The fourth volume of Plutarch's Lives Translated from the Greek, by several hands.

THE LIFE OF CLEOMENES.

Translated from the Greek, by Mr. Creech, Fellow of All∣Souls Colledge in Oxford.

THus fell Agis. His Brother Archidamus was too quick for Leonidas, and sav'd himself by a timely Retreat. But his Wife then newly brought to Bed, the Tyrant forc'd her from her own House, and compell'd her to marry his Son Cleome∣nes, though at that time too young for a Wife; for he was unwilling that any one else should have her, she being Heiress to her Father Gylippus's great Estate; for Person,

the finest Woman in all Greece, very good∣natur'd, of an exemplary Life, and there∣fore, they say, she did all she could, that she might not be compell'd to this Match.

Being thus married to Cleomenes, she ha∣ted Leonidas, but to the Youth she show'd her self a kind and obliging Wife. He, as soon as they came together, began to love her very much, and the constant Kindness that she still retain'd for the memory of A∣gis, wrought somewhat of Concern in the young Man for him, so that he would often enquire of her concerning what had pass'd, and attentively listen to the Story of Agis's Designs. Now Cleomenes had a generous and great Soul; he was as temperate and moderate in his Pleasures as Agis, but not so very cautious, circumspect and gentle: a spur of Passion always gall'd him, and his eargerness to pursue that which he thought good and just, was violent and heady: to make Men willing to obey, he conceiv'd to be the best Discipline; but likewise to break the stubborn, and force them to be better, was in his opinion commendable and brave. This Disposition made him dislike the ma∣nagement of the City: the Citizens lay dis∣solv'd in supine Idleness and Pleasures; the King minded nothing, designing, if no body gave him any disturbance, to wast his Time in Ease and Riot; the Publick was neglected,

and each Man intent upon his private Gain. 'Twas dangerous, now Agis was kill'd, to mention the exercising and training of their Youth, and to set up for the ancient Bra∣very and Equality, was Treason against the State. 'Tis said also that Cleomenes, whilst a Boy, studied Philosophy under Sphoerus the Borysthenite, who coming to Sparta, was very diligent in instructing the Youth. Spoerus was one of the chief of Zeno the Ci∣tiean's Scholars, and 'tis likely that he ad∣mir'd the manly Temper of Cleomenes, and inflam'd his generous Ambition. The anci∣ent Leonidas (as Story saith) being ask'd, What manner of Poet he thought Tyrtoeus? reply'd, An excellent one to whet the Cou∣rages of Youth, for being fill'd with Fury by his Poems, they daringly ventur'd on any Danger: now the Stoicks Philosophy is a dangerous Incentive to hot and fiery Dis∣positions, but being mixt with a grave and cautious Temper, is very good to fix and settle the Resolutions.

Upon the Death of his Father Leonidas, he succeeded, and observing the Citizens of all sorts to be debauch'd, the Rich neglect∣ing the Publick, and intent on their own Gain and Pleasure, and the Poor being crampt in their private Fortunes, grown unactive, Cowards, and not inclinable to the Spartan Institution and way of Breeding, that he

had only the Name of King, and the Ephori all the Power, was resolv'd to change the present posture of Affairs. He had a Friend whose Name was Xenares, his Lover (such an Affection the Spartans express by the word, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) him he sounded, and of him he would commonly enquire, What man∣ner of King Agis was; by what means, and by what Assistance he began and pursu'd his Designs. Xenares at first willingly com∣ply'd with his Request, and told him the whole Story, with all the particular Cir∣cumstances of the Actions. But when he observ'd Cleomenes to be extreamly affect∣ed at the Relation, and more than ordina∣rily mov'd at Agis's new model of the Go∣vernment, and begging a repetition of the Story, he at first severely chid him, told him, He was frantick, and at last left off all sort of Familiarity and Conversation with him, yet he never told any Man the cause of their Disagreement, but would only say, Cleomenes knew very well. Cleomenes finding Xenares averse to his Designs, and think∣ing all others to be of the same opinion, con∣sulted with none, but contriv'd the whole Business by himself. And considering that it would be easier to bring about an Altera∣tion when the City was at War, than when in Peace, he engag'd the Commonwealth in a Quarrel with the Achoeans, who had given

them fair occasions to complain: for Aratus a Man of the greatest Power amongst all the Achoeans, design'd from the very begin∣ning to bring all the Peloponnesians into one common Body. And to effect this, he un∣dertook many Expeditions, and ran through a long course of Policy; for he thought this the only means to make them an equal Match for their foreign Enemies▪ All the rest agreed to his Proposals, only the Lace∣doemonians, the Eleans, and as many of the Arcadians as inclin'd to the Spartan Interest, refus'd. Therefore as soon as Leonidas was dead, he fell upon the Arcadians, and wast∣ed those especially that border'd on Achaia; by this means designing to try the Inclina∣tions of the Spartans, and despising Cleome∣nes as a Youth, and of no Experience in Affairs of State or War. Upon this the E∣phori sent Cleomenes to surprise the Athenoeum, (dedicated to Minerva) near Belbina, which is a Pass of Laconia, and was then under the Jurisdiction of the Megalopolitans: Cleomenes possest himself of the place, and fortified it; at which Action Aratus shew'd no publick Resentment, but marcht by night to sur∣prise Tegea and Orchomenium. The Design fail'd; for those that were to betray the Ci∣ties into his Hands, doubted the Success; so Aratus retreated, imagining that his Design had been undiscovered: But Cleomenes wrot

a jeering Letter to him, and desired to know as from a Friend, whither he intended to march at night? And Aratus answering, That ha∣ving understood his Design to fortifie Belbi∣na, he resolv'd to march thither to oppose him. Cleomenes return'd, That he believed it, but desir'd him to give him an account, if it stood with his Convenience, why he car∣ry'd those Torches and Ladders with him.

Aratus laughing at the Jeer, and asking what manner of Youth this was; Democri∣tes a Spartan Exile, reply'd, If you have any Designs upon the Lacedaemonians, begin be∣fore this young Eagle's Talons are grown. Pre∣sently after this, Cleomenes being in Arcadia with a few Horse, and 300 Foot, the Epho∣ri fearing to engage in the War, comman∣ded him home; but upon his Retreat, Ara∣tus taking Caphuoe, they commission'd him again. In this Expedition he took Methu∣drium, and spoiled the Countrey of the Ar∣gives and the Achaians: to stop his Victory, and secure their Friends, sent 20000 Foot and 1000 Horse against him, under the Command of Aristomachus. Cleomenes fac'd them at Palantium, and offer'd Battle: But Aratus being dash'd at his Bravery, would not suffer the General to engage, but re∣treated, being curst by the Achoeans, and hooted at, and scorn'd by the Spartans, who were not above 5000, for a Coward▪

Cleomenes encouraged by this Success, be∣gan to vaunt among the Citizens a Sentence of one of their ancient Kings, who said, The Spartans seldom enquired how many their Enemies were, but where they were. After this, marching to the Assistance of the Eleans, upon whom the Achaians warr'd, and about Lycoeum falling upon the Enemy in their Retreat, he routed their whole Army, ta∣king a great number of Captives, and lea∣ving many dead upon the Place; so that it was commonly reported amongst the Greeks that Aratus was slain. But Aratus making the best Advantage of the Oppor∣tunity, presently after the Defeat, march'd to Mantinoea, and before any body suspected it, took the City, and put a new Garrison into it. Upon this the Lacedoemonian▪s being quite discouraged, and opposing Cleomenes's Design of carrying on the War, he was ea∣ger to send for Archidamus, Agis's Brother from Mesena, for he of the other Family had a Right to the Kingdom; and beside Cleomenes thought that the Power of the E∣phori would be abated when the Kingly State was fill'd up, and equally poised be∣tween the two Families. But those that were concern'd in the Murder of Agis un∣derstanding the Design, and fearing that upon Archidamus's Return they should be call'd to an Account, receiv'd him coming

privately into Town, waited on him, and pre∣sently after murder'd him; but whether Cle∣omenes was against it (as Phylarchus imagines) or whether he was perswaded by his Friends, and winck'd at the Contrivance, is uncer∣tain; however, they were most blam'd, as having forc'd his Consent. But he still re∣solving to new-model the State brib'd the E∣phori to make him General: and won the Affections of many others by means of his Mother Cratesicloea, who spared no Cost, and was very zealous to promote the same Interest; and though of her self she had no Inclination to marry, yet for her Son's sake she wedded one of the chiefest Citizens for Wealth and Power. Cleomenes marching forth with the Army now under his Com∣mand, took Leuctra, a place belonging to Megalopolis; and the Achoeans quickly fa∣cing him with a good body of Men com∣manded by Aratus, in a Battle under the ve∣ty Walls of the City, some part of his Army was routed. But Aratus commanding the Achoeans not to pass a deep Hollow, and stopping the Pursuit, Lydiadas the Megalo∣politan fretting at the Orders, encouraging the Horse which he led, and pursuing the routed Enemy, fell into a place full of Vines, Hedges and Ditches, and being forc'd to break his Ranks, was put into a great Disorder. Cleomenes observing the Advan∣tage,

commanded the Tarentines and Cre∣tans to engage him, by whom, after a brave Dispute he was routed and slain. The Lacedoemonians thus encouraged, with a great shout fell upon the Archoeans and rou∣ted their whole Army. Of the slain, which were very many, some Cleomenes de∣livered upon Articles, but the Body of Ly∣diadas he commanded to be brought to him and then putting on it a purple Robe, and a Crown upon its Head, sent a Convoy with it to the Gates of Megalopolis. This Lydiadas was the Man that resign'd his Crown, restor'd Liberty to the Citizens, and joyn'd the City to the Achoean Interest. Cleomenes being very much raised by this Success; and perswaded, that if matters were wholly at his Disposal, he should quick∣ly be too hard for the Achoeans. He taught Megistones his Mother's Husband, That 'twas expedient for the State to shake off the Pow∣er of the Ephori, and to put all their Wealth into one common Stock for the whole Body; That Sparta being restor'd to its old Equali∣ty, might be rais'd up to be Mistriss of all Greece. Megistones liked the Design, and engag'd two or three more of his Friends. About that time one of the Ephori sleeping in Phasiphae's Temple, dream'd a very sur∣prizing Dream; for he thought he saw the four Chairs removed out of the place where

the Ephori used to sit and hear Causes, and one only set there; and whilst he wondred he heard a Voice out of the Temple, say∣ing, This is best for Sparta. The Person telling Cleomenes this Dream, he was a lit∣tle troubled at first, fearing that he us'd this as a Trick to sift him, upon some Suspicion of his Design; but when he was satisfied that the Relater spoke truth, he took heart again, and taking with him those whom he thought would be against his model, he took Eroea and Alcoea, two Cities of the Achoeans, furnish'd Orchomenium with Provisions, be∣sieg'd Mantinoea; and with long marches so harass'd the Lacedoemonians, that many of them desir'd to be left in Arcadia; and he satisfy'd their Request. With the Mercena∣ries he march'd to Sparta, and by the way communicated his Design to those whom he thought fittest for his Purpose, and march'd slowly that he might catch the Ephori at Supper. When he was come near the City, he sent Eurycleidas to the Sussiti∣um, the eating-place of the Ephori, under pretence of carrying some Message from him from the Army; Threicion, Phoebis, and two of those which were bred with Cleomenes, which they call Samothracoe, follow'd with a few Souldiers: And whilst Eurycleidas was delivering his Message to the Ephori, they ran upon them with their drawn Swords,

and slew them. Agesilaus as soon as he was run through, fell, and lay as dead; but in a little time he rose, silently convey'd himself out of the Room, and crept undiscover'd in∣to a little House, which was the Temple of Fear, and which always us'd to be shut, but was then by chance open; being got in, he shut the Door, and lay close: the other four were kill'd, and above ten more that came to their Assistance; to those that were qui∣et, they did no harm, stopt none that fled the City, and spar'd Agesilaus, who came out of the Temple the next day. The La∣cedoemonians have not only Temples dedica∣ted to Fear, but also to Death, Laughter, and the like Passions: now they worship Fear, not as they do those Deities which they dread, esteeming it hurtful, but think∣ing their Polity is chiefly kept up by Law; and therefore the Ephori (Aristotle is my Author) when they enter upon their Go∣vernment, make Proclamation to the Peo∣ple, That they should shave their Whiskers, and be obedient to the Laws, that they might not be forc'd to be severe, using this trivial Particular (in my opinion) to accu∣stom their Youth to Obedience even in the smallest Matters. And the Ancients, I think, did not imagine Fortitude to be plain Fear∣lessness, but a cautious Fear of Infamy and Disgrace: for those that show most Fear to∣wards

the Laws, are most bold against their Enemies; and those are least afraid of any Danger, who are most afraid of a just Re∣proach. Therefore he said well:

A Reverence still attends on Fear. And Homer, Fear'd you shall be, dear Ʋncle, and rever'd, And again, In silence fearing those that bore the sway.

For 'tis very commonly seen, that Men re∣verence those whom they fear; and there∣fore the Lacedoemonians plac'd the Temple of Fear by the Sussitium of the Ephori, ha∣ving rais'd their Power to almost absolute Monarchy.

The next day Cleomenes proscrib'd 80 of the Citizens, whom he thought necessary to banish, and remov'd all the Seats of the E∣phori except one, in which he himself design'd to sit, and hear Causes; and calling the Ci∣tizens together, he made an Apology for his Proceedings, saying, That by Lycurgus the Senate was joyn'd to the Kings, and that that model of Government had conti∣nued a long time, and needed no other sort of Magistrates to give it perfection. But af∣terward in the long War with the Messeni∣ans, when the Kings being to command the

Army, had no time to attend civil Causes, they chose some of their Friends, and left them to determine the Suits of the Citizens in their stead. These were call'd Ephori, and at first behav'd themselves as Servants to the Kings, but afterward by degrees they appropriated the Power to themselves and erected a distinct sort of Magistracy. An evidence of the Truth of this may be ta∣ken from the usual Behaviour of the Kings, who upon the first and second Message of the Ephori, refuse to go, but upon the third readily attend them: And Asteropus, the first that rais'd the Ephori to that height of Power, liv'd a great many years after their Institution; therefore whilst they modestly contain'd themselves within their own pro∣per Sphere, 'twas better to bear with them than to make a disturbance. But that an upstart introduc'd Power should so far de∣stroy the old model of Government, as to banish some Kings, murder others with∣out hearing their defence, and threaten those who desir'd to see the best and most divine Constitution restor'd in Sparta, was unsufferable. Therefore if it had been pos∣sible for him without Bloodshed, to have freed Lacedaemon from those foreign Plagues, Luxury, Vanity, Debts and Usury; and from those more ancient Evils, Poverty and Rich∣es, he should have thought himself the hap∣piest

King in the World, having like an ex∣pert Physician cur'd▪ the Diseases of his Countrey without pain. But now in this necessity Lycurgus's Example favour'd his Proceedings, who being neither King, nor Magistrate, but a private Man, and aiming at the Kingdom, came arm'd into the Mar∣ket-place, and for fear of the King, Carileus fled to the Altar: but he being a good Man, and a lover of his Countrey, readily con∣sented to Lycurgus's Project, and admitted an Alteration in the State. Thus by his own Actions Lycurgus show'd, That it was difficult to correct the Government with∣out Force and Fear, in using which, he said, he would be so moderate, as never to desire their Assistance, but either to terrifie or ruine the Enemies of Sparta's Happiness and Safety. He commanded that all the Land should be left in common, and private Claims laid aside: That Debtors should be discharged of their Debts, and a strict search made, who were Foreigners, and who not: That the true Spartans, recovering their Courage, might defend the City by their Arms, and that we may no longer see La∣conia, for want of a sufficient number to se∣cure it, wasted by the Aetolians and Illyri∣ans. Then he himself first, with his Father∣in-law Megistones and his Friends, brought all their Wealth into one publick Stock, and

all the other Citizens follow'd the example: the Land was divided, and every one that he had banish'd, had a share assign'd him; for he promis'd to restore all, as soon as things were settled and in quiet; and com∣pleating the common number of Citizens, out of the best and most agreeable of the neighbouring Inhabitants, he rais'd a Body of 4000 Men, and instead of a Spear, taught them to use a Sarissa, (a long Pike) with both hands, and to carry their Shields by a String fastned round their Arms, and not by a Handle, as before. After this he began to consult about the exercising and breed∣ing of the Youth, (many Particulars of which, Sphoerus being then at Sparta, directed) and in a short time the Schools of Exercise, and their Syssitia, (common eating Places) reco∣ver'd their ancient Decency and Order, a few out of necessity, but the most volunta∣rily applying themselves to that generous and Laconick way of Living: besides, that the Name of Monarch might give them no jealousie, he made Eucleidas, his Brother, Partner in the Throne; and that was the only time that Sparta had two Kings of the same Family. Then understanding that the Achoeans and Aratus imagin'd that this Change had disturb'd and shaken his Affairs, and that he would not venture out of Spar∣ta, and leave the City now unsettled by so

great an Alteration, he thought it great and serviceable to his Designs, to convince his Enemies that he was eagerly desirous of a War: And therefore making an Incursi∣on into the Territories of Megalopolis, he wasted the Countrey very much, and got a considerable Booty. And at last taking those that us'd to act in the publick Solem∣nities travelling from Messena, and building a Theater in the Enemies Countrey, and setting a Prize of 40 l. value, he sate Specta∣tor a whole day; not that he either desir'd or needed such a Divertisement, but as it were insulting o'er his Enemies, and that by thus manifestly despising them, he might show that he had more than conquer'd the Achaeans: for that alone of all the Greek or Kings Armies had no Stage-players, no Jugglers, no dancing or singing Women at∣tending it, but was free from all sorts of Loosness, Wantonness and Foppery; the young Men being for the most part upon Duty, and the old Men teaching them at leisure-time to apply themselves to their u∣sual Drollery, and to rally one another fa∣cetiously after the Laconick fashion; the Advantages of which I have discover'd in the Life of Lycurgus. He himself instructed all by his Example: he was a living Pat∣tern of Temperance before every bodies eyes, and his course of Living was neither

more stately nor more expensive than any of the Commons. And this was a conside∣rable Advantage to him in his Designs on Greece; for Men when they waited upon o∣ther Kings, did not so much admire their Wealth, costly Furniture, and numerous Attendance, as they hated their Pride and State, their difficulty of Access, and scorn∣ful commanding Answers to their Petitions. But when they came to Cleomenes, who was both really a King, and bore that Ti∣tle, and saw no Purple, no Robes of State upon him, no Chairs and Couches about him for his ease, and that he did not re∣ceive Petitions, and return Answers after a long delay, by a number of Messengers, Waiters, or by Bills, but that he rose and came forward to meet those that came to wait upon him, staid, talk'd freely and gra∣ciously with all that had Business, they were extreamly taken, won to his Service, and profess'd that he alone was the true Son of Hercules. His common every days Meal was in a mean Room, very sparing, and af∣ter the Laconick manner; and when he en∣tertain'd Ambassadors or Strangers, two more Beds were added, and a little better Dinner provided by his Servants; but no Fricacies, no Dainties, only the dishes were larger, and the Wine more plentiful; for he reprov'd one of his Friends for entertain∣ing

some Strangers with nothing but Pulse and black Broth, such Diet as they usually had in their Phiditia, saying, That upon such occasions, and when they treat Stran∣gers, 'twas not requisite to be too exact Laconians. After Supper, a Stand was brought in with a brass Vessel full of Wine, two silver Pots, which held almost a Quart apiece, a few silver Cups, of which he that pleas'd might drink, but no Liquor was forc'd on any of the Guests. There was no Musick, nor was any requir'd; for he en∣tertain'd the Company, sometimes asking Questions, sometimes telling Stories: And his Discourse was neither too grave, and unpleasantly serious, nor vain and abusive, but merrily facetious; for he thought those ways of catching Men by Gifts and Pre∣sents, which other Kings use, to be mean and inartificial; and it seem'd to him to be the most glorious method, and most suita∣ble to a King to win the Affections of those that came near him, by pleasant Discourse, and unaffected Conversation: for a Friend and Mercenary differ only in this, that the one is made by Conversation and agreeable∣ness of Humour, and the other by Reward. The Mantinoeans were the first that oblig'd him; for getting by night into the Ci∣ty, and driving out the Achoean Garrison, they put themselves under his Protection:

he restor'd them their Polity and Laws, and the same day march'd to Tegea; and a little while after fetching a Compass through Ar∣cadia, he made a Descent upon Pheroe in A∣chaia, intending to force Aratus to a Bat∣tle, or bring him into Disrepute, for refu∣sing to engage, and suffering him to waste the Countrey: Hyperbatus at that time com∣manded the Army, but Aratus had all the Power amongst the Achoeans. The Achoe∣ans marching forth with their whole Strength, and incamping in Dumoeoe, about Hecatomboeum, Cleomenes came up, and thinking it not advisable to pitch between Dumoeoe, a City of the Enemies, and the Camp of the Achoeans, he boldly dar'd the Achoeans, and forc'd them to a Battle, and routing the Phalanx, slew a great many in the Fight, and took many Prisoners; thence marching to Lagon, and driving out the Achoean Garrison, he restor'd the City to the Eloeans. The Affairs of the Achoeans being in this desperate condition, Aratus, who was wont to continue in his Govern∣ment above a year, refus'd the Command, though they entreated and urg'd him to accept it; and this was ill done, when the Storm was high, to put the Power out of his own hands, and set another to the Helm. Cleomenes at first propos'd fair and easie Conditions by his Ambassadors to the A∣choeans;

but afterward he sent others, and requir'd the chief Command to be settled upon him; and in other Matters he pro∣mis'd to agree to reasonable terms, and to restore their Captives and their Countrey. The Achoeans were willing to come to an Agreement upon those terms, and invited Cleomenes to Lerna, where an Assembly was to be held; but it hapned that Cleomenes hastily marching on, and unreasonably drink∣ing Water, brought up abundance of Blood, and lost his Voice: therefore being unable to continue his March, he sent the chiefest of the Captives to the Achoeans, and putting off the Meeting for some time, retir'd to Lacedoemon. This ruin'd the Affairs of Greece, which was just then ready to recover it self out of its Disasters, and avoid the insulting and Covetousness of the Macedonians: for Aratus, whether fearing or distrusting Cleo∣menes, or envying his unlook'd-for Success, or thinking it a disgrace for him who had commanded 33 years, to have a young Man succeed to all his Glory and his Power, and be Head of that Government which he had been raising and settling so many years; he first endeavour'd to keep the Achoeans from closing with Cleomenes; but when they would not hearken to him, fearing Cleome∣nes▪s daring Spirit and thinking the Lace∣doemonian's Proposals to be very reasonable,

who design'd only to reduce Peloponnesus to its old Model, he took his last Refuge, in an Action which was unbecoming any of the Greeks, most dishonourable to him, and most unworthy his former Bravery and Ex∣ploits: for he call'd Antigonus into Greece, and fill'd Peloponnesus with Macedonians, whom he himself, when a Youth, having beaten their Garrison out of the Castle of Corinth, had driven from the same Coun∣trey; beside, he declar'd himself an Enemy to all Kings, and hath left many dishonourable Stories of this same Antigonus, in those Com∣mentaries which he wrote. Aud though he declares, that he suffer'd considerable Losses, and underwent great Dangers, that he might free Athens from the Power of the Macedo∣nians, yet afterward he brought the very same Men arm'd into his own Countrey, and his own House, even to the Womens Apartment. He would not endure, that one of the Family of Hercules, and King of Spar∣ta, and one that had reform'd the Polity of his Countrey, as it were a disorder'd Harmo∣ny, and tun'd it to the plain Dorick measure of Lycurgus, to be styl'd, Head of the Tric∣coeans and Sicyonians; and whilst he fled the Pulse and short Coat, and, which were his chief Accusations against Cleomenes, the ex∣tirpation of Wealth, and reformation of Po∣verty, he basely subjected himself, together

with Achoea, to the Diadem and Purple, to the imperious Commands of the Macedoni∣ans, and their Satrapoe. That he might not seem to be under Cleomenes, he sacrific'd the Antigoneia, (Sacrifices in Honour of Anti∣gonus) and sung Poeans himself with a Gar∣land on his Head, to the Honour of a rotten, consumptive Macedonian.

I write this not out of any Design to dis∣grace Aratus (for in many things he shew'd himself vigorous for the Grecian Interest, and a great Man) but out of pity to the weak∣ness of Humane Nature, which, in such a Person so excellent, and so many ways dis∣pos'd to Vertue, cannot attain to a State ir∣reprehensible. The Achoeans meeting again at Argos, and Cleomenes descending from Tegea, there were great hopes that all Dif∣ferences would be compos'd. But Aratus, Antigonus, and He having already agreed upon the chief Articles of their League, fearing that Cleomenes would carry all be∣fore him, and either win, or force the Mul∣titude to comply with his Demands, pro∣pos'd, that having three hundred Hostages put into his Hands, he should come alone into the Town, or bring his Army to the place of Exercise, call'd Cillarabion, without the City, and treat there.

Cleomenes hearing this, said, That he was unjustly dealt with; for they ought to have

told him so plainly at first, and not now he was come even to their Doors, show their Jealousie, and deny him Admission: And writing an Epistle to the Achoeans about the same Subject; the greatest part of which was an Accusation of Aratus; and Aratus, on the other side, ripping up his Faults to the Assembly, he hastily dislodg'd; and sent a Trumpeter to denounce War against the Achoeans, but not to Argos, but to Aegium, as Aratus delivers, that he might not give them notice enough to make Provision for their Defence. Upon this, the Achoeans were mightily disturb'd, the common Peo∣ple expecting a Division of the Land, and a Release from their Debts; and the chief Men being on many Accounts displeas'd with Ara∣tus, and some angry and at odds with him, as the Occasion of the Macedonians descent on Peloponnesus. Encouraged by these Misun∣derstandings, Cleomenes invades Achoea; and first took Pellene by surprise, and beat out the Achoean Garrison; and afterward brought over Pheneon and Penteloeon to his side. Now the Achoeans suspecting some treacherous Designs at Corinth and Sicyon, sent their Horse and Mercenaries out of Ar∣gos to have an Eye upon those Cities, and they themselves went to Argos to celebrate the Nemean Games. Cleomenes advertis'd of this march, and hoping (as it afterward

fell out) that upon an unexpected Advance to the City now busied in the Solemnity of the Games, and throng'd with nume∣rous Spectators, he should raise a conside∣rable Terror and Confusion amongst them; by night he march'd with his Army to the Walls, and taking the quarter of the Town call'd Aspis, which lies above the Theater, a place well fortify'd, and hard to be ap∣proach'd, he so terrify'd them, that none of∣fer'd to resist, but agreed to accept a Gar∣rison, to give twenty Citizens for Hostages, and to assist the Lacedoemonians, and that he should have the chief Command. This A∣ction considerably encreas'd his Reputation, and his Power; for the ancient Spartan Kings, though they many ways endea∣vour'd to effect it, could never bring Argos to be stedfastly and sincerely theirs. And Pyrrhus a most experienc'd Captain, and brave Souldier, though he enter'd the Ci∣ty by force, could not keep Possession, but was slain himself with a considerable part of his Army: Therefore they admir'd the Dispatch and Contrivance of Cleomenes; and those that before derided him for saying that he imitated Solon and Lycurgus in releasing the People from their Debts, and in equally dividing the Wealth of the Citizens, were now perswaded that he was the cause of the desirable Alterations in the Spartan Com∣mon-wealth:

For before they were very low in the World, and so unable to secure their own, that the Aetolians invading La∣conia, brought away fifty thousand Slaves; (so that one of the elder Spartans is repor∣ted to have said, That they had done Laconia a kindness by unburdening it) and yet a little while after applying themselves to their own Customs, and ancient Institution, they gave notable Instances of Courage and O∣bedience, as if they had been under the Eye of Lycurgus himself; and quickly rais'd Sparta to be Head of all Greece, and reco∣ver'd Peloponnesus to themselves. Whilst Argos was taken, and Cleonoe and Phlius sided with Cleomenes, Aratus was at Corinth searching after some, who were reported to favour the Spartan Interest. The News being brought to him, disturb'd him very much; for he perceiv'd the City inclining to Cleomenes, and the Achoeans willing to be at ease; therefore he call'd all the Citizens in∣to the common Hall, and, as it were, un∣designedly retreating to the Gate, he moun∣ted his Horse that stood ready there, and fled to Sicyon; and the Corinthians made such hast to Cleomenes at Argos, that (as Aratus says) striving who should be first there, they spoil'd all their Horses: And Cleomenes was very angry with the Corinthians for letting Aratus escape: And Megistones came

from Cleomenes to him, desiring him to di∣liver up the Castle of Corinth, which was then garrison'd by the Achoeans, and offer'd him a considerable Sum of Money; and that he answered, That Matters were not now in his Power, but he in theirs. Thus Aratus himself writes. But Cleomenes mar∣ching from Argos, and taking in the Troe∣zenians, Epidaurians, and Hermioneans, came to Corinth, and block'd up the Castle which the Achoeans would not surrender; and sending for Aratus's Friends and Stewards, committed his House and Estate to their Care and Management; and sent Tritimal∣lus the Messenian to him a second time, de∣siring that the Castle might be equally gar∣rison'd by the Spartans and Achoeans, and promising to Aratus himself double the Pen∣sion that he receiv'd from King Ptolemy: But Aratus refusing the Conditions, and sending his own Son with other Hosta∣ges to Antigonus, and perswading the Achoe∣ans to make a Decree for delivering the Castle into Antigonus's Hands, Cleomenes in∣vaded the Territory of the Sicyonians, and by a Decree of the Corinthians, seiz'd on all Aratus's Estate. In the mean time Antigonus, with a great Army, pass'd Gerania, and Cleo∣menes thinking it more advisable to forti∣fie and garrison, not the Isthmus, but the Mountains called Onia, and by a long Siege

and Skirmishes to weary the Macedonians, than to venture a set Battle, put his Design in Execution, which very much distress'd Antigonus; for he had not brought Victuals sufficient for his Army; nor was it easie to force a way through whilst Cleomenes guar∣ded the Pass. He attempted by night to pass through Lechoeum, but fail'd, and lost some Men; so that Cleomenes and his Army, were mightily encouraged, and so flusht with the Victory, that they went merrily to Supper; and Antigonus was very much dejected, being reduc'd to those miserable straits. At last he design'd to march to the Promontory Heroeum, and thence transport his Army in Boats to Sicyon, which would take up a great deal of time, and be very chargeable. The same time about Evening some of Aratus's Friends came from Argos by Sea, and invited him to return, for the Argives would revolt from Cleomenes. Ari∣stotle was the Man that wrought the Revolt; and he had no hard task to perswade the common People; for they were all angry with Cleomenes for not releasing them from theirs Debts as they expected. Upon this Advertisement Aratus with fifteen hundred of Antigonus's Souldiers sail'd to Epidaurus; but Aristotle not staying for his coming, drew out the Citizens, and fought against the Garrison of the Castle, and Timoxenus

with the Achoeans from Sicyon, came to his Assistance. Cleomenes heard the News a∣bout the second Watch of the Night, and sending for Megistones angrily com∣manded him to go and set things right at Argos. This Megistones was the Man who pass'd his word for the Argives Loyalty, and perswaded him not to banish the sus∣pected. This Megistones he dispatch'd with two thousand Souldiers, and observ'd An∣tigonus himself, and encouraged the Corin∣thians, pretending that there was no great matter in the Stirs at Argos, but only a lit∣tle Disturbance rais'd by a few inconsidera∣ble Persons. But when Megistones, entring Argos, was slain, and the Garrison could scarce hold out, and frequent Messengers came to Cleomenes for Succours, he fearing lest the Enemy having taken Argos, should shut up the Passes, and securely waste Laconia, and besiege Sparta it self, which he had left without Forces; he dis∣lodg'd from Corinth, and presently lost that City; for Antigonus entred it, and garrison'd the Town. He turn'd aside from his direct March, and assaulting the Wall of Argos, endeavour'd to break in; and having clear'd a way under the quarter called Aspis, he joyn'd the Garrison which still held out a∣gainst the Achoeans; some parts of the City he scal'd, and took, and his Cretan Archers

clear'd the Streets. But when he saw Anti∣gonus with his Phalanx descending from the Mountains into the Plain, and the Horse on all sides entring the City, he thought it im∣possible to maintain his Post, and therefore with all his Men made a safe Retreat be∣hind the Wall. Having in a short time rais'd himself to a considerable height, and in one March made himself Master of almost all Peloponnesus, and lost all again in as short a time: For some of his Allies presently for∣sook him, and others not long after put themselves under Antigonus's Protection. His Army thus defeated, as he was leading back the Relicks of his Forces, some from Lace∣doemon met him in the Evening at Tegea, and brought him News of as great a Mis∣fortune as that which he had lately suffer'd, and that was the Death of his Wife, whom he doted on so much, that when he was most prosperous, he would ever now and then make a step to Sparta, to visit his belo∣ved Aegiatis.

This News afflicted him extreamly, and he griev'd, as a young Man would do for the loss of a very beautifull and excellent Wife; yet his passion did not debase the greatness of his Mind, but keeping his u∣sual Voice, his Countenance and his Habit, he gave necessary Orders to his Captains, and took care to secure the Tegeans. The

next day he retir'd to Sparta, and having at home with his Mother and Children be∣wail'd the loss, and finish'd his Mourning, he presently appear'd about the publick Af∣fairs of the State. Now Ptolemy, the King of Aegypt, promis'd him Assistance, but de∣manded his Mother and Children for Host∣ages: this for some considerable time he was asham'd to discover to his Mother; and though he often went to her on purpose, and was just upon the Discourse, yet still refrain'd, and kept it to himself? so that she began to suspect somewhat, and ask'd his Friends, Whether Cleomenes had some∣what to say to her, which he was afraid to speak! At last Cleomenes venturing to tell her, she laugh'd heartily, and said, Was this the thing that you had often a mind to tell me; and was afraid? Why do not you put me on ship board, and send this Carkase where it may be most servicable to Sparta, before Age wastes it unprofitably here? Therefore all things being provided for the Voyage, thy went to Toenarus on Foot, and the Army waited on them. Cratesicloea, when she was ready to go on Board, took Cleomenes aside into Neptune's Temple, and embracing him who was very much dejected, and ex∣treamly discompos'd, she said thus, Go to King of Sparta; when we are without door, let none see us weep, or show any Passion below

the Honour and Dignity of Sparta; for that alone is in our own power; as for Success or Disappointments, those wait on us as the Dei∣ty decrees. Having said thus, and compos'd her Countenance, she went to the Ship with her little Grandson, and bad the Pi∣lot put presently out to Sea. When she came to Aegypt, and understood that Pto∣lemy entertain'd Proposals and Overtures of Peace from Antigonus, and that Cleome∣nes, though the Achoeans invited and urg'd him to an Agreement, was afraid, for her sake, to come to any, without Ptolemy's consent, she wrote to him, advising him to do that which was most becoming and most profitable for Sparta, and not for the sake of an old Woman and a little Child, al∣ways stand in fear of Ptolemy: this Chara∣cter she maintain'd in her Misfortunes. An∣tigonus having taken Tegea, and plunder'd Orchomenum and Mantinoea, Cleomenes was shut up within the narrow Bounds of Laconia, and made such of the Heilots as could pay five Attick pounds, free of Sparta, and by that means got together 500 Talents; and arming 2000 after the Macedonian fashion, that he might make a Body fit to oppose Antigonus's Leucaspidoe (white-Shields) he undertook a very considerable and very surprising Enterprize. Megalopolis was at that time a City of it self, as big and as

powerful as Sparta, and had the Forces of the Achoeans and Antigonus incamping on its sides; and it was chiefly the Megalo∣politans doing, that Antigonus was call'd in to assist the Achoeans. Cleomenes having a design upon this City, (no Action was e∣ver more sudden and more unexpected) or∣der'd his Men to take five days Provision, and so march'd to Sellasia, as if he intended to spoil the Countrey of the Argives: but from thence making a descent into the Ter∣ritories of Megalopolis, and refreshing his Army about Rhoetium, he march'd through Helicon, directly to the City. When he was not far off the Town, he sent Panteus with two Regiments to surprize the Meso∣pyrgion, (the Quarter between the two Towers) which he understood to be the most unguarded Quarter of the Megalopoli∣tans Fortifications; and with the rest of his Forces he follow'd leisurely. Panteus, not on∣ly surpriz'd that Place, but finding a great part of the Wall without Guards, he pull'd down some places, and demolish'd others, and kill'd all the Defenders that he found. Whilst he was thus busied, Cleomenes came up to him, and was got with his Army within the City, before the Megalopolitans knew of the Surprize: At last, as soon as it was discover'd, some left the Town im∣mediately, taking with them what Money

they had ready; some arm'd, and engag'd the Enemy; and though they were not a∣ble to beat them out, yet they gave their Citizens time and opportunity safely to retire: so that there were not above 1000 Persons left in the Town, all the rest fly∣ing with their Wives and Children, and escaping to Messena. A great number of those that arm'd and fought the Enemy, were sav'd, and very few taken, amongst whom were Lysandridas and Thearidas, two Men of great Power and Reputation amongst the Megalopolitans; and therefore the Soul∣diers, as soon as they were taken, brought them to Cleomenes: And Lysandridas, as soon as he saw Cleomenes afar off, cry'd out, Now, King of Sparta, 'tis in your power, by doing a most Kingly and braver Action than you have already perform'd, to purchase a con∣siderable Glory. And Cleomenes guessing at his meaning, reply'd, What do you say, Ly∣sandridas, sure you will not advise me to re∣store your City to you again? 'Tis that which I mean, Lysandridas reply'd, and I advise you not to ruine so brave a City, but to fill it with faithful and stedfast Friends and Allies, by restoring their Countrey to the Megalopo∣litans, and being the Saviour of so considera∣ble a People. Cleomenes paus'd a while, and then said, 'Tis very hard to trust so far in these Matters; but with us let Profit always

yield to Glory. Having said this, he sent the two Men to Messena with a Trumpeter from himself, offering the Megalopolitans their City again, if they would forsake the Achoean In∣terest, and be on his side. Though Cleo∣menes made these kind and obliging Propo∣sals, yet Philopoemen would not suffer them to break their League with the Achoeans; and accusing Cleomenes to the People, as if his design was not to restore the City, but to take the Citizens too, he forc'd Theari∣das and Lysandridas to leave Messena.

This was that Philopoemen who was af∣terward Chief of the Achoeans, and a Man of the greatest Reputation amongst the Greeks, as I have made it appear in his own Life. This News coming to Cleomenes, though he had before taken such strict care that the City should not be plunder'd, yet then being in a Fury, and put out of all patience, he rifled them of all their Coin, Plate and Jewels, and sent their Statues and Pictures unto Sparta; and demollishing a great part of the City, he march'd away, for fear of Antigonus and the Achoeans: but they never stirr'd, for they were in Aegium, at a Council of War. There Aratus mount∣ted the Desk, wept along while, and held his Mantle before his Face; and at last the Company being amaz'd, and commanding him, to speak, he said, Megalopolis is ruin▪d

by Cleomenes. The Assembly was presently dissolv'd, the Achoeans being extreamly sur∣priz'd at the suddenness and greatness of the loss; and Antigonus intending to send speedy Succours, when he found his Army to gather very slowly out of their Winter∣quarters, he sent them Orders to continue there still; and he himself march'd to Ar∣gos with a considerable Body of Men. The second enterprize of Cleomenes seem'd to be carry'd on by extream Boldness and un∣accountable Madness; but yet in Polybius's opinion, was done upon mature Deliberati∣on and exact Fore-sight: for knowing very well that the Macedonians were dispers'd in∣to their Winter-quarters, and that Antigo∣nus with his Friends and a few Mercenaries about him winter'd in Argos; upon these Considerations he invaded the Countrey of the Argives, hoping to shame Antigonus to a Battle upon unequal terms; or else if he did not dare to Fight, to bring him into Disre∣pute with the Achoeans. And this accord∣ingly hapned; for Cleomenes wasting, plun∣dring and spoyling the whole Countrey, the Argives vex'd at the loss, ran in Troops to the Palace of the King, and clamour'd that he should either fight, or surrender his Command to better and braver Men. But Antigonus, as became an experienc'd Cap∣tain, accounting it dishonourable, foolishly

to hazzard his Army, and quit his Security, and not so to be abus'd and rail'd at by the Rabble, would not march out against Cleo∣menes, but stood fix'd to the Designs which he had laid: Cleomenes in the mean time brought his Army up to the very Walls, and having uncontroul'dly spoil'd the Countrey, and insulted o'er his Enemies, drew off a∣gain. A little while after being advertis'd that Antigonus design'd for Tegea, and thence to make an Incursion into Laconia, he hastily march'd with his Army another way, and appear'd early in the morning before Argos, and wasted the Fields about it: the Corn he did not cut down with Reaping hooks and Sythes, as Men usually do, but beat it down with great Staves made like Scymetars, as if with a great deal of Contempt and wanton Scorn he spoyl'd the Fields, and wasted the Coun∣trey in his March; yet when his Souldi∣ers would have set Cyllabaris, the School of Exercise, on fire, he hindred the Attempt, reflecting upon serious consideration, that the Outrages committed at Megalopolis, were the effects of his Passion rather than his Wisdom. He pretended to make such little account of, and so much to despise Antigonus, who first retir'd to Argos, and afterwards plac'd Garrisons on all the Mountains round about, that he sent a

Trumpeter to desire the Keys of the Heroe∣um, (Juno's Temple) that he might sacrifice to the Goddess. Thus with a Scoff and bit∣ter Reflection on Antigonus, and having sa∣crific'd to the Goddess, under the Walls of the Temple, which was shut, he march'd to Phlius; and from thence driving out those that garrison'd Hologountum, he march'd down to Orchomenum. And these Enterpri∣zes not only encouraged the Citizens, but made him appear, to the very Enemies to be an experienc'd Captain and very wor∣thy of Command: for with the Strength of one City, not only to fight the Power of the Macedonians, and all the Peloponnesi∣ans; not only to preserve Laconia from be∣ing spoyl'd, but to waste the Enemies Coun∣trey, and to take so many and such consi∣derable Cities, is an Argument of no com∣mon Bravery. He that first said, That Mo∣ney was the sinews of Affairs, seem'd chiefly in that saying to respect War: And Dema∣des, when the Athenians had voted that a Navy should be made ready, but had no Money, said, They should make Bread before they thought of Sayling. And the old Archi∣damus, in the beginning of the Peloponnesi∣an War, when the Allies desir'd, that each Parties share of Contributions for the War should be determin'd, is reported to have said, War cannot be kept to a set Diet: For

as well-breath'd Wrestlers do in time weary and tire out the most active and most skil∣ful Combatant; so Antigonus coming to the War with a great stock of Wealth, wea∣ry'd out Cleomenes, whose Poverty made it difficult for him either to provide Pay for the Mercenaries, or Provisions for the Citi∣zens. For in all other Respects the time favour'd Cleomenes; for Antigonus's Affairs at home began to be disturb'd: for the Bar∣barians wasted and over-ran Macedonia whilst he was absent; and at that time a vast Army of the Illyrians came down: to be freed from whose Outrages, the Ma∣cedonians sent for Antigonus, and the Letters had almost been brought to him before the Battel was fought; upon the receipt of which he presently dislodg'd, and left the Achoeans Affairs to themselves. But Fortune, that loves to determine the greatest Affairs by a Minute, in this Conjuncture show'd such an exact niceness of Time, that imme∣diately after the Battel in Sellasia was over, and Cleomenes had lost his Army and his City, the Messengers reach'd Antigonus. And this made Cleomenes's Misfortune more to be pitied; for if he had forborn fighting two days longer, there had been no need of hazarding a Battel, since upon the de∣parture of the Macedonians, he might have had what Conditions he pleas'd from the A∣choeans▪

But now (as I hinted before) for want of Money, being necessitated to rely whol∣ly on his Arms, he was forc'd with 20000 (this is Polybius's Account) to engage thirty thousand; and approving himself an excel∣lent Commander in this Difficulty, his Ci∣tizens showing an extraordinary Courage, and his Mercenaries Bravery enough; he was overborn by the different way of fight∣ing, and the weight of the Arm'd Phalanx. Besides, Phylarchus affirms, that the Trea∣chery of some about him was the chief Cause of Cleomenes's Ruine. For Antigonus gave Orders, that the Illyrians and Achar∣nanians should march round by a secret way, and encompass the other Wing which Euclei∣das, Cleomenes's Brother, commanded; and then drew out the rest of his Forces to the Battel. And Cleomenes, from a convenient rising, viewing his Order, and not seeing any of the Illyrians and Acharnanians, be∣gan to suspect that Antigonus had sent them upon some such Design; and calling for Damoteles, who was to inspect, and to pro∣vide against Ambushes, commanded him carefully to look after, and discover the Enemies Designs upon his Rear.

But Damoteles (for some say Antigonus had brib'd him) telling him, that he should not be sollicitous about that matter, for all was well enough, but mind, and fight those

that met him in the front. He was satisfi∣ed, and advanc'd against Antigonus; and by the Vigorous Charge of his Spartans, made the Macedonian Phalanx give ground, and press'd upon them with great Advantage about half a mile; but then making a stand, and seeing the danger which the surround∣ed Wing commanded by his Brother Euclei∣das, was in, he cry'd out, Thou art lost, dear Brother, thou art lost, thou brave Ex∣ample to our Spartan Youth, and Theme of our Matron's Songs.

Eucleidas's Wing being thus cut in Pei∣ces, and the Conquerors from that part fall∣ing upon his Battel, he perceiv'd his Souldiers to be disorder'd, and unable to maintain the Fight, and therefore provided for his own safety. When he came into the City, he advised those Citizens that he met, to re∣ceive Antigonus; and as for himself, he said, which should appear most advantageous to Sparta, whether his Life or Death, that he would chuse. Seeing the Women running out to those that fled with him, taking their Arms, and bringing Drink to them, he entred into his own House, and his Ser∣vant, which was a free-born Woman, ta∣ken from Megalopolis after his Wife's Death, offering, as she us'd to do, to make neces∣sary Provision for him returning from the Battel; though he was very thirsty, he re∣fus'd

to drink, and though very weary, to sit down; but arm'd as he was, he clapt his Arm side-way to a Pillar, and leaning his Forehead upon his Elbow, he rested his Body a little while, and ran over in his Thoughts what course he should take, and then with his Friends went presently to Gy∣thium; where finding Ships fitted for the Purpose, they embark'd. Antigonus taking the City, treated the Lacedoemonians cour∣teously, and neither affronting, nor ruining the Dignity of Sparta, but permitting them to enjoy their own Laws and Polity, and sacrificing to the Gods, dislodg'd the third day: for he heard that there was a great War kindled in Macedonia, and that the Country was spoyl'd by the Barbarians; be∣sides, he grew sick of a Consumption and continual Defluxion on the Lungs, yet he still kept up that he might return and free his own Country, and fall more gloriously upon an heap of slaughter'd Barbarians. As Phylarchus says, and 'tis probable, he broke a Vein by shouting in the Battel. In the Plays 'twas said, that after the Victory he cry'd out for Joy, O fine Day! and presently bringing up abundance of Blood, fell into a Fever, and dy'd in a short time. And thus much concerning Antigonus.

Cleomenes sailing from Cytheroe, touch'd at another Island call'd Aegyalia, whence as

he was about to depart for Cyrene, one of his Friends, Therycion by Name, a Man of an haughty Spirit in all Enterprises, and high and boasting in his talk, came pri∣vately to him, and said thus; Sir, Death in Battel, which is the most glorious, we have let go; though all heard us say that Antigo∣nus should never tread over the King of Spar∣ta▪ unless dead; and now that which is next in Bravery and Glory, is presented to us. Whither do we madly sail, flying that which is near, and seeking that which is far remov∣ed? For if it is not dishonourable for the Race of Hercules to serve the Successors of Philip and Alexander, we shall save a long Voyage by delivering our selves up to Antigo∣nus, who, probably, surpasseth Ptolomy as much as the Macedonians do the Aegyptians; but if we think it mean to submit to those whose Arms have conquer'd us, why should we chuse him for our Lord by whom we have not yet been beaten? Is it that instead of one, we might appear meaner than two, whilst we fly Antigonus, and flatter Ptolomy? Or, is it for your Mother's sake that you retreat to Aegypt? It will indeed be a very fine, and very desirable sight for her to be shown her Son by Ptolomy's Women, now chang'd from a Prince into an exile and a Slave. Are we not still Masters of our own Swords? And whilst we have Laconia in view, shall we not

here free our selves from this disgracefull Mise∣ry, and clear our selves to those, who at Sella∣sia dy'd for the Honour and Defence of Spar∣ta? Or, shall we sit lazily in Aegypt enquiring what News from Sparta? and whom Antigo∣nus hath been pleas'd to make Governour of Lacedaemon? Thus spoke Therycion; and this was Cleomenes's Reply; By seeking Death, you Coward, the most easie, and most ready Refuge, you fansie that you shall appear coura∣geous and brave, though this Flight is baser than thy former. Better Men than we have given way to their Enemies, having been be∣tray'd by Fortune, or oppress'd by Multitude; but he that sinks under Labour or Afflictions, the Opinions or Reproaches of Men, is over∣come by his own Effeminacy and Softness: For a voluntary Death ought not to be chosen as a Relief from Action, but as an Exemplary Action it self, and 'tis base either to live or to die only to our selves. That death to which you now invite us, is propos'd only as a release from our present Miseries, but carries nothing of Bravery or Profit in it. And I think it becomes both me and you not to despair of our Country; but when there are no hopes of that left, those that have an Inclination may quick∣ly die. To this Therycion return'd no An∣swer; but as soon as he could get out of Cleomenes's Company, went toward the Shore, and ran himself through. But Cleo∣menes

sailed from Aegialia, landed in Libya, and being honourably conducted through the King's Country, came to Alexandria. When he was first brought to Ptolomy, no more than common Civilities, and usual Ceremonies were paid him; but when; up∣on tryal, he found him a Man of deep Sense, and great Reason, and that his plain Laco∣nick way of Conversation carried a free Pleasantness with it, that he did nothing unbecoming the greatness of his Birth, nor bent under Fortune, and appear'd a more faithful Councellor, than those who made it their business to please and flatter; he was asham'd, and repented that he had neglected so great a Man, and suffer'd An∣tigonus to get so much Power and Reputa∣tion by ruining him. Therefore he heap'd up Honours and Kindnesses on Cleomenes, and gave him Hopes that he would furnish him with an Army and a Navy to recover Greece, and re-instate him in is Throne. Besides, he allow'd him a yearly Pension of four and twenty Talents; a little part of which Sum supply'd his and his Friends thrifty Temperance; and the rest was im∣ploy'd in doing good Offices to, and in relieving the Necessities of those that fled Greece, and retir'd into Aegypt.

But the elder Ptolomy dying before Cleo∣menes's Affairs had receiv'd a full Dispatch,

and the Successor being a loose, voluptuous and effeminate Prince, under the power of his Pleasures and his Women, his Busi∣ness was neglected: for the King was so be∣sotted with his Women and his Wine, that Balls, Musick and Dancing, were the only Employments of his most busie and serious hours, and the greatest Affairs of State were managed by Agathoclea the King's Mistress, her Mother, and the Pimp Oinanthes. There∣fore at the first they seem'd to stand in need of Cleomenes; for Ptolomy being afraid of his Brother Magas, who by his Mother's means had a great Interest amongst the Souldiers, took Cleomenes into his Cabinet∣Council, and acquainted him with the De∣sign of taking off his Brother. He, though all were for it, declar'd his opinion to the contrary, saying The King, if it were possible, should have more Brothers for the better securi∣ty and management of his Affairs: And Sosibi∣us, the greatest Favourite, replying, That they were not secure of the Mercenaries whilst Magas was alive; Cleomenes return'd▪ That he ne••d not trouble himself about that Matter, for amongst the Mercenaries there were above 3000 Peloponnesians, who were his fast Friends, and whom he could command at any time with a Nod. This Discourse made Cleomenes for the present to be look'd upon as a Man of Integrity and Power; but after∣wards

(Ptolemy's Weakness increasing his Fear, and, as it usually happens, where there is no Judgment and Wisdom at the bot∣tom, placing his Security in Jealousie and Suspicion) rendred Cleomenes suspected to the Courtiers, as having too much Interest with the Mercenaries; and many had this Saying in their mouths, That he was a Li∣on midst a flock of Sheep: for such he seem'd to be in the Court, slyly overlooking and taking notice of the management of Affairs; therefore when he desir'd a Navy and an Ar∣my from the King, his Petition was reject∣ed. But when he understood that Antigonus was dead, that the Achoeans were engaged in a War with the Aetolians, and that the Af∣fairs of Peloponnesus, being now in very great Distraction and Distress, requir'd and invi∣ted his Assistance, he desir'd leave to depart only with his Friends, but could not obtain that, the King not so much as hearing his Petition, being shut up amongst his Women, and wasting his Hours in Debauchery and Frolicks. But Sosibius, the chief Mini∣ster of State, thought that Cleomenes being detain'd against his will, would grow ungo∣vernable and dangerous, and yet that it was not safe to let him go, being an aspi∣ring▪ daring Man, and well acquainted with the Diseases and Weakness of the Kingdom; for no Presents, no Gifts, could win him

to a Compliance. But as the Ox Apis, though revelling in all possible plenty and delight, yet desires to live as nature would provide for him, to be at liberty, and frisk about the Fields, and can scarce endure to be under the Priests keeping; so he could not brook their Courtship, and tender Entertain∣ment, but like Achilles.

Whilst there, his heart did wast with secret grief, And he was eager for the noisy Wars.

His Affairs standing in this condition, Ni∣cagoras the Messenian came to Alexandria, a Man that deeply hated Cleomenes, yet pre∣tended to be his Friend; for he had for∣merly sold Cleomenes a fair Estate, but ne∣ver receiv'd the Money, because Cleomenes was either unable, (as it may be) or else by reason of his engagement in the Wars and other Distractions, had no time to pay him. Cleomenes seeing him landing, (for he was then walking upon the Key) kindly saluted him, and ask'd, What Business brought him to Aegypt? Nicagoras return'd his Com∣plement, and told him, That he came to bring some excellent War-horses to the King. And Cleomenes with a Smile subjoyn'd, I wish you had rather brought Pimps, Whores and Pathicks; for those now are the King's chief Delight. Nicagoras at the present smil'd at the Conceit; but a few days after

he put Cleomenes in mind of the Estate that he had bought of him, and desir'd his Mo∣ney, protesting that he would not have troubled him, if his Merchandize had turn'd to that Account, which he thought it would. Cleomenes reply'd, That he had not a penny left of all that had been given him: At which Answer Nicagoras being nettled, told Sosibi∣us Cleomenes's Scoff upon the King. He caress'd him for the Discovery, but desiring to have some greater Reason to excite the King against Cleomenes, perswaded Nicagoras to leave a Letter written against Cleomenes, importing that he had a Design, if he could have gotten Ships and Souldiers, to surprize Cyrene: Nicagoras wrote such a Letter, and left Aegypt. Four days after Sosibius brought the Letter to Ptolomy, pretending it was just then delivered him, and with a bitter Invective excited the Fury of the Youth; upon this it was agreed, that Cleomenes should be invited into a large Apartment and treated as formerly, but not suffer'd to go out again: this Usage was grievous to Cleomenes, and by this unlucky Accident, his Hopes for the future seem'd to be quite dash'd. Ptolomy, the Son of Chrysermas, a Favourite of the King's, always carried him∣self fairly towards Cleomenes; they contracted a near Acquaintance, and would talk freely together about the State. He upon Cleome∣nes's

Desire came to him, had some Dis∣course with him, upon a few and inconside∣rable Subjects, to avoid suspicion, and made some Excuses for the King; but as he went out again, not knowing that Cleomenes fol∣low'd him to the Door, he very severely re∣primanded the Keepers, for their Carelessness in looking after so great and so furious a wild Beast. This Cleomenes himself heard, and retiring before Ptolomy perceiv'd it, told his Friends what he had heard. Upon this they cast off all their former Hopes, and determin'd for violent Proceedings, re∣solving to be reveng'd on Ptolomy for his base and unjust Dealing, to have satisfaction for the Affronts, to die as it became Spar∣tans, and not stay till, like fatted Sacrifices, they were butcher'd: for 'twas both grievous and dishonourable for Cleomenes, who had scorn'd to come to Terms with Antigonus, a brave Warriour, and a Man of Action, to wait an effeminate King's leisure, till he should lay aside his Fiddle, and end his Dance, and then kill him. These Courses being resolv'd on, and Ptolomy hapning at the same time to make a Progress to Canopus, they first spread abroad a Report, that his Free∣dom was order'd by the King; and it being the King's custom, to send Presents and an Entertainment to those whom he would free, Cleomenes's Friends made that provisi∣on,

and sent it into the Prison, thereby deceiving the Keepers, who thought it had been sent by the King; for he sacri∣fic'd, and gave them large Portions, and with a Crown upon his Head feasted and made merry with his Friends: 'tis said, that he began the Action sooner than he design'd, having understood that a Servant of one of the Accomplices lay abroad with a Mistress that he lov'd. This made him afraid of a Discovery; and therefore as soon as it was full Noon, and all the Keepers drunk and fast asleep, he put on his Coat, and opening the Seam on his right Shoulder, with his drawn Sword in his hand he issued forth, together with his Friends, provided in the same manner, making 13 in all. One of them, by Name Hippotas, was lame, he fol∣low'd the first Onset very well; but when afterward he perceiv'd that they were more slow in their Advances for his sake, he de∣sir'd them to run him through, and not ruine their Enterprize, by staying for an useless, unprofitable Man. By chance an Alexandrian was then riding by the Door, him they threw off, and setting Hippotas on Horseback, ran through the narrow Lanes, and proclaim'd Liberty to the People; but they, it seems, had Courage enough to praise and admire Cleomenes's Daring, but not one had the heart to follow and assist him. Three

of them fell on Ptolomy, the Son of Chryser∣mas, as he was coming out of the Palace, and kill'd him: Another Ptolomy, the Lieu∣tenant of the City, advancing against them in a Chariot, they set upon, dispers'd his Guards and Attendants, and pulling him out of the Chariot, kill'd him upon the Place. Then they made toward the Castle, design∣ing to break open the Prison, and take the Prisoners to their Assistance; but the Keepers were too quick for them, and secur'd the Passages. Being baffled in this Attempt, Cleomenes with his Company roam'd about the City, none joyning with him, but all re∣treating from, and flying his Approach: therefore despairing of Success, and saying to his Friends, That it was no wonder that Women rul'd o'er those Men that fled Liber∣ty, he excited them all to die as bravely as became his Followers, and Men of their glo∣rious Performances. This said, Hippotas was first, as he desir'd, run through by one of the young Men, and then each of them readily and resolutely fell upon his own Sword, except Panteus, that Panteus that first surpriz'd Megalopolis. This Man being a very handsom Person, and a better Compa∣nion▪ than any of the Youth, the King lov'd, and bad him, when he had seen him and the rest fall'n, die by their Example. Panteus walk'd over them as they lay, and

prick'd every one with his Dagger, to try whether any was alive; when he prick'd Cleomenes in the Leg, and saw him turn up∣on his Back, he kiss'd him, sate down by him, and when he was quite dead, cover'd his Carkase, and then kill'd himself upon his Body.

Thus fell Cleomenes that great, brave Man, after he had been King of Sparta sixteen Years. The News of their Fall being nois'd through the City, Cratesiclaea, though a Wo∣man of a great Spirit, could not bear up a∣gainst the insupportable weight of this Af∣fliction; but embracing Cleomenes's Children, made grievous Lamentations; but the eldest Boy, none suspecting such a Spirit in a Child, threw himself headlong from the top of the House; he was bruis'd very much, but not kill'd by the Fall, and was taken up crying, and expressing his Resentments for not be∣ing permitted to destroy himself. Ptolomy, as soon as an Account of the Action was brought him, gave order that Cleomenes's Body should be flea'd and hung up; that his Children, Mother, and the Women that were with her, should be kill'd. Amongst those was Panteus's Wife, a very fair Wo∣men, and of a stately Carriage, who had been but newly married, and suffer'd these Disasters in the height of her Love. Her Parents would not let her embark with Pan∣teus

presently after they were married, though she eargerly desir'd it, but shut her up, and kept her by Violence at home; yet a few days after she got an Horse and a little Money, and escaping by Night, made speed to Taenarus where she embark'd for Aegypt, came to her Husband, and with him chear∣fully endur'd to live in a foreign Country. She led Cratesiclaea as she was going with the Souldiers to Execution, held up her Train, and begg'd her to be courageous, who of her self was not in the least afraid of Death, and desir'd nothing else, but only to be kill'd before the Children. When they were come to the Place of Execution, the Children were first kill'd before Cratesiclaea's Eyes, and afterwards she her self, with only these words in her Mouth; O Children, whither are you gone? But Panteus's Wife girded her Garments close to her, and be∣ing a strong Women, without any Noise or Lamentation, lookt after every one that was slain, and wound them up as well as her present Circumstances would permit; and after all were kill'd, dressing her self, bound her clothes close about her, and suffering none to come near, or be an Eye-witness of her Fall, besides the Executioner, she cou∣rageously submitted to the stroak, and want∣ed no Body to look after her, or wind her up after she was dead. Thus in her Death

the Modesty of her Mind appear'd, and set that Guard upon her Body, which she al∣ways kept when alive: And she in the de∣clining Age of the Spartans shew'd, that Women were no unequal Rivals of the Men, and was on Instance of such a Courage as would not sneak to the Affronts of Fortune. A few days after, those that watch'd the hanging Body of Cleomenes, saw a very great Snake winding about his Head, and cover∣ing his Face, so that no Bird of Prey would fly at it. This made the King superstitiously afraid, and set the Women upon several Lustrations, as if he had been an extraor∣dinary Man, and one belov'd by the Gods that had been slain. And the Alexandrians made Processions to the Place, and gave Cleomenes the Title of Hero, and Son of the Gods, till the Philosophers satisfied them by saying, That as Oxen breed Bees, putrifying Horses Breed Hornets, and Beetles rise from the Carkasses of dead Asses, so the Humours and Juices of the Marrow of a Man's Body coagulating, produce Serpents. And this the Ancients observing, appropriated a Serpent rather than any other Creature to Hero's.