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

CHAP. X.

How be opposed Pisistratus, and reprehended Thespis.

* 1.1 DUring the absence of Solon, the former dissention broke forth again in the City: Lycurgus was head of the country men, Megacle•• of the Maritimes, Pisistratus of the Townsmen, who were most violent against the rich; Solon's lawes were still observed in the City, but the people aimed at novelty and change, not as thinking it most just, but in hopes to be Masters of other mens goods, and to suppresse the adverse party. Solon, whilst things stood thus, returned to Athens, where he was

much reverenced and honoured by all, but could not speak or act in publick, through the weaknesse of his body and spirits, yet privately taking every one of the Commanders apart, he endeavoured to reconcile their differences, wherein Pisistratus seemed the most ready to be perswaded, with whom he had a very antient friendship, grounded aswell upon their kindred, as upon the good qualities of Pisistratus, then whom (as Solon u∣sed to say) there could not be a person of more worth, if he were cured of his ambition.

* 1.2 About this time (according to Plutarch) which was in the fiftieth Olympiad, Thespis began to present Tragedies (which Suidas erroneously accounts ten Olympiads latter, as is observed by Meursius) the people were much taken with the novelty of the thing, for as yet there were no contentions therein. Solon naturally desirous to hear and learn, and by reason of his age indulging more to ease and pleasure, feasting and musick, went to see Thespis himself act, as was then the manner; the Play ended, he went to Thespis, and asked him, if he were not ashamed to speak so many lies before so great an auditory? Thespis answe∣red, it was no shame to act or say such things in jest. Solon stri∣king the ground hard with his staffe, replyed, but in a short time, we who approve this kind of jest shall use it in earnest, in our contracts and transactions.* 1.3 In fine, he absolutely forbad him to teach or act tragedies, conceiving their falsity unprofitable, whereto he dissimulated the deceit of Pisistratus, who soon after,* 1.4 having wounded himselfe, came into the Forum in a Chariot, preten∣ding to have been so used by his enemies in the behalfe of the common-wealth, and inflamed the people with much rage. Solon comming near to him, son of Hippocra••es (saith he) you act Homers Vlysses ill in using the same means to deceive the Citizens, wherewith he (whipping himself) deluded the enemie. Immediately the people flocked in to defend Pisistratus: Aristo mov'd he might be allowed a standing guard of fiftie men: Solon rose up to oppose it, using speeches, the effect whereof, he af∣terwards thus exprest in verse.

If evill your impieties befall, Gods not the Author of those mischiefs call, Your selves the causes, have given power to those, Who in requitall, servitude impose. Lion whom the footsteps of the fox pursue, Whose souls deceit and Vanity endue. The mans smooth tongue and speech you only heed, But never penetrate into the deed.

He also foretold them the aimes of Pi••istratus, in an elegy to this effect.

Vapours condens' dingender hail and snow, And thunder doth from radiant lightning flow. The sea is troubled by the raging wind, When not disturb'd by that, nothing more kind. A Citty by great persons is orethrown, And taught beneath a Monarchy to groan.

But seeing the poorer sort much addicted to Pisistratus, and tumultuous, the richer afraid, consulting their safetie by flight, he retired, saying, Athenians, I am wiser then some, valianter then others, wiser then those who understand not the deceit of Pisistratus, valianter then those, who understand it, yet hold their peace, through fear. The Senate being of the same faction with Pis••stratus, said he was mad, whereto he answered,

A little time will to the people cleer My madnesse, when 'th 'midst truth shall appear.

The people having granted Pisistratus his request concerning a guard, question'd not the number of them, but conniv'd so long at his pressing and maintaining as many souldiers as he pleased, that at last he possest himselfe of the Tower; where∣upon the Citty being in a tumult, Megacles, with the rest of the Alcmaeonidae fled. Solon now very old, and destitute of those that might back him, went into the Forum,* 1.5 armed with a spear and shield, and made an oration to the people, partly accusing them of folly and cowardise, partly inciting them not to for∣sake their libertie, using this celebrious speech,

It had been far easier to have supprest this tyranny in the grouth, but much more noble to cut it off now it is at the height.

No man da∣ring to hear him, he went home, and taking his armes, set them in the street before his door (Laertius saith, before the Magaz••n) saying,

I have helped my Country and the Law as much as lay in me; or as Laertius,O Country, I have assisted thee both in word and deed.

Plutarch addes, that from that time he li∣ved retired, addicted to his study; and told by many the Ty∣rant would put him to death, and demanded wherein the con∣fided so much, he answered, in his age: but Laertius affirmes (which seemes truer) that assoon as he had laid down his armes, he forsook the Country: and* 1.6 Agellius, that in the raign of Scovius Tullius, Pisist••atus was Tyrant of Athens, Solon going first away into voluntary exile.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Plut.
• * 1.2

  Plut.
• * 1.3

  Laert.
• * 1.4

  Plut.
• * 1.5

  Laert.
• * 1.6

  Lib. 17. cap. 21.