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

CHAP. IV.

What honours were conferr'd upon him.

ZENO by the Philosophy which he taught, and the practise of his life conformable to that doctrine, gained so high an estimation amongst the Athenians, thata 1.1 they deposited the keyes of the City in his hands, as the only person fit to be entrusted with their liberties. His name was likewise much honoured by his own Country-men, as well those at Cyprus, as those who lived at Sidon.

Amongst those who honoured and favoured Zeno, was Anti∣gonus Gonotus King of Macedonia, a Prince no lesse eminent for his

Vertue then his Greatnesse, much esteemed him, and, as often as he went to Athens, heard him. He sent many times to invite him to come to him, amongst the rest, one Letter to this effect, alledged by Apollonius Tyrius.

King Antigonus to Zeno the Philosopher, health.

I Think that I exceed you in Fortune and Glory; but, in Learning and Discipline, and that perfect felicity which you have attained, I am exceeded by you: Wherefore I thought it expedient to write to you, that you will come to me, assuring my selfe you will not deny it. Use all means therefore to come to us, and know, you are not to instruct me only, but all the Macedonians. For, he who teacheth the King of Macedo∣nia, and guideth him to Vertue, it is evident, that he doth likewise in∣struct all his Subjects in Vertue. For such as is the Prince, such for the most part are those who live under his Government.

Zeno answered thus:

To King Antigonus Zeno, health.

I Much esteem your earnest desire of Learning, in that you aime at Philosophy, not popular, which perverteth manners, but that true dis∣cipline which conferreth profit, avoiding that generally commended pleasure which effeminates the soules of some young men. It is manifest, that you are enclined to Generosity, not only by nature, but by choice. A generous nature, with indifferent exercise, assisted by a Master, may easily attain to perfect Vertue. But, I am very infirm of body by reason of my age, for I am fourescore years old, and therefore not able to come to you. Yet, I will send you some of my con-Disciples, who, in those things that concern the Soul, are nothing inferiour to me; in those of the Body are much superiour to me, of whom, if you make use, you will want no∣thing conducing to perfect Beatitude.

Thus Zeno absolutely refused to go to Antigonus, but sent him his Disciple Persaeus son of Demetrius, a Cittiean (who flourish'd in the 130^th Olympiad, Zeno being then very old) and Philonides a Theban, both mentioned by Epicurus in his Epistle to Aristobu∣lus, as having been with Antigonus.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Laert.