CHAP. VII.
His Person and Vertues.
AS concerning his Person,a 1.1 Timotheus saith, he was wry∣neck'd: Apollonius Tyrius, that he was lean, tall, and of a swarthy complexion, whence stil'd by some (as Chrysippus) the Aegyptian sprigge.b 1.2 His look was sad, grave, severe and frowning; his constitution not strong, for which reason Persaeus saith, he forbore to feast much. His ordinary diet consisted in raw food, especially Figgs, both new and dryed, bread and hony which he eate moderately, and a little sweet Wine.
His continence was such,* 1.3 that when Persaeus, who cohabited with him, brought a she-Minstrell to him, he immediately sent her back.
Notwithstanding his severity,* 1.4 he was very complaisant, and often feasted with King Antigonus, and meeting him sometimes drunk, went along with him to Aristocles the Musician, to nightly banquets and plaies.
Popular oftentation he avoided by sitting in the lowest place,* 1.5 whereby he freed himselfe from the troublesome importunity of the other part.
He never walked with more than two or three at once: Cl••anthes saith,* 1.6 he many times gave mony to people that they would not trouble him, & throng about him. Being on a certain time encom∣passed by a great croud, he shewed them a wooden ball on the top of the cloyster, which formerly belonged to an Altar: This, saith he, was once placed in the niddle; but, because it is trou∣blesome, it is now laid aside: I desire you would in like manner withdraw your selves, that you may be lesse troublesome.
He was so free from being corrupted by gifts, that* 1.7 De∣mocharis son of Laches, desiring him to let him know what businesse he would have to Antigonus, promising to write about it, and assuring him, that Antigonus would furnish him with whatsoever he desired; he turned away from him, and would never after converse with him.
He was so humble,* 1.8 that he conversed with mean and ragged persons, whence Timon;