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

CHAP. III.

His manner of living.

a 1.1 HE contracted a strict friendship with Asclepiades, nothing inferiour to that of Pilades to Orestes: Asclepiades was the el∣der, whence there went a common saying, that he was the Poet, Menede••us the Player.

b 1.2 When they were yet both young Philosophers, and indi∣gent, they were cited to the Court of Areopagus, to give account

(c 1.3 according to Solon's Law) by what means (spending the whole day amongst Philosophers without any labour, and having no estate) they subsisted, and were in so good a condition: They de∣sired, that one of the Masters of the common Prison might be sent for; who, when he came, attested, that they went down every night into the Prison, where the common malefactours grownde, and did there grinde, and in pay of their labour, re∣ceived two drachmes: at which the Areopagites much wonder∣ing, bestowed as an honourable reward upon them two hun∣dred drachmes.

They had other Patrons that bestowed gifts upon them; Ar∣chepolides gave them three thousand pieces of silver; they both contended which should receive last, and in conclusion, neither accepted it. The chief persons that received them were Hippo∣nicus a Macedonian, and Aegetor a Lamiean: Aegetor gave each of them thirty Minae. Hipponicus gave Menedemus two thousand drachmes towards the marriage of his Daughters, which, as Heraclides saith, were three, by his Wife Oropia.

For Asclepiades and Menedemus took each of them a Wife; Asclepiades married the daughter, Menedemus the Mother: Asclepiades, his Wife dying, took the Wife of Menedemus; Me∣nedemus being made a chiefe Magistrate, married a rich Wife; notwithstanding, he allowed his first Wife an equall interest in the government of the House. Asclepiades having lived with Me∣nedemus in great plenty; yet, with great temperance, died old at Eretria. At that time, one, whom Asclepiades much loved, com∣ing late at night, intending to have feasted with him, the ser∣vants shut him out of dores: but, Menedemus bad them let him in, saying, Asclepiades would admit him even under ground.

Menedemus was much given to entertainments, and, because the Country was unwholesome, made many Feasts: what order he observed therein is thus delivered by Antigonus Carystius, and out of him (though not cited) by Laertius. He dined but with one or two companions at the most; if any came to him, they were admitted after dinner was ended; if they came sooner then the set time, they walked short turnes before the doore, and deman∣ded of the servants what course was carried in; if they told them fish-broth (with which they begun their dinner) they went a∣way; if any flesh, they went into a room prepared for that pur∣pose. In Summer time, Menedemus had the Couches or Beds of his Dining-room covered with flags and rushes, in Winter with sheep-skinns. Every guest brought a Cushion; the Cup they had was no bigger then a large spoon: instead of sweet-meats they had Lupines and Beanes: sometimes such fruit as the season afforded; in Summer, Pomgranats, in Springe, Pulse, in Winter, Figs. This Lycophron the Chalcidian confirmes in his satyricall Comedy upon Menedemus, where Silenus speaks thus to the Satires.

Sons impious of a pious Father, I (You see) with your delights and sports comply: But never by the Gods at such a Feast In Caria, Rhodes, or Lydia was a guest. How plentifull!

And not long after,

A little pot halfe full of water clear, Rated at farthings five, a boy did bear To every guest; about vile Lupines went, With which the beggar's table's scarce content.

Whilst they drank (after the feast) Menedemus proposed que∣stions, and instead of a desert gave them discourse, which excited all to temperance and continence: these continued sometimes till the crowing of the Cock broke them off, much against the will of his guests, who never thought they had enough of them.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Laert.
• b 1.2

  Athe••. Dei••n.
• c 1.3

  See life Solon.