Whentheenemyessayedtogetovertheriver，andthencetoattackthetown，Agesilaus，abandoningtherest，betookhimselftothehighplacesandstrongholdsofit。ButithappenedEurotasatthattimewasswollentoagreatheightwithsnowthathadfallenandmadethepassageverydifficulttotheThebans，notonlybyitsdepth，butmuchmorebyitsextremecoldness。Whilstthiswasdoing，Epaminondaswasseeninthefrontofthephalanx，andwaspointedouttoAgesilaus，wholookedlongathim，andsaidbutthesewords，"Oboldman！"Butwhenhecametothecity，andwouldhavefainattemptedsomethingwithinthelimitsofitthatmightraisehimatrophythere，hecouldnottemptAgesilausoutofhishold，butwasforcedtomarchoffagain，wastingthecountryashewent。

Meanwhile，abodyoflongdiscontentedandbadcitizens，abouttwohundredinnumber，havinggotintoastrongpartofthetowncalledtheIssorion，wherethetempleofDianastands，seizedandgarrisonedit。TheSpartanswouldhavefallenupontheminstantly；butAgesilaus，notknowinghowfartheseditionmightreach，badethemforbear，andgoinghimselfinhisordinarydress，withbutoneservant，whenhecameneartherebels，calledout，andtoldthemthattheymistooktheirorders；thiswasnottherightplace；theyweretogo，onepartofthemthither，showingthemanotherplaceinthecity，andparttoanother，whichhealsoshowed。Theconspiratorsgladlyheardthis，thinkingthemselvesunsuspectedoftreason，andreadilywentofftotheplaceswhichheshowedthem。

WhereuponAgesilausplacedintheirroomaguardofhisown；andoftheconspiratorsheapprehendedfifteen，andputthemtodeathinthenight。ButafterthisamuchmoredangerousconspiracywasdiscoveredofSpartancitizens，whohadprivatelymetineachother’shouses，plottingarevolution。Theseweremenwhomitwasequallydangeroustoprosecutepubliclyaccordingtolawandtoconniveat。AgesilaustookcouncilwiththeEphors，andputthesealsotodeathprivatelywithoutprocess；athingneverbeforeknowninthecaseofanybornSpartan。

Atthistime，also，manyofthehelotsandcountrypeople，whowereinthearmy，ranawaytotheenemy，whichwasamatterofgreatconsternationtothecity。Hethereforecausedsomeofficersofhis，everymorning，beforeday，tosearchthequartersofthesoldiers，andwhereanymanwasgone，tohidehisarms，thatsothegreatnessofthenumbermightnotappear。

HistoriansdifferaboutthecauseoftheThebans’departurefromSparta。Somesaythewinterforcedthem；asalsothattheArcadiansoldiersdisbanding，madeitnecessaryfortheresttoretire。

Otherssaythattheystayedtherethreemonths，tilltheyhadlaidthewholecountrywaste。TheopompusistheonlyauthorwhosaysthatwhentheBoeotiangeneralshadalreadyresolvedupontheretreat，Phrixus，theSpartan，cametothem，andofferedthemfromAgesilaustentalentstobegone，sohiringthemtodowhattheywerealreadydoingoftheirownaccord。HowhealoneshouldcometobeawareofthisIknownot；onlyinthisallauthorsagree，thatthesavingofSpartafromruinwaswhollyduetothewisdomofAgesilaus，whointhisextremityofaffairsquittedallhisambitionandhishaughtiness，andresolvedtoplayasavinggame。Butallhiswisdomandcouragewasnotsufficienttorecoverthegloryofit，andtoraiseittoitsancientgreatness。Forasweseeinhumanbodies，longusedtoaverystrictandtooexquisitelyregulardiet，anysinglegreatdisorderisusuallyfatal；sohereonestrokeoverthrewthewholestate’slongprosperity。Norcanwebesurprisedatthis。

Lycurgushadformedapolityadmirablydesignedforthepeace，harmony，andvirtuouslifeofthecitizens；andtheirfallcamefromtheirassumingforeigndominionandarbitrarysway，thingswhollyundesirable，inthejudgmentofLycurgus，forawell—conductedandhappystate。

Agesilausbeingnowinyears，gaveoverallmilitaryemployments；

buthisson，Archidamus，havingreceivedhelpfromDionysiusofSicily，gaveagreatdefeattotheArcadians，inthefightknownbythenameoftheTearlessBattle，inwhichtherewasagreatslaughteroftheenemywithoutthelossofoneSpartan。Yetthisvictory，morethananythingelse，discoveredthepresentweaknessofSparta；forheretoforevictorywasesteemedsousualathingwiththemthatfortheirgreatestsuccessestheymerelysacrificedacocktothegods。Thesoldiersnevervaunted，nordidthecitizensdisplayanygreatjoyatthenews；evenwhenthegreatvictory，describedbyThucydides，wasobtainedatMantinea，themessengerthatbroughtthenewshadnootherrewardthanapieceofmeat，sentbythemagistratesfromthecommontable。ButatthenewsofthisArcadianvictorytheywerenotabletocontainthemselves；Agesilauswentoutinprocessionwithtearsofjoyinhiseyestomeetandembracehisson，andallthemagistratesandpublicofficersattendedhim。TheoldmenandthewomenmarchedoutasfarastheriverEurotas，liftinguptheirhands，andthankingthegodsthatSpartawasnowclearedagainofthedisgraceandindignitythathadbefallenher，andoncemoresawthelightofday。Sincebefore，theytellus，theSpartanmen，outofshameattheirdisasters，didnotdaresomuchastolooktheirwivesintheface。

WhenEpaminondasrestoredMessene，andrecalledfromallquarterstheancientcitizenstoinhabitit，theywerenotabletoobstructthedesign，beingnotinconditionofappearinginthefieldagainstthem。

ButitwentgreatlyagainstAgesilausinthemindsofhiscountrymen，whentheyfoundsolargeaterritory，equaltotheirownincompass，andforfertilitytherichestofallGreece，whichtheyhadenjoyedsolong，takenfromtheminhisreign。ThereforeitwasthatthekingbrokeofftreatywiththeThebanswhentheyofferedhimpeace，ratherthansethishandtothepassingawayofthatcountry，thoughitwasalreadytakenfromhim。Whichpointofhonourhadliketohavecosthimdear；fornotlongafterhewasoverreachedbyastratagem，whichhadalmostamountedtothelossofSparta。ForwhentheMantineansagainrevoltedfromThebestoSparta，andEpaminondasunderstoodthatAgesilauswascometotheirassistancewithapowerfularmy，heprivatelyinthenightquittedhisquartersofTegea，and，unknowntotheMantineans，passingbyAgesilaus，marchedtowardSparta，insomuchthathefailedverylittleoftakingitemptyandunarmed。

AgesilaushadintelligencesenthimbyEuthynus，theThespian，asCallisthenessays，butXenophonsaysbyaCretan；andimmediatelydespatchedahorsemantoLacedaemontoapprisethemofit，andtoletthemknowthathewashasteningtothem。ShortlyafterhisarrivaltheThebanscrossedtheEurotas。Theymadeanassaultuponthetown，andwerereceivedbyAgesilauswithgreatcourage，andwithexertionsbeyondwhatwastobeexpectedathisyears。Forhedidnotnowfightwiththatcautionandcunningwhichheformerlymadeuseof，butputalluponadesperatepush；which，thoughnothisusualmethod，succeededsowell，thatherescuedthecityoutoftheveryhandsofEpaminondas，andforcedhimtoretire，and，attheerectionofatrophy，wasable，inthepresenceoftheirwivesandchildren，todeclarethattheLacedaemonianshadnoblypaidtheirdebttotheircountry，andparticularlyhissonArchidamus，whohadthatdaymadehimselfillustrious，bothbyhiscourageandagilityofbody，rapidlypassingaboutbytheshortlanestoeveryendangeredpoint，andeverywheremaintainingthetownagainsttheenemywithbutfewtohelphim。

Isadas，however，thesonofPhoebidas，musthavebeen，Ithink，theadmirationoftheenemyaswellasofhisfriends。Hewasayouthofremarkablebeautyandstature，intheveryflowerofthemostattractivetimeoflife，whentheboyisjustrisingintotheman。

Hehadnoarmsuponhimandscarcelyclothes；hehadjustanointedhimselfathome，when，uponthealarm，withoutfurtherawaiting，inthatundress，hesnatchedaspearinonehandandaswordintheother，andbrokehiswaythroughthecombatantstotheenemies，strikingatallhemet。Hereceivednowound，whetheritwerethataspecialdivinecarerewardedhisvalourwithanextraordinaryprotection，orwhetherhisshapebeingsolargeandbeautiful，andhisdresssounusual，theythoughthimmorethanaman。TheEphorsgavehimagarland；butassoonastheyhaddoneso，theyfinedhimathousanddrachmasforgoingouttobattleunarmed。

AfewdaysafterthistherewasanotherbattlefoughtnearMantinea，inwhichEpaminondas，havingroutedthevanoftheLacedaemonians，waseagerinthepursuitofthem，whenAnticrates，theLaconian，woundedhimwithaspear，saysDioscorides；buttheSpartanstothisdaycalltheposterityofthisAnticrates，swordsmen，becausehewoundedEpaminondaswithasword。TheysodreadedEpaminondaswhenliving，thattheslayerofhimwasembracedandadmiredbyall；theydecreedhonoursandgiftstohim，andanexemptionfromtaxestohisposterity，aprivilegeenjoyedatthisdaybyCallicrates，oneofhisdescendants。

Epaminondasbeingslain，therewasageneralpeaceagainconcluded，fromwhichAgesilaus’spartyexcludedtheMessenians，asmenthathadnocity，andthereforewouldnotletthemsweartotheleague；towhichwhentherestoftheGreeksadmittedthem，theLacedaemoniansbrokeoff，andcontinuedthewaralone，inhopesofsubduingtheMessenians。InthisAgesilauswasesteemedastubbornandheadstrongman，andinsatiableofwar，whotooksuchpainstounderminethegeneralpeace，andtoprotractthewaratatimewhenhehadnotmoneytocarryitonwith，butwasforcedtoborrowofhisfriendsandraisesubscriptions，withmuchdifficulty，whilethecity，aboveallthings，neededrepose。AndallthistorecovertheonepoortownofMessene，afterhehadlostsogreatanempirebothbyseaandland，astheSpartanswerepossessedofwhenhebegantoreign。

Butitaddedstillmoretohisill—reputewhenheputhimselfintotheserviceofTachos，theEgyptian。Theythoughtittoounworthyofamanofhishighstation，whowasthenlookeduponasthefirstcommanderinallGreece，whohadfilledallcountrieswithhisrenown，tolethimselfouttohiretoabarbarian，anEgyptianrebel（forTachoswasnobetter），andtofightforpay，ascaptainonlyofabandofmercenaries。If，theysaid，atthoseyearsofeightyandodd，afterhisbodyhadbeenwornoutwithage，andenfeebledwithwounds，hehadresumedthatnobleundertaking，theliberationoftheGreeksfromPersia，ithadbeenworthyofsomereproof。Tomakeanactionhonourable，itoughttobeagreeabletotheageandothercircumstancesoftheperson；sinceitiscircumstanceandpropermeasurethatgiveanactionitscharacter，andmakeiteithergoodorbad。ButAgesilausvaluednotothermen’sdiscourses；hethoughtnopublicemploymentdishonourable；theignoblestthinginhisesteemwasforamantositidleanduselessathome，waitingforhisdeathtocomeandtakehim。Themoney，therefore，thathereceivedfromTachos，helaidoutinraisingmen，withwhom，havingfilledhisships，hetookalsothirtySpartancounsellorswithhim，asformerlyhehaddoneinhisAsiaticexpedition，andsetsailforEgypt。

AssoonashearrivedinEgypt，allthegreatofficersofthekingdomcametopaytheircomplimentstohimathislanding。Hisreputation，beingsogreat，hadraisedtheexpectationofthewholecountry，andcrowdsflockedintoseehim；butwhentheyfound，insteadofthesplendidprincewhomtheylookedfor，alittleoldmanofcontemptibleappearance，withoutceremonylyingdownuponthegrass，incoarseandthreadbareclothes，theyfellintolaughterandscornofhim，cryingoutthattheoldproverbwasnowmadegood，"Themountainhadbroughtforthamouse。"Theywereyetmoreastonishedathisstupidity，astheythoughtit，who，whenpresentsweremadehimofallsortsofprovisions，tookonlythemeal，thecalves，andthegeese，butrejectedthesweetmeats，theconfections，andperfumes:andwhentheyurgedhimtotheacceptanceofthem，tookthemandgavethemtothehelotsinhisarmy。Yethewastaken，Theophrastustellsus，withthegarlandstheymadeofthepapyrus，becauseoftheirsimplicity，andwhenhereturnedhome，hedemandedoneoftheking，whichhecarriedwithhim。

WhenhejoinedwithTachos，hefoundhisexpectationofbeinggeneral—in—chiefdisappointed。Tachosreservedthatplaceforhimself，makingAgesilausonlycaptainofthemercenaries，andChabrias，theAthenian，commanderofthefleet。Thiswasthefirstoccasionofhisdiscontent，buttherefollowedothers；hewascompelleddailytosubmittotheinsolenceandvanityofthisEgyptian，andwasatlengthforcedtoattendhimintoPhoenicia，inaconditionmuchbelowhischaracteranddignity，whichheboreandputupwithforatime，tillhehadopportunityofshowinghisfeelings。ItwasaffordedhimbyNectanabis，thecousinofTachos，whocommandedalargeforceunderhim，andshortlyafterdesertedhim，andwasproclaimedkingbytheEgyptians。ThismaninvitedAgesilaustojoinhisparty，andthelikehedidtoChabrias，offeringgreatrewardstoboth。Tachos，suspectingit，immediatelyappliedhimselfbothtoAgesilausandChabrias，withgreathumilitybeseechingtheircontinuanceinhisfriendship。Chabriasconsentedtoit，anddidwhathecouldbypersuasionandgoodwordstokeepAgesilauswiththem。Buthegavethisshortreply，"You，OChabrias，camehitheravolunteer，andmaygoandstayasyouseecause；butIamtheservantofSparta，appointedtoheadtheEgyptians，andthereforeIcannotfightagainstthosetowhomIwassentasafriend，unlessIamcommandedtodosobymycountry。"Thisbeingsaid，hedespatchedmessengerstoSparta，whoweresufficientlysuppliedwithmatterbothfordispraiseofTachosandcommendationofNectanabis。ThetwoEgyptiansalsosenttheirambassadorstoLacedaemon，theonetoclaimcontinuanceoftheleaguealreadymade，theothertomakegreatoffersforthebreakingofit，andmakinganewone。TheSpartanshavingheardbothsides，gaveintheirpublicanswer，thattheyreferredthewholemattertoAgesilaus；butprivatelywrotetohimtoactasheshouldfinditbestfortheprofitofthecommonwealth。Uponreceiptofhisorders，heatoncechangedsides，carryingallthemercenarieswithhimtoNectanabis，covering，withtheplausiblepretenceofactingforthebenefitofhiscountry，amostquestionablepieceofconduct，which，strippedofthatdisguise，inrealtruthwasnobetterthandownrighttreachery。ButtheLacedaemonians，whomakeittheirfirstprincipleofactiontoservetheircountry’sinterest，knownotanythingtobejustorunjustbyanymeasurebutthat。

Tachos，beingthusdesertedbythemercenaries，fledforit；uponwhichanewkingoftheMendesianprovincewasproclaimedhissuccessor，andcameagainstNectanabiswithanarmyofonehundredthousandmen。Nectanabis，inhistalkwithAgesilaus，professedtodespisethemasnewlyraisedmen，who，thoughmanyinnumber，wereofnoskillinwarbeingmostofthemmechanicsandtradesmen，neverbredtowar。TowhomAgesilausanswered，thathedidnotfeartheirnumbers，butdidfeartheirignorance，whichgavenoroomforemployingstratagemagainstthem。Stratagemonlyavailswithmenwhoarealivetosuspicion，and，expectingtobeassailed，exposethemselvesbytheirattemptsatdefence；butonewhohasnothoughtorexpectationofanything，givesaslittleopportunitytotheenemyashewhostandsstock—stilldoestoawrestler。TheMendesianwasnotwantinginsolicitationsofAgesilaus，insomuchthatNectanabisgrewjealous。ButwhenAgesilausadvisedtofighttheenemyatonce，sayingitwasfollytoprotractthewarandrelyontime，inacontestwithmenwhohadnoexperienceinfightingbattles，butwiththeirgreatnumbersmightbeabletosurroundthem，andcutofftheircommunicationsbyentrenchments，andanticipatetheminmanymattersofadvantage，thisaltogetherconfirmedhiminhisfearsandsuspicions。Hetookquitethecontrarycourse，andretreatedintoalargeandstronglyfortifiedtown。Agesilaus，findinghimselfmistrusted，tookitveryill，andwasfullofindignation，yetwasashamedtochangesidesbackagain，ortogoawaywithouteffectinganything，sothathewasforcedtofollowNectanabisintothetown。

Whentheenemycameup，andbegantodrawlinesaboutthetown，andtoentrench，theEgyptiannowresolveduponabattleoutoffearofasiege。AndtheGreekswereeagerforit，provisionsgrowingalreadyscarceinthetown。WhenAgesilausopposedit，theEgyptiansthensuspectedhimmuchmore，publiclycallinghimthebetrayeroftheking。ButAgesilaus，beingnowsatisfiedwithinhimself，borethesereproachespatiently，andfollowedthedesignwhichhehadlaid，ofover—reachingtheenemy，whichwasthis。

Theenemywereformingadeepditchandhighwall，resolvingtoshutupthegarrisonandstarveit。Whentheditchwasbroughtalmostquiteroundandthetwoendshadallbutmet，hetooktheadvantageofthenightandarmedallhisGreeks。ThengoingtotheEgyptian，"This，youngman，isyouropportunity，"saidhe，"ofsavingyourself，whichI

allthiswhiledurstnotannounce，lestdiscoveryshouldpreventit；

butnowtheenemyhas，athisowncost，andthepainsandlabourofhisownmen，providedforoursecurity。Asmuchofthiswallasisbuiltwillpreventthemfromsurroundinguswiththeirmultitude，thegapyetleftwillbesufficientforustosallyoutby；nowplaytheman，andfollowtheexampletheGreekswillgiveyou，andbyfightingvaliantlysaveyourselfandyourarmy；theirfrontwillnotbeabletostandagainstus，andtheirrearwearesufficientlysecuredfrombyawalloftheirownmaking。"

Nectanabis，admiringthesagacityofAgesilaus，immediatelyplacedhimselfinthemiddleoftheGreektroops，andfoughtwiththem；anduponthefirstchargesoonroutedtheenemy。Agesilaushavingnowgainedcreditwiththeking，proceededtouse，likeatrickinwrestling，thesamestratagemoveragain。Hesometimespretendedaretreat，atothertimesadvancedtoattacktheirflanks，andbythismeansatlastdrewthemintoaplaceenclosedbetweentwoditchesthatwereverydeepandfullofwater。Whenhehadthematthisadvantage，hesoonchargedthem，drawingupthefrontofhisbattleequaltothespacebetweenthetwoditches，sothattheyhadnowayofsurroundinghim，beingenclosedthemselvesonbothsides。Theymadebutlittleresistance；manyfell，othersfledandweredispersed。

Nectanabis，beingthussettledandfixedinhiskingdom，withmuchkindnessandaffectioninvitedAgesilaustospendhiswinterinEgypt，buthemadehastehometoassistinwarsofhisowncountry，whichwas，heknew，inwantofmoney，andforcedtohiremercenaries，whilsttheirownmenwerefightingabroad。Theking，therefore，dismissedhimveryhonourably，andamongothergiftspresentedhimwithtwohundredandthirtytalentsofsilvertowardthechargeofthewar。Buttheweatherbeingtempestuous，hisshipskeptinshore，andpassingalongthecoastofAfricahereachedanuninhabitedspotcalledthePortofMenelaus，andhere，whenhisshipswerejustuponlanding，heexpired，beingeighty—fouryearsold，andhavingreignedinLacedaemonforty—one。ThirtyofwhichyearshepassedwiththereputationofbeingthegreatestandmostpowerfulmanofallGreece，andwaslookeduponas，inamanner，generalandkingofit，untilthebattleofLeuctra。ItwasthecustomoftheSpartanstoburytheircommondeadintheplacewheretheydied，whatsoevercountryitwas，buttheirkingstheycarriedhome。ThefollowersofAgesilaus，forwantofhoney，enclosedhisbodyinwax，andsoconveyedhimtoLacedaemon。

Hisson，Archidamus，succeededhimonhisthrone；sodidhisposteritysuccessivelytoAgis，thefifthfromAgesilaus；whowasslainbyLeonidaswhileattemptingtorestoretheancientdisciplineofSparta。

THEEND

75AD

AGIS

264—241B。C。

byPlutarchtranslatedbyJohnDrydenTHEfableofIxion，who，embracingacloudinsteadofJuno，begottheCentaurs，hasbeeningeniouslyenoughsupposedtohavebeeninventedtorepresenttousambitiousmen，whoseminds，dotingonglory，whichisamereimageofvirtue，producenothingthatisgenuineoruniform，butonly，asmightbeexpectedofsuchaconjunction，misshapenandunnaturalactions。Runningaftertheiremulationsandpassions，andcarriedawaybytheimpulsesofthemoment，theymaysaywiththeherdsmeninthetragedyofSophocles—

"Wefollowthese，thoughborntheirrightfullords，Andtheycommandus，thoughtheyspeaknowords。"

Forthisisindeedthetrueconditionofmeninpubliclife，who，togainthevaintitleofbeingthepeople’sleadersandgovernors，arecontenttomakethemselvestheslavesandfollowersofallthepeople’shumoursandcaprices。Forasthelookoutmenattheship’sprow，thoughtheyseewhatisaheadbeforethemenatthehelm，yetconstantlylookbacktothepilotsthere，andobeytheorderstheygive；sothesemen，steered，asImaysay，bypopularapplause，thoughtheybearthenameofgovernors，areinrealitythemereunderlingsofthemultitude。Themanwhoiscompletelywiseandvirtuoushasnoneedatallofglory，exceptsofarasitdisposesandeaseshiswaytoactionbythegreatertrustthatitprocureshim。Ayoungman，I

grant，maybepermitted，whileyeteagerfordistinction，topridehimselfalittleinhisgooddeeds；for（asTheophrastussays）hisvirtues，whichareyettenderand，asitwere，intheblade，cherishedandsupportedbypraises，growstronger，andtakethedeeperroot。Butwhenthispassionisexorbitant，itisdangerousinallmen，andinthosewhogovernacommonwealth，utterlydestructive。Forinthepossessionoflargepowerandauthority，ittransportsmentoadegreeofmadness；sothatnowtheynomorethinkwhatisgood，glorious，butwillhavethoseactionsonlyesteemedgoodthatareglorious。AsPhocion，therefore，answeredKingAntipater，whosoughthisapprobationofsomeunworthyaction，"Icannotbeyourflatterer，andyourfriend，"sothesemenshouldanswerthepeople，"Icannotgovernandobeyyou。"Foritmayhappentothecommonwealth，astotheserpentinthefable，whosetail，risinginrebellionagainstthehead，complained，asofagreatgrievance，thatitwasalwaysforcedtofollow，andrequiredthatitshouldbepermittedbyturnstoleadtheway。Andtakingthecommandaccordingly，itsooninflicted，byitssenselesscourses，mischiefsinabundanceuponitself，whiletheheadwastornandlaceratedwithfollowing，contrarytonature，aguidethatwasdeafandblind。Andsuchweseetohavebeenthelotofmany，who，submittingtobeguidedbytheinclinationsofanuninformedandunreasoningmultitude，couldneitherstop，norrecoverthemselvesoutoftheconfusion。

Thisiswhathasoccurredtoustosayofthatglorywhichdependsonthevoiceoflargenumbers，consideringthesadeffectsofitinthemisfortunesofCaiusandTiberiusGracchus，menofnoblenature，andwhosegenerousnaturaldispositionswereimprovedbythebestofeducations，andwhocametotheadministrationofaffairswiththemostlaudableintentions；yettheywereruined，Icannotsaybyanimmoderatedesireofglory，butbyamoreexcusablefearofdisgrace。Forbeingexcessivelybelovedandfavouredbythepeople，theythoughtitadiscredittothemnottomakefullrepayment，endeavouringbynewpublicactstooutdothehonourstheyhadreceived，andagain，becauseofthesenewkindnesses，incurringyetfurtherdistinctions；tillthepeopleandthey，mutuallyinflamed，andvyingthuswitheachotherinhonoursandbenefits，broughtthingsatlasttosuchapassthattheymightsaythattoengagesofarwasindeedafolly，buttoretreatwouldnowbeashame。

Thisthereaderwilleasilygatherfromthestory。IwillnowcomparewiththemtwoLacedaemonianpopularleaders，thekingsAgisandCleomenes。Forthey，beingdesirousalsotoraisethepeople，andtorestorethenobleandjustformofgovernment，nowlongfallenintodisuse，incurredthehatredoftherichandpowerful，whocouldnotenduretobedeprivedoftheselfishenjoymenttowhichtheywereaccustomed。Thesewerenotindeedbrothersbynature，asthetwoRomans，buttheyhadakindofbrotherlyresemblanceintheiractionsanddesigns，whichtookarisefromsuchbeginningsandoccasionsasIamnowabouttorelate。

WhentheloveofgoldandsilverhadoncegainedadmittanceintotheLacedaemoniancommonwealth，itwasquicklyfollowedbyavariceandbasenessofspiritinthepursuitofit，andbyluxury，effeminacy，andprodigalityintheuse。ThenSpartafellfromalmostallherformervirtueandrepute，andsocontinuedtillthedaysofAgisandLeonidas，whobothtogetherwerekingsoftheLacedaemonians。

AgiswasoftheroyalfamilyofEurypon，sonofEudamidas，andthesixthindescentfromAgesilaus，whomadetheexpeditionintoAsia，andwasthegreatestmanofhistimeinGreece。AgesilausleftbehindhimasoncalledArchidamus，thesamewhowasslainatMandonium，inItaly，bytheMessapians，andwhowasthensucceededbyhiseldestsonAgis。HebeingkilledbyAntipaternearMegalopolis，andleavingnoissue，wassucceededbyhisbrotherEudamidas；hebyasoncalledArchidamus；andArchidamusbyanotherEudamidas，thefatherofthisAgisofwhomwenowtreat。

Leonidas，sonofCleonymus，wasoftheotherroyalhouseoftheAgiadae，andtheeighthindescentfromPausanias，whodefeatedMardoniusinthebattleofPlataea。PausaniaswassucceededbyasoncalledPlistoanax；andhebyanotherPausaniaswhowasbanished，andlivedasaprivatemanatTegea，whilehiseldestson，Agesipolis，reignedinhisplace。He，dyingwithoutissue，wassucceededbyayoungerbrother，calledCleombrotus，wholefttwosons；theelderwasAgesipolis，whoreignedbutashorttime，anddiedwithoutissue；theyounger，whothenbecameking，wascalledCleomenes，andhadalsotwosons，AcrotatusandCleonymus。Thefirstdiedbeforehisfather，butleftasoncalledAreus，whosucceeded，andbeingslainatCorinth，leftthekingdomtohissonAcrotatus。ThisAcrotatuswasdefeated，andslainnearMegalopolis，inabattleagainstthetyrantAristodemus；helefthiswifebigwithchild，andonherbeingdeliveredofason，Leonidas，sonoftheabove—namedCleonymus，wasmadehisguardian，andastheyoungkingdiedbeforebecomingaman，hesucceededinthekingdom。

Leonidaswasakingnotparticularlysuitabletohispeople。ForthoughtherewereatthattimeatSpartaageneraldeclineinmanners，yetagreaterrevoltfromtheoldhabitsappearedinhimthaninothers。ForhavinglivedalongtimeamongthegreatlordsofPersia，andbeenafollowerofKingSeleucus，heunadvisedlythoughttoimitate，amongGreekinstitutionsandinalawfulgovernment，theprideandassumptionusualinthosecourts。Agis，onthecontrary，infinenessofnatureandelevationofmind，notonlyfarexcelledLeonidas，butinamannerallthekingsthathadreignedsincethegreatAgesilaus。Forthoughhehadbeenbredverytenderly，inabundanceandeveninluxury，byhismotherAgesistrataandhisgrandmotherArchidamia，whowerethewealthiestoftheLacedaemonians，yet，beforetheageoftwenty，herenouncedallindulgenceinpleasures。Withdrawinghimselfasfaraspossiblefromthegaietyandornamentwhichseemedbecomingtothegraceofhisperson，hemadeithispridetoappearinthecoarseSpartancoat。Inhismeals，hisbathings，andinallhisexercises，hefollowedtheoldLaconianusage，andwasoftenheardtosay，hehadnodesirefortheplaceofking，ifhedidnothopebymeansofthatauthoritytorestoretheirancientlawsanddiscipline。

TheLacedaemoniansmightdatethebeginningoftheircorruptionfromtheirconquestofAthens，andtheinfluxofgoldandsilveramongthemthatthenceensued。Yet，nevertheless，thenumberofhouseswhichLycurgusappointedbeingstillmaintained，andthelawremaininginforcebywhicheveryonewasobligedtoleavehislotorportionoflandentirelytohisson，akindoforderandequalitywastherebypreserved，whichstillinsomedegreesustainedthestateamidstitserrorsinotherrespects。ButoneEpitadeushappeningtobeephor，amanofgreatinfluence，andofawillful，violentspirit，onsomeoccasionofaquarrelwithhisson，proposedadecree，thatallmenshouldhavelibertytodisposeoftheirlandbygiftintheirlifetime，orbytheirlastwillandtestament。Thisbeingpromotedbyhimtosatisfyapassionofrevenge，andthroughcovetousnessconsentedtobyothers，andthusenactedforalaw，wastheruinofthebeststateofthecommonwealth。Fortherichmenwithoutscrupledrewtheestateintotheirownhands，excludingtherightfulheirsfromtheirsuccession；andallthewealthbeingcentereduponthefew，thegeneralitywerepoorandmiserable。Honorablepursuits，forwhichtherewasnolongerleisure，wereneglected；thestatewasfilledwithsordidbusiness，andwithhatredandenvyoftherich。

TheredidnotremainabovesevenhundredoftheoldSpartanfamilies，ofwhich，perhaps，onehundredmighthaveestateinland，therestweredestitutealikeofwealthandofhonour，weretardyandunperforminginthedefenceoftheircountryagainstitsenemiesabroad，andeagerlywatchedtheopportunityforchangeandrevolutionathome。

Agis，therefore，believingitagloriousaction，asintruthitwas，toequalizeandrepeoplethestate，begantosoundtheinclinationsofthecitizens。Hefoundtheyoungmendisposedbeyondhisexpectation；theywereeagertoenterwithhimuponthecontestinthecauseofvirtue，andtoflingaside，forfreedom’ssake，theiroldmanneroflife，asreadilyasthewrestlerdoeshisgarment。Buttheoldmen，habituatedandmoreconfirmedintheirvices，weremostofthemasalarmedattheverynameofLycurgus，asafugitiveslavetobebroughtbackbeforehisoffendedmaster。ThesemencouldnotenduretohearAgiscontinuallydeploringthepresentstateofSparta，andwishingshemightberestoredtoherancientglory。Butontheotherside，Lysander，thesonofLibys，Mandroclidas，thesonofEcphanes，togetherwithAgesilaus，notonlyapprovedhisdesign，butassistedandconfirmedhiminit。Lysanderhadagreatauthorityandcreditwiththepeople；MandroclidaswasesteemedtheablestGreekofhistimetomanageanaffairandputitintrain，and，joinedwithskillandcunning，hadagreatdegreeofboldness。Agesilauswastheking’suncle，bythemother’sside；aneloquentman，butcovetousandvoluptuous，whowasnotmovedbyconsiderationsofpublicgood，butratherseemedtobepersuadedinitbyhissonHippomedon，whosecourageandsignalactionsinwarhadgainedhimahighesteemandgreatinfluenceamongtheyoungmenofSparta，thoughindeedthetruemotivewas，thathehadmanydebts，andhopedbythismeanstobefreedfromthem。

AssoonasAgishadprevailedwithhisuncle，heendeavouredbyhismediationtogainhismotheralso，whohadmanyfriendsandfollowers，andanumberofpersonsinherdebtinthecity，andtookaconsiderablepartinpublicaffairs。Atthefirstproposalshewasveryaverse，andstronglyadvisedhersonnottoengageinsodifficultandsounprofitableanenterprise。ButAgesilausendeavouredtopossessher，thatthethingwasnotsodifficultassheimagined，andthatitmight，inalllikelihood，redoundtotheadvantageofherfamily；whiletheking，herson，besoughthernotformoney’ssaketodeclineassistinghishopesofglory。Hetoldherhecouldnotpretendtoequalotherkingsinriches，theveryfollowersandmenialsofthesatrapsandstewardsofSeleucusorPtolemyaboundingmoreinwealththanalltheSpartankingsputtogether；butifbycontemptofwealthandpleasure，bysimplicityandmagnanimity，hecouldsurpasstheirluxuryandabundance；ifhecouldrestoretheirformerequalitytotheSpartans，thenheshouldbeagreatkingindeed。Inconclusion，themotherandthegrandmotheralsoweresotaken，socarriedawaywiththeinspiration，asitwere，oftheyoungman’snobleandgenerousambition，thattheynotonlyconsented，butwerereadyonalloccasionstospurhimontoaperseverance，andnotonlysenttospeakonhisbehalfwiththemenwithwhomtheyhadaninterest，butaddressedtheotherwomenalso，knowingwellthattheLacedaemonianwiveshadalwaysagreatpowerwiththeirhusbands，whousedtoimparttothemtheirstateaffairswithgreaterfreedomthanthewomenwouldcommunicatewiththemenintheprivatebusinessoftheirfamilies。Whichwasindeedoneofthegreatestobstaclestothisdesign；forthemoneyofSpartabeingmostofitinthewomen’shands，itwastheirinteresttoopposeit，notonlyasdeprivingthemofthosesuperfluoustrifles，inwhich，throughwantofbetterknowledgeandexperience，theyplacedtheirchieffelicity，butalsobecausetheyknewtheirricheswerethemainsupportoftheirpowerandcredit。

Those，therefore，whowereofthisfactionhadrecoursetoLeonidasrepresentingtohimhowitwashispart，astheelderandmoreexperienced，toputastoptotheill—advisedprojectsofarashyoungman。Leonidas，thoughofhimselfsufficientlyinclinedtoopposeAgis，durstnotopenly，forfearofthepeople，whoweremanifestlydesirousofthischange；butunderhandhedidallhecouldtodiscreditandthwarttheproject，andtoprejudicethechiefmagistratesagainsthim，andonalloccasionscraftilyinsinuatedthatitwasatthepriceoflettinghimusurparbitrarypowerthatAgisthusproposedtodividethepropertyoftherichamongthepoor，andthattheobjectofthesemeasuresforcancellingdebtsanddividingthelands，wasnottofurnishSpartawithcitizens，butpurchasehimatyrant’sbodyguard。

Agis，nevertheless，littleregardingtheserumours，procuredLysander’selectionasephor；andthentookthefirstoccasionofproposingthroughhimhisRhetratothecouncil，thechiefarticlesofwhichwerethese:Thateveryoneshouldbefreefromtheirdebts:

allthelandstobedividedintoequalportions，thosethatlaybetwixtthewatercoursenearPelleneandMountTaygetus，andasfarasthecitiesofMaleaandSellasia，intofourthousandfivehundredlots，theremainderintofifteenthousand；theselasttobesharedoutamongthoseofthecountrypeoplewhowerefitforserviceasheavy—armedsoldiers，thefirstamongthenatural—bornSpartans，andtheirnumberalsoshouldbesuppliedfromanyamongthecountrypeopleorstrangerswhohadreceivedtheproperbreedingoffreemen，andwereofvigorousbodyandofageformilitaryservice。Alltheseweretobedividedintofifteencompanies，someoffourhundred，andsomeoftwo，withadietanddisciplineagreeabletothelawsofLycurgus。

ThisdecreebeingproposedinthecouncilofElders，mettherewithopposition；sothatLysanderimmediatelyconvokedthegreatassemblyofthepeople，towhomhe，Mandroclidas，andAgesilausmadeorationsexhortingthemthattheywouldnotsufferthemajestyofSpartatoremainabandonedtocontempt，togratifyafewrichmen，wholordeditoverthem；butthattheyshouldcalltomindtheoraclesinoldtimeswhichhadforewarnedthemtobewareoftheloveofmoney，asthegreatdangerandprobableruinofSparta，and，moreover，thoserecentlybroughtfromthetempleofPasiphae。ThiswasafamoustempleandoracleatThalamae；andthisPasiphae，somesay，wasoneofthedaughtersofAtlas，whohadbyJupiterasoncalledAmmon；othersareofopinionitwasCassandra，thedaughterofKingPriam，whodyinginthisplace，wascalledPasiphae，astherevealeroforaclestoallmen。Phylarchussays，thatthiswasDaphne，thedaughterofAmyclas，who，flyingfromApollo，wastransformedintoalaurel，andhonouredbythatgodwiththegiftofprophecy。Butbeitaswill，itiscertainthepeopleweremadetoapprehendthatthisoraclehadcommandedthemtoreturntotheirformerstateofequalitysettledbyLycurgus。Assoonasthesehaddonespeaking，Agisstoodup，andafterafewwords，toldthemhewouldmakethebestcontributioninhispowertothenewlegislation，whichwasproposedfortheiradvantage。Inthefirstplace，hewoulddivideamongthemallhispatrimony，whichwasoflargeextentintillageandpasture；

hewouldalsogivesixhundredtalentsinreadymoney，andhismother，grandmother，andhisotherfriendsandrelations，whoweretherichestoftheLacedaemonians，werereadytofollowhisexample。

Thepeopleweretransportedwithadmirationoftheyoungman’sgenerosity，andwithjoythat，afterthreehundredyears’interval，atlasttherehadappearedakingworthyofSparta。But，ontheotherside，Leonidaswasnowmorethaneveraverse，beingsensiblethatheandhisfriendswouldbeobligedtocontributewiththeirriches，andyetallthehonourandobligationwouldredoundtoAgis。Heaskedhimthenbeforethemall，whetherLycurguswerenotinhisopinionawiseman，andaloverofhiscountry。Agisansweringhewas，"AndwhendidLycurgus，"repliedLeonidas，"canceldebts，oradmitstrangerstocitizenship，—hewhothoughtthecommonwealthnotsecureunlessfromtimetotimethecitywasclearedofallstrangers？"TothisAgisreplied，"ItisnowonderthatLeonidas，whowasbroughtupandmarriedabroad，andhaschildrenbyawifetakenoutofaPersiancourt，shouldknowlittleofLycurgusorhislaws。Lycurgustookawaybothdebtsandloans，bytakingawaymoney；

andobjectedindeedtothepresenceofmenwhowereforeigntothemannersandcustomsofthecountry，notinanycasefromanill—willtotheirpersons，butlesttheexampleoftheirlivesandconductshouldinfectthecitywiththeloveofriches，andofdelicateandluxurioushabits。ForitiswellknownthathehimselfgladlykeptTerpander，Thales，andPherecydesthoughtheywerestrangers，becauseheperceivedtheywereintheirpoemsandintheirphilosophyofthesamemindwithhim。AndyouthatarewonttopraiseEcprepes，who，beingephor，cutwithhishatchettwooftheninestringsfromtheinstrumentofPhrynisthemusician，andtocommendthosewhoafterwardsimitatedhim，incuttingthestringsofTimotheus’sharp，withwhatfacecanyoublameusfordesigningtocutoffsuperfluityandluxuryanddisplayfromthecommonwealth？Doyouthinkthosemenweresoconcernedonlyaboutalute—string，orintendedanythingelsethantocheckinmusicthatsameexcessandextravagancewhichruleinourpresentlivesandmanners，andhavedisturbedanddestroyedalltheharmonyandorderofourcity？"

Fromthistimeforward，asthecommonpeoplefollowedAgis，sotherichmenadheredtoLeonidas。Theybesoughthimnottoforsaketheircause；andwithpersuasionsandentreatiessofarprevailedwiththecouncilofElders，whosepowerconsistedinpreparingalllawsbeforetheywereproposedtothepeople，thatthedesignedRhetrawasrejected，thoughbutbyonlyonevote。WhereuponLysander，whowasstillephor，resolvingtoberevengedonLeonidas，drewupaninformationagainsthim，groundedontwooldlaws:theoneforbidsanyofthebloodofHerculestoraiseupchildrenbyaforeignwoman，andtheothermakesitcapitalforaLacedaemoniantoleavehiscountrytosettleamongforeigners。Whilsthesetothersontomanagethisaccusation，hewithhiscolleagueswenttoobservethesign，whichwasacustomtheyhad，andperformedinthismanner。Everyninthyear，theephors，choosingastarlightnight，whenthereisneithercloudnormoon，sitdowntogetherinquietandsilence，andwatchthesky。Andiftheychancetoseetheshootingofastar，theypresentlypronouncetheirkingguiltyofsomeoffenceagainstthegods，andthereuponheisimmediatelysuspendedfromallexerciseofregalpower，tillheisrelievedbyanoraclefromDelphiorOlympia。

Lysander，therefore，assuredthepeoplehehadseenastarshoot，andatthesametimeLeonidaswascitedtoanswerforhimself。

WitnesseswereproducedtotestifyhehadmarriedanAsianwoman，bestowedonhimbyoneofKingSeleucus’slieutenants:thathehadtwochildrenbyher，butshesodislikedandhatedhim，thatagainsthiswishes，flyingfromher，hewasinamannerforcedtoreturntoSparta，wherehispredecessordyingwithoutissue，hetookuponhimthegovernment。Lysander，notcontentwiththis，persuadedalsoCleombrotustolayclaimtothekingdom。Hewasoftheroyalfamily，andson—in—lawtoLeonidas；who，fearingnowtheeventofthisprocess，fledasasupplianttothetempleofMinervaoftheBrazenHouse，togetherwithhisdaughter，thewifeofCleombrotus；forsheinthisoccasionresolvedtoleaveherhusband，andtofollowherfather。

Leonidasbeingagaincited，andnotappearing，theypronouncedasentenceofdepositionagainsthim，andmadeCleombrotuskinginhisplace。

Soonafterthisrevolution，Lysander，hisyearexpiring，wentoutofhisoffice，andnewephorswerechosen，whogaveLeonidasassuranceofsafety，andcitedLysanderandMandroclidastoanswerforhaving，contrarytolaw，cancelleddebts，anddesignedanewdivisionoflands。They，seeingthemselvesindanger，hadrecoursetothetwokings，andrepresentedtothemhownecessaryitwasfortheirinterestandsafetytoactwithunitedauthority，andbiddefiancetotheephors。For，indeed，thepoweroftheephors，theysaid，wasonlygroundedonthedissensionsofthekings，itbeingtheirprivilege，whenthekingsdifferedinopinion，toaddtheirsuffragetowhichevertheyjudgedtohavegiventhebestadvice；butwhenthetwokingswereunanimous，noneoughtordurstresisttheirauthority，themagistrate，whoseofficeitwastostandasumpirewhentheywereatvariance，hadnocalltointerferewhentheywereofonemind。AgisandCleombrotus，thuspersuaded，wenttogetherwiththeirfriendsintothemarket—place，whereremovingtheephorsfromtheirseats，theyplacedothersintheirroom，ofwhomAgesilauswasone；proceedingthentoarmacompanyofyoungmen，andreleasingmanyoutofprison；sothatthoseofthecontraryfactionbegantobeingreatfearoftheirlives；buttherewasnobloodspilt。Onthecontrary，Agis，havingnoticethatAgesilaushadorderedacompanyofsoldierstolieinwaitforLeonidas，tokillhimashefledtoTegea，immediatelysentsomeofhisfollowerstodefendhim，andtoconveyhimsafelyintothatcity。

Thusfarallthingsproceededprosperously，nonedaringtooppose；

butthroughthesordidweaknessofoneman，thesepromisingbeginningswereblasted，andamostnobleandtrulySpartanpurposeoverthrownandruinedbytheloveofmoney。Agesilaus，aswesaid，wasmuchindebt，thoughinpossessionofoneofthelargestandbestestatesinland；andwhilehegladlyjoinedinthisdesigntobequitofhisdebts，hewasnotatallwillingtopartwithhisland。ThereforehepersuadedAgis，thatifboththesethingsshouldbeputinexecutionatthesametime，sogreatandsosuddenanalterationmightcausesomedangerouscommotion；butifdebtswereinthefirstplacecancelled，therichmenwouldafterwardsmoreeasilybeprevailedwithtopartwiththeirland。Lysander，also，wasofthesameopinion，beingdeceivedinlikemannerbythecraftofAgesilaus；sothatallmenwerepresentlycommandedtobringintheirbonds，ordeedsofobligation，bytheLacedaemonianscalledClaria，intothemarket—place，wherebeinglaidtogetherinaheaptheysetfiretothem。Thewealthy，money—lendingpeople，onemayeasilyimagine，behelditwithaheavyheart；butAgesilaustoldthemscoffingly，hiseyeshadneverseensobrightandsopureaflame。

Andnowthepeoplepressedearnestlyforanimmediatedivisionoflands；thekingsalsohadordereditshouldbedone；butAgesilaus，sometimespretendingonedifficulty，andsometimesanother，delayedtheexecution，tillanoccasionhappenedtocallAgistothewars。TheAchaeans，invirtueofadefensivetreatyofalliance，senttodemandsuccours，astheyexpectedeverydaythatAetolianswouldattempttoenterPeloponnesus，fromtheterritoryofMegara。TheyhadsentAratus，theirgeneral，tocollectforcestohinderthisincursion。Aratuswrotetotheephors，whoimmediatelygaveorderthatAgisshouldhastentotheirassistancewiththeLacedaemonianauxiliaries。Agiswasextremelypleasedtoseethezealandbraveryofthosewhowentwithhimuponthisexpedition。Theywere，forthemostpartyoungmen，andpoor；andbeingjustreleasedfromtheirdebtsandsetatliberty，andhopingontheirreturntoreceiveeachmanhislotofland，theyfollowedtheirkingwithwonderfulalacrity。

ThecitiesthroughwhichtheypassedwereinadmirationtoseehowtheymarchedfromoneendofPeloponnesustotheother，withouttheleastdisorder，and，inamanner，withoutbeingheard。ItgavetheGreeksoccasiontodiscoursewithoneanother，howgreatmightbethetemperanceandmodestyofaLaconianarmyinoldtime，undertheirfamouscaptains:Agesilaus，Lysander，orLeonidas，sincetheysawsuchdisciplineandexactobedienceunderaleaderwhoperhapswastheyoungestmaninallthearmy。Theysawalsohowhewashimselfcontenttofarehardly，readytoundergoanylabours，andnottobedistinguishedbypomporrichnessofhabitorarmsfromthemeanestofhissoldiers；andtopeopleingeneralitwasanobjectofregardandadmiration。Butrichmenviewedtheinnovationwithdislikeandalarm，lesthaplytheexamplemightspread，andworkchangestotheirprejudiceintheirowncountriesaswell。

AgisjoinedAratusnearthecityofCorinth，whereitwasstillamatterofdebatewhetherornoitwereexpedienttogivetheenemybattle。Agis，onthisoccasion，showedgreatforwardnessandresolution，yetwithouttemerityorpresumption。Hedeclareditwashisopiniontheyoughttofight，therebytohindertheenemyfrompassingthegatesofPeloponnesus，butneverthelesshewouldsubmittothejudgmentofAratus，notonlyastheelderandmoreexperiencedcaptain，butashewasgeneraloftheAchaeans，whoseforceshewouldnotpretendtocommand，butwasonlycomethithertoassistthem。IamnotignorantthatBatonofSinoperelatesitinanothermanner；hesays，Aratuswouldhavefought，andthatAgiswasagainstit；butitiscertainhewasmistaken，nothavingreadwhatAratushimselfwroteinhisownjustification，thatknowingthepeoplehadwell—nighgotintheirharvest，hethoughtitmuchbettertolettheenemypassthanputalltothehazardofabattle。And，therefore，givingthankstotheconfederatesfortheirreadiness，hedismissedthem。AndAgis，notwithouthavinggainedagreatdealofhonour，returnedtoSparta，wherehefoundthepeopleindisorder，andanewrevolutionimminent，owingtotheill—governmentofAgesilaus。

Forhe，beingnowoneoftheephors，andfreedfromthefearwhichformerlykepthiminsomerestraint，forborenokindofoppressionwhichmightbringingain。Amongotherthings，heexactedathirteenthmonth’stax，whereastheusualcyclerequiredatthistimenosuchadditiontotheyear。Fortheseandotherreasonsfearingthosewhomheinjured，andknowinghowhewashatedbythepeople，hethoughtitnecessarytomaintainaguard，whichalwaysaccompaniedhimtothemagistrate’soffice。Andpresumingnowonhispower，hewasgrownsoinsolent，thatofthetwokings，theoneheopenlycontemned，andifheshowedanyrespecttowardsAgis，wouldhaveitthoughtratheraneffectofhisnearrelationship，thananydutyorsubmissiontotheroyalauthority。Hegaveitoutalsothathewastocontinueephortheensuingyear。

Hisenemies，therefore，alarmedbythisreport，lostnotimeinriskinganattemptagainsthim；andopenlybringingbackLeonidasfromTegea，re—establishedhiminthekingdom，towhicheventhepeople，highlyincensedforhavingbeendefraudedinthepromiseddivisionoflands，willinglyconsented。Agesilaushimselfwouldhardlyhaveescapedtheirfury，ifhisson，Hippomedon，whosemanlyvirtuesmadehimdeartoall，hadnotsavedhimoutoftheirhands，andthenprivatelyconveyedhimfromthecity。

Duringthecommotion，thetwokingsfled，AgistothetempleoftheBrazenHouse，andCleombrotustothatofNeptune。ForLeonidaswasmoreincensedagainsthisson—in—law；andleavingAgisalone，wentwithhissoldierstoCleombrotus’ssanctuary，andtherewithgreatpassionreproachedhimforhaving，thoughhewasson—in—law，conspiredwithhisenemies，usurpedhisthrone，andforcedhimfromhiscountry。

Cleombrotus，havinglittletosayforhimself，satsilent。Hiswife，Chilonis，thedaughterofLeonidas，hadchosentofollowherfatherinhissufferings；forwhenCleombrotususurpedthekingdom，sheforsookhim，andwhollydevotedherselftocomfortherfatherinhisaffliction；whilsthestillremainedinSparta，sheremainedalso，asasuppliant，withhim，andwhenhefled，shefledwithhim，bewailinghismisfortune，andextremelydispleasedwithCleombrotus。

Butnow，uponthisturnoffortune，shechangedinlikemanner，andwasseensittingnow，asasuppliant，withherhusband，embracinghimwithherarms，andhavinghertwolittlechildrenbesideher。

Allmenwerefullofwonderatthepietyandtenderaffectionoftheyoungwoman，whopointingtoherrobesandherhair，bothalikeneglectedandunattendedto，saidtoLeonidas，"Iamnotbrought，myfather，tothisconditionyouseemein，onaccountofthepresentmisfortunesofCleombrotus；mymourninghabitislongsincefamiliartome。Itwasputontocondolewithyouinyourbanishment；andnowyouarerestoredtoyourcountry，andtoyourkingdom，mustIstillremainingriefandmisery？Orwouldyouhavemeattiredinmyroyalornaments，thatImayrejoicewithyou，whenyouhavekilled，withinmyarms，themantowhomyougavemeforawife？EitherCleombrotusmustappeaseyoubymineandmychildren’stears，orhemustsufferapunishmentgreaterthanyouproposeforhisfaults，andshallseeme，whomhelovessowell，diebeforehim。TowhatendshouldI

live，orhowshallIappearamongtheSpartanwomen，whenitshallsomanifestlybeseen，thatIhavenotbeenabletomovetocompassioneitherahusbandorafather？Iwasborn，itseems，toparticipateintheill—fortuneandinthedisgrace，bothasawifeandadaughter，ofthosenearestanddearesttome。AsforCleombrotusI

sufficientlysurrenderedanyhonourablepleaonhisbehalf，whenI

forsookhimtofollowyou；butyouyourselfofferthefairestexcuseforhisproceedings，byshowingtotheworldthatforthesakeofakingdomitisjusttokillason—in—law，andberegardlessofadaughter。"Chilonis，havingendedthislamentation，restedherfaceonherhusband’shead，andlookedroundwithherweepingandwoe—begoneeyesuponthosewhostoodbeforeher。

Leonidas，touchedwithcompassion，withdrewawhiletoadvisewithhisfriends；thenreturning，badeCleombrotusleavethesanctuaryandgointobanishment；Chilonis，hesaid，oughttostaywithhimitnotbeingjustsheshouldforsakeafatherwhoseaffectionhadgrantedtoherintercessionthelifeofherhusband。Butallhecouldsaywouldnotprevail。Sheroseupimmediately，andtakingoneofherchildreninherarms，gavetheothertoherhusband；andmakingherreverencetothealtarofthegoddess，wentoutandfollowedhim。Sothat，inaword，ifCleombrotuswerenotutterlyblindedbyambition，hemustsurelychoosetobebanishedwithsoexcellentawomanratherthanwithouthertopossessakingdom。

Cleombrotusthusremoved，Leonidasproceededalsotodisplacetheephors，andtochooseothersintheirroom；thenhebegantoconsiderhowhemightentrapAgis。Atfirst，heendeavouredbyfairmeanstopersuadehimtoleavethesanctuary，andpartakewithhiminthekingdom。Thepeople，hesaid，wouldeasilypardontheerrorsofayoungman，ambitiousofglory，anddeceivedbythecraftofAgesilaus。ButfindingAgiswassuspicious，andnottobeprevailedwithtoquithissanctuary，hegaveupthatdesign；yetwhatcouldnotthenbeeffectedbythedissimulationofanenemy，wassoonafterbroughttopassbythetreacheryoffriends。

Amphares，Damochares，andArcesilausoftenvisitedAgis，andhewassoconfidentoftheirfidelitythatafterawhilehewasprevailedontoaccompanythemtothebaths，whichwerenotfardistant，theyconstantlyreturningtoseehimsafeagaininthetemple。Theywereallthreehisfamiliars；andAmphareshadborrowedagreatdealofplateandrichhouseholdstufffromAgesistrata，andhopedifhecoulddestroyherandthewholefamily，hemightpeaceablyenjoythosegoods。Andhe，itissaid，wasthereadiestofalltoservethepurposesofLeonidas，andbeingoneoftheephors，didallhecouldtoincensetherestofhiscolleaguesagainstAgis。Thesemen，therefore，findingthatAgiswouldnotquithissanctuary，butonoccasionwouldventurefromittogotothebath，resolvedtoseizehimontheopportunitythusgiventhem。Andonedayashewasreturning，theymetandsalutedhimasformerly，conversingpleasantlybytheway，andjesting，asyouthfulfriendsmight，tillcomingtotheturningofastreetwhichledtotheprison，Amphares，byvirtueofhisoffice，laidhishandonAgis，andtoldhim，"Youmustgowithme，Agis，beforetheotherephors，toanswerforyourmisdemeanours。"AtthesametimeDamochares，whowasatall，strongman，drewhiscloaktightroundhisneck，anddraggedhimafterbyit，whilsttheotherswentbehindtothrusthimon。SothatnoneofAgis’sfriendbeingneartoassisthim，noranyoneby，theyeasilygothimintotheprison，whereLeonidaswasalreadyarrived，withacompanyofsoldiers，whostronglyguardedalltheavenues；theephorsalsocamein，withasmanyoftheEldersastheyknewtobetruetotheirparty，beingdesiroustoproceedwithsomesemblanceofjustice。Andthustheybadehimgiveanaccountofhisactions。TowhichAgis，smilingattheirdissimulation，answerednotaword。Ampharestoldhimitwasmoreseasonabletoweep，fornowthetimewascomeinwhichheshouldbepunishedforhispresumption。Anotheroftheephors，asthoughhewouldbemorefavourable，andofferingasitwereanexcuse，askedhimwhetherhewasnotforcedtowhathedidbyAgesilausandLysander。ButAgisanswered，hehadnotbeenconstrainedbyanyman，norhadanyotherintentinwhathedidbutonlytofollowtheexampleofLycurgus，andtogovernconformablytohislaws。Thesameephoraskedhimwhethernowatleasthedidnotrepenthisrashness。Towhichtheyoungmanansweredthatthoughheweretosuffertheextremestpenaltyforit，yethecouldneverrepentofsojustandsogloriousadesign。

Uponthistheypassedsentenceofdeathonhim，andbadetheofficerscarryhimtotheDechas，asitiscalled，aplaceintheprisonwheretheystranglemalefactors。Andwhentheofficerswouldnotventuretolayhandsonhim，andtheverymercenarysoldiersdeclinedit，believingitanillegalandawickedacttolayviolenthandsonaking，Demochares，threateningandrevilingthemforit，himselfthrusthimintotheroom。

Forbythistimethenewsofhisbeingseizedhadreachedmanypartsofthecity，andtherewasaconcourseofpeoplewithlightsandtorchesabouttheprisongates，andinthemidstofthemthemotherandthegrandmotherofAgis，cryingoutwithaloudvoicethattheirkingoughttoappear，andtobeheardandjudgedbythepeople。Butthisclamour，insteadofpreventing，hastenedhisdeath；hisenemiesfearing，ifthetumultshouldincrease，hemightberescuedduringthenightoutoftheirhands。

Agis，beingnowatthepointtodie，perceivedoneoftheofficersbitterlybewailinghismisfortune；"Weepnot，friend，"saidhe，"forme，whodieinnocent，bythelawlessactofwickedmen。Myconditionismuchbetterthantheirs。"Assoonashehadspokenthesewords，notshowingtheleastsignoffear，heofferedhisnecktothenoose。

Immediatelyafterhewasdead，Amphareswentoutoftheprisongate，wherehefoundAgesistrata，who，believinghimstillthesamefriendasbefore，threwherselfathisfeet。Hegentlyraisedherup，andassuredher，sheneednotfearanyfurtherviolenceordangerofdeathforherson，andthatifpleasedshemightgoinandseehim。Shebeggedhermothermightalsohavethefavourtobeadmitted，andhereplied，nobodyshouldhinderit。Whentheywereentered，hecommandedthegateshouldagainbelocked，andArchidamia，thegrandmother，tobefirstintroduced。Shewasnowgrownveryold，andhadlivedallherdaysinthehighestreputeamongherfellows。AssoonasAmpharesthoughtshewasdespatched，hetoldAgesistratashemightnowgoinifshepleased。Sheentered，andbeholdingherson’sbodystretchedontheground，andhermotherhangingbytheneck，thefirstthingshedidwas，withherownhands，toassisttheofficersintakingdownthebody；thencoveringitdecently，shelaiditoutbyherson’s，whomthenembracingandkissinghischeeks，"Omyson，"saidshe，"itwasthytoogreatmercyandgoodnesswhichbroughttheeandustoruin。"

Amphares，whostoodwatchingbehindthedoor，onhearingthis，brokein，andsaidangrilytoher，"Sinceyouapprovesowellofyourson’sactions，itisfityoushouldpartakeinhisreward。"She，risinguptoofferherselftothenoose，saidonly，"IpraythatitmayredoundtothegoodofSparta。"

Thethreebodiesbeingnowexposedtoview，andthefactdivulged，nofearwasstrongenoughtohinderthepeoplefromexpressingtheirabhorrenceofwhatwasdone，andtheirdetestationofLeonidasandAmphares，thecontriversofit。SowickedandbarbarousanacthadneverbeencommittedinSpartasincefirsttheDoriansinhabitedPeloponnesus；theveryenemiesinwar，theysaid，werealwayscautiousinspillingthebloodofaLacedaemonianking，insomuchthatinanycombattheywoulddecline，andendeavourtoavoidthem，fromfeelingsofrespectandreverencefortheirstation。AndcertainlyweseethatinthemanybattlesfoughtbetwixttheLacedaemoniansandtheotherGreeks，uptothetimeofPhilipofMacedon，notoneoftheirkingswaseverkilled，exceptCleombrotusbyajavelin—woundatthebattleofLeuctra。IamnotignorantthattheMesseniansaffirm，TheopompuswasalsoslainbytheirAristomenes；buttheLacedaemoniansdenyit，andsayhewasonlywounded。

Beitasitwill，itiscertainatleastthatAgiswasthefirstkingputtodeathinLacedaemonbytheephors，forhavingundertakenadesignnobleinitselfandworthyofhiscountry，atatimeoflifewhenmen’serrorsusuallymeetwithaneasypardon。Andiferrorshedidcommit，hisenemiescertainlyhadlessreasontoblamehimthanhadhisfriendsforthatgentleandcompassionatetemperwhichmadehimsavethelifeofLeonidasandbelieveinothermen’sprofessions。

THEEND

75AD

ALEXANDER

356—323B。C。

byPlutarchtranslatedbyJohnDrydenITbeingmypurposetowritethelivesofAlexandertheking，andofCaesar，bywhomPompeywasdestroyed，themultitudeoftheirgreatactionsaffordssolargeafieldthatIweretoblameifIshouldnotbywayofapologyforewarnmyreaderthatIhavechosenrathertoepitomizethemostcelebratedpartsoftheirstory，thantoinsistatlargeoneveryparticularcircumstanceofit。Itmustbeborneinmindthatmydesignisnottowritehistories，butlives。Andthemostgloriousexploitsdonotalwaysfurnishuswiththeclearestdiscoveriesofvirtueorviceinmen；sometimesamatteroflessmoment，anexpressionorajest，informsusbetteroftheircharactersandinclinations，thanthemostfamoussieges，thegreatestarmaments，orthebloodiestbattleswhatsoever。Thereforeasportrait—paintersaremoreexactinthelinesandfeaturesoftheface，inwhichthecharacterisseen，thanintheotherpartsofthebody，soImustbeallowedtogivemymoreparticularattentiontothemarksandindicationsofthesoulsofmen，andwhileIendeavourbythesetoportraytheirlives，maybefreetoleavemoreweightymattersandgreatbattlestobetreatedofbyothers。

Itisagreedonbyallhands，thatonthefather’sside，AlexanderdescendedfromHerculesbyCaranus，andfromAeacusbyNeoptolemusonthemother’sside。HisfatherPhilip，beinginSamothrace，whenhewasquiteyoung，fellinlovetherewithOlympias，incompanywithwhomhewasinitiatedinthereligiousceremoniesofthecountry，andherfatherandmotherbeingbothdead，soonafter，withtheconsentofherbrother，Arymbas，hemarriedher。Thenightbeforetheconsummationoftheirmarriage，shedreamedthatathunderboltfelluponherbody，whichkindledagreatfire，whosedividedflamesdispersedthemselvesallabout，andthenwereextinguished。AndPhilip，sometimeafterhewasmarried，dreamtthathesealeduphiswife’sbodywithaseal，whoseimpression，asbefancied，wasthefigureofalion。SomeofthedivinersinterpretedthisasawarningtoPhiliptolooknarrowlytohiswife；butAristanderofTelmessus，consideringhowunusualitwastosealupanythingthatwasempty，assuredhimthemeaningofhisdreamwasthatthequeenwaswithchildofaboy，whowouldonedayproveasstoutandcourageousasalion。

Once，moreover，aserpentwasfoundlyingbyOlympiasassheslept，whichmorethananythingelse，itissaid，abatedPhilip’spassionforher；andwhetherhefearedherasanenchantress，orthoughtshehadcommercewithsomegod，andsolookedonhimselfasexcluded，hewaseverafterlessfondofherconversation。Otherssay，thatthewomenofthiscountryhavingalwaysbeenextremelyaddictedtotheenthusiasticOrphicrites，andthewildworshipofBacchus（uponwhichaccounttheywerecalledClodones，andMimallones），imitatedinmanythingsthepracticesoftheEdonianandThracianwomenaboutMountHaemus，fromwhomthewordthreskeueinseemstohavebeenderived，asaspecialtermforsuperfluousandover—curiousformsofadoration；

andthatOlympias，zealously，affectingthesefanaticalandenthusiasticinspirations，toperformthemwithmorebarbaricdread，waswontinthedancespropertotheseceremoniestohavegreattameserpentsabouther，whichsometimescreepingoutoftheivyinthemysticfans，sometimeswindingthemselvesaboutthesacredspears，andthewomen’schaplets，madeaspectaclewhichmencouldnotlookuponwithoutterror。

Philip，afterthisvision，sentChaeronofMegalopolistoconsulttheoracleofApolloatDelphi，bywhichhewascommandedtoperformsacrifice，andhenceforthpayparticularhonour，aboveallothergods，toAmmon；andwastoldheshouldonedaylosethateyewithwhichhepresumedtopeepthroughthatchinkofthedoor，whenhesawthegod，undertheformofaserpent，inthecompanyofhiswife。

EratosthenessaysthatOlympias，whensheattendedAlexanderonhiswaytothearmyinhisfirstexpedition，toldhimthesecretofhisbirth，andbadehimbehavehimselfwithcouragesuitabletohisdivineextraction。Othersagainaffirmthatshewhollydisclaimedanypretensionsofthekind，andwaswonttosay，"WhenwillAlexanderleaveoffslanderingmetoJuno？"

AlexanderwasbornthesixthofHecatombaeon，whichmonththeMacedonianscallLous，thesamedaythatthetempleofDianaatEphesuswasburnt；whichHegesiasofMagnesiamakestheoccasionofaconceit，frigidenoughtohavestoppedtheconflagration。Thetemple，hesays，tookfireandwasburntwhileitsmistresswasabsent，assistingatthebirthofAlexander。AndalltheEasternsoothsayerswhohappenedtobethenatEphesus，lookingupontheruinofthistempletobetheforerunnerofsomeothercalamity，ranaboutthetown，beatingtheirfaces，andcryingthatthisdayhadbroughtforthsomethingthatwouldprovefatalanddestructivetoallAsia。

JustafterPhiliphadtakenPotidaea，hereceivedthesethreemessagesatonetime，thatParmeniohadoverthrowntheIllyriansinagreatbattle，thathisrace—horsehadwonthecourseattheOlympicgames，andthathiswifehadgivenbirthtoAlexander；withwhichbeingnaturallywellpleased，asanadditiontohissatisfaction，hewasassuredbythedivinersthatason，whosebirthwasaccompaniedwiththreesuchsuccesses，couldnotfailofbeinginvincible。

ThestatuesthatgavethebestrepresentationofAlexander’spersonwerethoseofLysippus（bywhomalonehewouldsufferhisimagetobemade），thosepeculiaritieswhichmanyofhissuccessorsafterwardsandhisfriendsusedtoaffecttoimitate，theinclinationofhisheadalittleononesidetowardshisleftshoulder，andhismeltingeye，havingbeenexpressedbythisartistwithgreatexactness。ButApelles，whodrewhimwiththunderboltsinhishand，madehiscomplexionbrowneranddarkerthanitwasnaturally；forhewasfairandofalightcolour，passingintoruddinessinhisfaceanduponhisbreast。AristoxenusinhisMemoirstellsusthatamostagreeableodourexhaledfromhisskin，andthathisbreathandbodyalloverwassofragrantastoperfumetheclotheswhichheworenexthim；thecauseofwhichmightprobablybethehotandadusttemperamentofhisbody。Forsweetsmells，Theophrastusconceives，areproducedbytheconcoctionofmoisthumoursbyheat，whichisthereasonthatthosepartsoftheworldwhicharedriestandmostburntupaffordspicesofthebestkindandinthegreatestquantity；fortheheatofthesunexhaustsallthesuperfluousmoisturewhichliesinthesurfaceofbodies，readytogenerateputrefaction。Andthishotconstitution，itmaybe，renderedAlexandersoaddictedtodrinking，andsocholeric。Histemperance，astothepleasuresofthebody，wasapparentinhiminhisverychildhood，ashewaswithmuchdifficultyincitedtothem，andalwaysusedthemwithgreatmoderation；thoughinotherthingsbewasextremelyeagerandvehement，andinhisloveofglory，andthepursuitofit，heshowedasolidityofhighspiritandmagnanimityfarabovehisage。Forheneithersoughtnorvaluedituponeveryoccasion，ashisfatherPhilipdid（whoaffectedtoshowhiseloquencealmosttoadegreeofpedantry，andtookcaretohavethevictoriesofhisracingchariotsattheOlympicgamesengravenonhiscoin），butwhenhewasaskedbysomeabouthim，whetherhewouldrunaraceintheOlympicgames，ashewasveryswift—footed，heanswered，hewould，ifhemighthavekingstorunwithhim。Indeed，heseemsingeneraltohavelookedwithindifference，ifnotwithdislike，upontheprofessedathletes。Heoftenappointedprizes，forwhichnotonlytragediansandmusicians，pipersandharpers，butrhapsodistsalso，strovetooutvieoneanother；anddelightedinallmannerofhuntingandcudgel—playing，butnevergaveanyencouragementtocontestseitherofboxingorofthepancratium。

Whilehewasyetveryyoung，heentertainedtheambassadorsfromtheKingofPersia，intheabsenceofhisfather，andenteringmuchintoconversationwiththem，gainedsomuchuponthembyhisaffability，andthequestionsheaskedthem，whichwerefarfrombeingchildishortrifling（forheinquiredofthemthelengthoftheways，thenatureoftheroadintoinnerAsia，thecharacteroftheirking，howhecarriedhimselftohisenemies，andwhatforceshewasabletobringintothefield），thattheywerestruckwithadmirationofhim，andlookedupontheabilitysomuchfamedofPhiliptobenothingincomparisonwiththeforwardnessandhighpurposethatappearedthusearlyinhisson。WheneverheheardPhiliphadtakenanytownofimportance，orwonanysignalvictory，insteadofrejoicingatitaltogether，hewouldtellhiscompanionsthathisfatherwouldanticipateeverything，andleavehimandthemnoopportunitiesofperforminggreatandillustriousactions。Forbeingmorebentuponactionandglorythaneitheruponpleasureorriches，heesteemedallthatheshouldreceivefromhisfatherasadiminutionandpreventionofhisownfutureachievements；andwouldhavechosenrathertosucceedtoakingdominvolvedintroublesandwars，whichwouldhaveaffordedhimfrequentexerciseofhiscourage，andalargefieldofhonour，thantoonealreadyflourishingandsettled，wherehisinheritancewouldbeaninactivelife，andthemereenjoymentofwealthandluxury。

Thecareofhiseducation，asitmightbepresumed，wascommittedtoagreatmanyattendants，preceptors，andteachers，overthewholeofwhomLeonidas，anearkinsmanofOlympias，amanofanausteretemper，presided，whodidnotindeedhimselfdeclinethenameofwhatinrealityisanobleandhonourableoffice，butingeneralhisdignity，andhisnearrelationship，obtainedhimfromotherpeoplethetitleofAlexander’sfoster—fatherandgovernor。ButhewhotookuponhimtheactualplaceandstyleofhispedagoguewasLysimachustheAcarnanian，who，thoughhehadnothingtorecommendhim，buthisluckyfancyofcallinghimselfPhoenix，AlexanderAchillesandPhilipPeleus，wasthereforewellenoughesteemed，andrankedinthenextdegreeafterLeonidas。

PhilonicustheThessalianbroughtthehorseBucephalustoPhilip，offeringtosellhimforthirteentalents；butwhentheywentintothefieldtotryhim，theyfoundhimsoveryviciousandunmanageable，thatherearedupwhentheyendeavouredtomounthim，andwouldnotsomuchasendurethevoiceofanyofPhilip’sattendants。Uponwhich，astheywereleadinghimawayaswhollyuselessanduntractable，Alexander，whostoodby，said，"Whatanexcellenthorsedotheyloseforwantofaddressandboldnesstomanagehim！"Philipatfirsttooknonoticeofwhathesaid；butwhenheheardhimrepeatthesamethingseveraltimes，andsawhewasmuchvexedtoseethehorsesentaway，"Doyoureproach，"saidhetohim，"thosewhoareolderthanyourself，asifyouknewmore，andwerebetterabletomanagehimthanthey？""Icouldmanagethishorse，"repliedhe，"betterthanothersdo。""Andifyoudonot，"saidPhilip，"whatwillyouforfeitforyourrashness？""Iwillpay，"answeredAlexander，"thewholepriceofthehorse。"Atthisthewholecompanyfella—laughing；andassoonasthewagerwassettledamongstthem，heimmediatelyrantothehorse，andtakingholdofthebridle，turnedhimdirectlytowardsthesun，having，itseems，observedthathewasdisturbedatandafraidofthemotionofhisownshadow；thenlettinghimgoforwardalittle，stillkeepingthereinsinhishands，andstrokinghimgentlywhenhefoundhimbegintogroweagerandfiery，heletfallhisuppergarmentsoftly，andwithonenimbleleapsecurelymountedhim，andwhenhewasseated，bylittleandlittledrewinthebridle，andcurbedhimwithouteitherstrikingorspurringhim。

Presently，whenhefoundhimfreefromallrebelliousness，andonlyimpatientforthecourse，helethimgoatfullspeed，incitinghimnowwithacommandingvoice，andurginghimalsowithhisheel。Philipandhisfriendslookedonatfirstinsilenceandanxietyfortheresult，tillseeinghimturnattheendofhiscareer，andcomebackrejoicingandtriumphingforwhathehadperformed，theyallburstoutintoacclamationsofapplause；andhisfathersheddingtears，itissaid，forjoy，kissedhimashecamedownfromhishorse，andinhistransportsaid，"Omyson，looktheeoutakingdomequaltoandworthyofthyself，forMacedoniaistoolittleforthee。"

Afterthis，consideringhimtobeofatempereasytobeledtohisdutybyreason，butbynomeanstobecompelled，healwaysendeavouredtopersuaderatherthantocommandorforcehimtoanything；andnowlookingupontheinstructionandtuitionofhisyouthtobeofgreaterdifficultyandimportancethantobewhollytrustedtotheordinarymastersinmusicandpoetry，andthecommonschoolsubjects，andtorequire，asSophoclessays—

"Thebridleandtheruddertoo，"

hesentforAristotle，themostlearnedandmostcelebratedphilosopherofhistime，andrewardedhimwithamunificenceproportionabletoandbecomingthecarehetooktoinstructhisson。

ForherepeopledhisnativecityStagira，whichhehadcausedtobedemolishedalittlebefore，andrestoredallthecitizens，whowereinexileorslavery，totheirhabitations。Asaplaceforthepursuitoftheirstudiesandexercise，heassignedthetempleoftheNymphs，nearMieza，where，tothisveryday，theyshowyouAristotle’sstoneseats，andtheshadywalkswhichhewaswonttofrequent。ItwouldappearthatAlexanderreceivedfromhimnotonlyhisdoctrinesofMoralsandofPolitics，butalsosomethingofthosemoreabstruseandprofoundtheorieswhichthesephilosophers，bytheverynamestheygavethem，professedtoreservefororalcommunicationtotheinitiated，anddidnotallowmanytobecomeacquaintedwith。ForwhenhewasinAsia，andheardAristotlehadpublishedsometreatisesofthatkind，hewrotetohim，usingveryplainlanguagetohiminbehalfofphilosophy，thefollowingletter。"AlexandertoAristotle，greeting。Youhavenotdonewelltopublishyourbooksoforaldoctrine；forwhatistherenowthatweexcelothersin，ifthosethingswhichwehavebeenparticularlyinstructedinbelaidopentoall？Formypart，Iassureyou，Ihadratherexcelothersintheknowledgeofwhatisexcellent，thanintheextentofmypoweranddominion。Farewell。"AndAristotle，soothingthispassionforpre—eminence，speaks，inhisexcuseforhimself，ofthesedoctrinesasinfactbothpublishedandnotpublished:asindeed，tosaythetruth，hisbooksonmetaphysicsarewritteninastylewhichmakesthemuselessforordinaryteaching，andinstructiveonly，inthewayofmemoranda，forthosewhohavebeenalreadyconversantinthatsortoflearning。

【推荐阅读】幽幽深宫，醒来一梦似千年，重生于下堂妃身躯中的她，将如何手刃仇人? 点击阅读