those that disapproved their institution, Dogs; Antisthenes himself being termed 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the sincere Dog.
He first doubled his old fordid Cloak, and wore it alone [with∣out a Coat] as Diocles affirmeth; he carried likewise a staffe and fatchell. Neanthes saith, he first used a single Cloak. Sosicrates in the third of his Successions, saith, Diodorus the Aspendian wore a long beard, and carried a staffe and Wallet.
d 1.4 His assertions were these, that Vertue may be acquired by teach∣ing; that those persons are noble, who are Vertuous; That Vertue was self∣sufficient to Felicity, not needing any thing but a Socratick Courage; That Vertue consisteth in Actions, not requiring many words nor much learning, and is self-sufficient to wisdom, for all other things have a re∣ference thereto; That insamy is good and equall to labour, and that a wise man ought not to govern the Commonwealth according to the Laws in force, but according to Vertue; That a wise man, to have issue, may make choice of beautifull women, and love, for a wise man only knoweth what ought to be loved.
Diocles addeth these; That nothing is new to a wise man; That a good man deserveth love, that vertuous persons are friends; that wee ought to get assistance in War, valiant and just; that vertue is an Ar∣mour never can be taken from us; That it is better with some few good men to oppose all the wicked, then with many wicked men to contend with few good; Observe your Enemies, for they first find out your faults; Esteem a just man more then a neighbour; The same vertue belongeth to man and to woman; those things are good wh••ch are honest, ill which are dishonest; All things esteem strange; Wisdom is the safest fortification, for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 neither fall away, nor can be betray'd; In these inexpugnable things we ought to build Forts, by meditation.
e 1.5 Agellius saith, he esteemed Pleasure the greatest ill, whence hee used to say, I had rather be mad, then be addicted to pleasure.