The history of philosophy, in eight parts by Thomas Stanley.

CRATES.

Crates was a Theban,* 1.1 Son of Ascandas: He was likewise reckon'd amongst the most eminent of Diogenes's Disciples; yet Hippobotus saith, he was not a Disciple of Diogenes, but of Bry∣so the Achaean.

He flourished about the 113^th Olympiad. Antisthenes, in his successions, saith, that being at a Tragedy where Telephus was re∣presented, carrying a Basket in a sordid condition, he betook himselfe to the Cynicall Philosophy, and selling all his estate, (for he was very rich, having gotten together above two hundred talents) he distributed it amongst the Citizens, and was so con∣stant a Professor of this Philosophy, that Philemon, the Comick Poet, takes notice thereof in these words,

By him in Summer a thick Coat was worn, In Winter-time (so temperate) a torn.

Diocles saith, Diogenes perswaded him to part with his estate, and to throw all the mony he had left into the Sea: and that the house of Crates was from Alexander, that of Hipparchia his Wife, from Philip. Some of his neer friends that came to him to dis∣swade him from this course of life, he beat away, for he was of a resolute spirit.

Demetrius the Magnesian saith, he deposited some mony in the hands of a Banquier, with this condition, that if his sonnes be∣took themselves to any Civill employment, it should be repaid again; but, if to Philosophy, it should be distributed amongst the people, for as much as a Philosopher stands in need of nothing.

Eratosthenes relates, that having a son named Pasicles, by his Wife Hipparchia, assoon as he arrived at mans estate, he brought him to the house of a young maid that was his slave, saying, This is a hereditary matrimony to you: but those who commit adultery, are, according to the Tragedians punished with banish∣ment or death; Those who keep Concubines were, according to the Comedians, by luxury and drunkennesse, transported to madnesse.

Pasicles, the Disciple to Euclid, was his brother.

He said, 'tis not possible to finde a man without a fault, for, in every Pomgranat there is at least one grain corrupt.

Having displeased Nicodromus a Lutinist, he beat him black and blew; whereupon he pasted a piece of paper on his forehead, wherein was written, Nicodromus did this.

He was exceedingly invective against common women.

He reproved Demetreus Phalerius for sending bread and wine to him, saying, I wish the fountains also produc'd bread; intimating that he lived with water.

The Athenian Magistrates blamed him for wearing a long robe; I will shew you Theophrastus, saith he, in the same attire; which they not believing, he brought them to a Barbers shop, where he was sitting to be trimm'd.

At Thebes, being beaten by the Master of the Gymnasium; or, as others, at Corinth by Euthicrates, he laughed, saying,

He by the foot him drew, And o're the threshold threw.

Zeno in his Chrias saith, he sowed a sheep-skinn upon his cloak, to appear the more deformed. He was of a very unhandsome look, and whilst he discoursed, laughed.

He used to lift up his hands and say, Be of good courage, Grecians, both for the eyes and all other parts, for you shall soon see these deriders surprised by sicknesse, and proclaiming you happy, blame their owne slothfulnesse.

He said, we ought so long to study Philosophy, untill the lea∣ders of the Army seem to be Horse-drivers.

He said, they who lived with flatterers were forsaken persons, living like sheep amidst wolves, not with those who wish'd them well.

Perceiving he drew nigh to death, he looked upon himselfe, saying,

—And dost thou go, old friend, To the next world, thou whom old age doth bend. For he was crooked through age.

To Alexander, asking whether he would that his Country should be restored or not: To what end, saith he, seeing there will come perhaps another Alexander, and depopulate it. He said, con∣tempt of glory and want were his Country, which were not sub∣ject to Fortune; and that he was Countryman to Diogenes, not fearing any body.

Coming into the Forum,* 1.2 where he beheld some buying, others selling: These, saith he, think themselves happy in employments contra∣ry to one another; but I think my selfe happy, in having nothing to do either way.

To a young man,* 1.3 followed by a great many Parasites: Young man, saith he, I am sorry to see you so much alone.

He said,* 1.4 we ought not to accept gifts from all men, for vertue ought not to be maintained by vice.

Seeing at Delphi a golden Image of Phryne the Curtezan,* 1.5 he cryed out, This is a Trophy of the Grecian intemperance.

Seeing a young man highly fed and fat: Unhappy youth, saith he,* 1.6 do not ••ortifie your prison.

He said,* 1.7 He gained glory, not by his riches, but his poverty.

To one,* 1.8 demanding what he should get by Philosophy: You will learn, saith he, to open your purse easily, and to give readily, not as you do now, turaing away, delaying and trembling, as if you had the palsey.

He said,* 1.9 Men know not how much a Wallet, a measure of Lupines, and security of minde is worth.

The Epistles of Crates are extant, wherein, saith Laertius, he writes excellent Philosophy, in style resembling Plato. He wrote Tragedies likewise, full of deep Philosophy.

He died old, and was buried in Baeotia.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Laert.
• * 1.2

  Sub. Ser. 37.
• * 1.3

  Ser. 6••.
• * 1.4

  Ser. 77.
• * 1.5

  Ser. 87.
• * 1.6

  Ibid.
• * 1.7

  Ser. 237.
• * 1.8

  Ibid.
• * 1.9

  Ibid.