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

CHAP. IX.

The attribute of wise conferred on him: his morall Sentences.

* 1.1 WHen Damasius (the second) was Archon, (in the yeare of the 49. Olympaid) all the seven received the attri∣bute of wise: of these was Solon, upon whom (* 1.2 Themistius saith) it was conferr'd as

an honorable title full of dignity:

* 1.3 Plutarch avers that

all of them (except Thales) were so called from their skill in civill affaires.

And againe,* 1.4

In Philosophy Solon chiefly affected (as did likewise most of the wise men) that part of morality which concerns politicks;* 1.5

and speaking of Mu••sip••••ilus,

he was not (saith he) an orator of those Philo∣sophers who are called naturall, but embraced that wisedome which teacheth government of a State, and prudence in pub∣lique actions, which he retained as a Sect delivered by succes∣sion from Solon. Whence* 1.6

Macrobius instanceth Solon, as

skil∣full in that kind of learning which draweth Philosophy dee∣per, and establisheth a state.

Hereto may bee added his morall learning, for which (though Socrates reduced it first to a Science, and was there upon honored as the inventor thereof) the seven were so famous, that some affirme the title of wise was given them only for excelling others in a laudable course of life, and comprehending some morall rules in short sentences; of these they had three sorts, Apothegmes, Precepts and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Of his Apothegmes Laertiu•• recites these,

Speech is the I∣mage of Action; He is a King who hath power. Lawes are like cob-webs which entangle the lesser sort, the greater breake through: Those who are in favour with Princes resemble counters used in casting accompts, which sometimes stand for a great number, sometimes for a lesser; so those are some∣times honored, sometimes cast downe. Being demanded how men might be brought to doe no wrong, if saith he, they who have received none, and those who are wronged be alike concern'd Satiety comes of riches, contumely of Satiety.

* 1.7 Plutarch and others, these;

He conceived that City to be best govern'd, where the people as eagerly prosecute wrongs done to others as to themselves.* 1.8 Being demanded how a City might be best ordered, he answered if the Citizens obey'd the Magistrates, the Magistrates the lawes, hee affirmed that King and Tyrant should become most glorious, who would convert his Monarchy to Democracy. He esteemed that Fa∣mily best, wherein wealth is gotten not unjustly, kept not un∣faithfully, expended not with repentance.

* 1.9 Hee defined

the happie those who are competently furnished with outward things, act honestly, and live tempe∣rately;

which definition Aristotle approves.

* 1.10 He said,

a commonwealth consists of two things, reward and punishment.

* 1.11

Seeing one of his friends much grieved, he carried him to the Tower, and desired him to view all the buildings below, which observing, the other to have done, now saith he, think with your selfe, how many sorrowes have heretofore and do•• at present dwell under those roofes, and shall in future ages: and forbeare to be troubled at the inconveniencies of morta∣lity as they were only yours. He said also, that if all men should bring their misfortunes together in one place, every one would carry his owne home againe, rather then take an equall share out of the common stock.

* 1.12

Being in drinking, demanded by Periander, whether hee were silent through want of discourse, or through folly, an∣swered, no fool can be silent amidst his cups.* 1.13 He said, that City was best ordered, wherein the good were rewarded, the bad punished.

* 1.14

He said, a man ought to fear nothing, but that his end exclude not Philosophy.

* 1.15 Demosthenes recites a discourse which he used to the Judges, in accusing one who had moved a pernicious law, to this effect;

It is a Law generally received in all Citties, that he who makes false mony should be put to death. Then he demanded of the Judges, whether that Law seemed to them just and commendable, whereunto they assenting, he added, that he conceived mony to be used amongst Citizens, in respect of private contracts; but that lawes were the mony of the com∣mon-wealth: therefore Judges ought to punish those, who embased the mony of the cōmon-wealth much more severe∣ly, then those who embase that of private persons: and that they might better understand it to be a farre greater offence to corrupt lawes, then adulterate coyne, he added, that many Citties use mony of silver allaid with brasse or lead, without any prejudice to themselves; but whosoever should use lawes so adulterated, could not escape ruine and death.

* 1.16 Mimnermus writing thus,

From trouble and diseases free, At threescore years let death take me.

He reproved him, saying,

By my advice, that wish extend, Nor for his counsell sleight thy friend. Alter thy song, and let it be, At fourescore years let death take me.

His morall precepts are thus delivered by * Demetrius Phale∣reus,* 1.17 some whereof are cited by Laertius.

Nothing too much, Sit not as judge, if thou dost, the condemned will esteem thee an enemy. Fly pleasure, for it brings forth sorrow. Observe honesty in thy conversation more strictly then an oath. Seal words with silence, silence with opportunity. Lie not, but speak the truth. Consider on serious things. Say not ought is juster then thy Parents. Procure not friends in hast, nor procur'd, part with in hast. By learning to obey, you shall know how to command. What forfeiture you impose on o∣thers, undergoe your selfe. Advise not Citizens what is most pleasant, but what is best. Be not arrogant. Converse not with wicked persons. Consult the Gods. Cherish thy friend. Re∣verence thy Parents. Make reason thy guid. What thou seest speak not. What thou knowest conceal. Be mild to those that belong to thee. Conjecture hidden things from apparent.

His particular sentence according to* 1.18 Didymus and Laertius was, Nothing too much; according to Ausonius, Know thy selfe, who ascribes these also to him;

Him I dare happy call whose end I see, Match with thy like, unequalls not agree. By fortune guided, none to honour raise, A friend in private, chide, in publick praise; Honours atchiev'd created far exceed; If fates be sure, what helps it to take heed? And if unsure, there is of fear lesse need.

Of his 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Laertius mentions these.

Of every man be carefull, lest he hear A sword conceald within his breast, a cleer Aspect, a double tongue, a mind severe.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Laert.
• * 1.2

  Orat. 4.
• * 1.3

  Vit. Sol.
• * 1.4

  Vit. Sol.
• * 1.5

  Vit. Themist.
• * 1.6

  Somn. Scip. 2. 17.
• * 1.7

  Vit. Sol.
• * 1.8

  Sympos. Sept. Sapi.
• * 1.9

  Arist. Ethic. 10. 8.
• * 1.10

  Cicer. Epist. 15. ad Brut.
• * 1.11

  Val▪ Max. 7. 2.
• * 1.12

  Stob. Serm. 34
• * 1.13

  Stob. Serm. 41
• * 1.14

  Iohan. Salisb. Polier. ••. 14.
• * 1.15

  Orat. in Yi∣mocrat.
• * 1.16

  Laert.
• * 1.17

  Stob. serm. 3.
• * 1.18

  Clem. Alex. Strom. 1.