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

CHAP. X.

His Authority in Civill Affairs.

AT home he lived quietly in the Academy,a 1.1 not engaging himself in publick Affairs; (though he were a person very knowing therein as his writings manifest,) because the Atheni∣ans were accustomed to Laws different from his sense.

b 1.2 His fame spreading to the Arcadians, and Thebans, they sent Embassadours earnestly to request him to come over to them, not noly to instruct their young men in Philosophy, but, which was of higher concernment, to ordain Laws for Megalopolis a Citty then newly built by the Arcadians, upon occasion of the great de∣feat given them by the Lacedaemonians, in the first year of the 103. Olympiad. Plato was not a little pleased at this invitation, but asking the Ambassadours how they stood affected to a parity of Estates, and finding them so averse from it, as not to be by any means induced thereto, he refused to go: but sent Aristonimus his familiar friend.

The Cyrenaeans likewise sent to him,* 1.3 desiring him to send them Laws for their City, but he refused, saying, it was difficult to to prescribe Laws to men in prosperity.

Yet to severall people upon their importunities he condescen∣ded.

To the Syracusians he gave Laws upon the ejection of their King.

To the Cretans, upon their building of Magnesia, he sent Laws digested into twelve Books.

To the Ilians he sent Phormio; to the Pyrrheans, Mededimus (his familiar friends) upon the same designe.

This is enough to justifie him against those who* 1.4 accuse him, of having written a form of Government, which he could not perswade any to practise, because it was so severe: and that the Athenians, who accepted the Laws of Draco and Solon, derided his.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Laert.
• b 1.2

  Aelian. var. hist. 2. 41.
• * 1.3

  Plutarch. ad princip. in••rudit.
• * 1.4

  Athen▪