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

CHAP. III.

How he went to Aegina.

LEaving Socrates,a 1.1 he went to Aegina, where he lived with more freedom and luxury then before: Socrates sent exhorta∣tions to reclaim him, frequent but fruitless, and to the same end published that discourse which we find in Xenophon. Here he be∣came acquainted with Lais the famous Corinthian Curtezan, b 1.2 who came thither yearly at the Feast of Neptune, and was as con∣stantly frequented by Aristippus, for whose sakec 1.3 Hermesianax saith, hee took a voyage to Corinth (mention'd among his Apo∣thegmes)

To Corinth Love the Cyrenean lead, where he enjoy'd Thessalian Lais bed;

No Art the subtle Aristippus knew By which the power of Love he might eschew.

d 1.4 Whilst he was upon his voyage to Corinth, a great Tempest arose, whereat he was much troubled: one of the Passengers say∣ing unto him, we ordinary people are not afraid, but you Philosopher•• fear (or ase 1.5 Aelian, are you asraid like other people?)f 1.6 our Souls answe∣red he, are not of equall value,g 1.7 you hazard a wicked and unhappy life, I Felicity and Beatitude.

h 1.8 To those who blamed him for frequenting Lais; I p••ssesse ••er saith he, not she me.i 1.9 Lais in emulation of Phryne gave admittance to all sorts of people, rich and poor, whereupon Aristippus repre∣hended by his servant for bestowing so much on her, who enter∣tained Diogones the Cynick gratis, I give her money saith he, that I may enjoy her, not that others may not.k 1.10 Diogenes reproached him for frequenting the company of Lais, saying, Aristippus, you and I con∣verse with the same woman, either give over, or be like me a Cynic; Do you think it absurd, saith he, to awell in a house, wherein others lived be∣fore, or to sail in a Ship that hath carried other Passengers? It is no more absurd to affect a woman whom others have enjoyd.

At Aegina he continued till the death of Socrates, as (besides the testimony ofl 1.11 Plato) appeareth by thism 1.12 Epistle of his written upon that occasion.

Of the death of Socrates, I and Cleombrot••s have received infor∣mation, and that when he might have escaped from the eleaven Officers, he said he would not, unless he was acquitted by Law; for that were as much as in him lay to betray his Country. My opinion is, that being un∣justly committed, he might have got his Liberty any way, conceiving that all which he could do ill or inconsiderately must be just. From whence again I blame him not, as if he had done ill even in this. You write me word that all the friends and Disciples of Socrates have left Athens, out of fear the like should befall any of you; it is well done; and we being at present at Aegina wil continue here a while, then come to you, and wherein we are a∣bl••, serve you.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Athen. deipn. 12.
• b 1.2

  Athen. deipn. ••2.
• c 1.3

  Athen. deipn. 13.
• d 1.4

  Laert.
• e 1.5

  Var. Hist. 9. 20.
• f 1.6

  Agel. 19. 1.
• g 1.7

  Aelian. ibid.
• h 1.8

  Laert.
• i 1.9

  Athen. Deipn. 13.
• k 1.10

  Athen. Deipn. 13.
• l 1.11

  In Phaedone.
• m 1.12

  Socratic. Epist. 16.