University of California Berkeley X E NO P HO MEMOIRS o F SOCRATES. WITH THE DEFENCE of SOCRATES, BEFORE His J U D G E .S. #x*c5ocj^^ TRANSLATED from The ORIGINIAL GREEK. B Y SARAH FIELDING B A r H: Printed by C. POPE, in STALL-STREET And SOLD by A. MILLAR, in the STRAND, LONDON, MDCCLXII. A LIST of SUBSCRIBERS. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx A. RIGHT Hon. theCountefs of Aylelbury Right Hon. Lady Anfon Rt. Hon. Lady Elizabeth Archer Hon. Thomas Arundel Hon. Mrs. Arundel Hon. Everard Arundel Ralph Allen, Efq. 3 Books Mrs. Allen, 3 B. Mr. Philip Allen, Jun. Mift Allen William Adams, Efq. Mrs. Adams Mrs. Arthington Mifs Arnold Mr. Arnold, of Wells Mrs. Adamfon Capt. Affleck *** Armftrong, M. D. i?. B. Rev. Dr. Addenbrook, Dean of Litchfield, z B. Mifs Abington Mrs. Ann Anfon Mrs; Joana Anfon Harcourt Auberry, Efq. Mifs Armytage Chriftopher Anftey, Efq. Mr. Arden, of KingVCollege,, Cambridge. B. His Grace the Duke of Beaufort Her Grace rhcDuchefs of Beaufort Right Hon. the Lady Viicountefs Bolingbroke Right Hon. Lord Bruce Right Hon. Lady Bruce Right Hon. Lady Frances Bur- goyne Sir William Boothby, Bart. Hon. and Rev. Mr. Barrington. Hon. Mrs. Bateman Hon. Mrs. Bofcawen Lady Barker Sir Charles Bingham, Bart. Lady Bingham Mrs. E. Bateman Thomas Bowdler, Efq. J. Bowd. J, Bowdler, Efq. Mrs. Bowdler Mrs. J. Bowdler Mrs. Harriot Bowdler George Blount, Efq. Mrs. E. Bernard Mrs. Baldwyn Mrs. Bethel Mifs Bernard Norborne Berkley, Efq. Charles Bragge, Efq. Mrs. Bragge Mifs Kitty Bathurft Mifs Fennetta Bathurft Mrs. Browne, a Books "William Batt, Efq. John Braithwaite, Efq. Ifaac Hawkins Browne, Efq. t B. Mrs. Browne Rev. Mr. Bowles Mrs. Barrel! Mr. Daniel Bayne Mrs. Blackett Mrs. Frances Baldwin Rev. Mr. Burrows Mifs Burrows, z B. Mr. Burgh Mrs. Barker Mr. Benjamin Breckhurft- Thomas Brand, Efq. Mrs. Bennet Thomas Burgh, M. D. Mr. Brograve Mrs. Boothby JJrooke Boothby, Efq. Mifs Boothby Mr. Baiford, King's Coll. Cam. Mr.Buckham, Eraan. Coll. Cam. Mr. Blakcs, Trin. Hall **** Brereton, Efq. King's Col. J. Bryant, Efq. King's Col. Mr. Brownford ****Bifhop,M.D. Mifs Boulton Mrs. Bowerlbank Mifs Bland Kev. Mr. Brinfdon George Blounr, Dr. Jehn Bettefworth, Chan, oi London Rev. Mr. Bowles Thomas Bathurft, Efq. Rev. Mr.Berkeley, Vicar of Bray Mrs. Berkeley **** Burke, Efq. c. Moft Hon. the Marquis ef Car- narvon His Grace the Lord Archbifhoft of Cafliell Right Hon. Lady Vifcountefs Carisfort Right Hon. Countefs Cowper Right Hon. Lady Lucy Clinton Rt. Hon. Lady Caroline Curzt> RightHon. Lady Sophia Cartere.t Hon. Mrs. Cowper Hon. Hume Campbell Hon. Mrs. Cavendifh Hon. Mrs. Cholmondeley, a JJ. SirTkomas Cave, Bart. Sir John Cop* Lady Cope Lady Cocks Lady Cotton Lady Calvert Mifs Cotton Mrs. Cornelifen, 4#. Mrs. Clarke Mr. Samuel Clarke, Merchant Mrs. Coates, a B. Mrs. Frances Clarke Velters Cornwall, Efq. Mrs. Cornwall Mrs. Elizabeth Carter Mifs Claremont Mord. Cutts, Efq. Mrs. E. Cutts John Carter, Efq, Mrs. Churchill Mrs. Charlton Mrs. Cowper Mifs Sufanna Cook Mr, Crook Rev. ( 3 ) ftev. Mr. George Cook. William Craven, Efq. William Cruchfield, Efq. Mr. E. Chamberiayne, King's- College E. Crofts, Efq. St. John's Coll. Mr. Chamberiayne, King's Coll. Mr. Jofeph Cater Mrs, Coleman The Rev. Dr. Crefwick, Dean of Wells Dr. Clarke John Clarke, Efq. Mrs. Charing, ^ B. **** Collier, Efq. Mrs. Craftein Mr. Colborne *** Coxe, of Stone-Eaflon, Efq. Mifs Clarke Mifs Jenny Clarke Mifs Clarke Francis Cuft, Efq. Dr. Arthur Collier, of Doftor's- Commons Dr. PeterCal vert, Doctor's- Com. Dr. Dennis Clarke, of Do&or's- Commons, 2, B. Rev. Mr. Cooch Mifs Joana Cock John Gilbert Cooper, Jun. Efq. William Coles, Efq. D, Rt.Hon . the Countefs of Denbigh RightHon . the Earl of Dartmouth RightHon. the Countefs of Dart- mouth Right Hon. Lady Ann Dawfon RightHon. Lady Juliana Dawkins General Durand Mrs. Durand Rev. Dr. Delany, Dean of Down, 7 Books Rev. Dr. Dalton Daniel Danvers, Efq. Thomas Dawfon, Efq. Mrs. Daily Mrs, H. E. D'Aranda Rev. Mr. Staunton Degg Peter Dubree, Efq. Frederick Dodfworth, Efq. Rev. Mr. Dodfworth William Danby, Efq, Richard Davies, M. D. Mrs. Davies Charles Dunbar, Efq. Mrs. Dunbar John Dovy, Efq s Robert Dingtey, Efq, Mrs. Dingley Do&or Dumerick Newdigate Dalgardnoj Efq. Peter Deval, Efq. ^ B. Mrs. Daubuz, 4 B. Mrs. Dalton Rev. Dr. Davenport Mr. Ditcher Mrs. Ditcher Mr. Davies, King's Coll. Cam, Col. William Draper **** Dunbar, Efq. King'3 Col), Mrs. Dalton Mrs. Digby, 6 B. E. **** Edmenftone, Efq. Harry Earle, Efq. Mrs. Earle Mr. Elmhirft, Stixvvold, Line. Mr. Evans, Queen's Coll. Cam. Mr. Edwardsj King's Coll. Col. Elliot F. Right Hon. Lady Fevermam Right Hon. Lady Louifa Farmev Right Hon. Lady Charlotte Finch Right Hon. Lord Fordwlch Hon. Mrs. Fettyplace Hon. Governor Fleming, 3 B. William Fitzherbert, Efq. Mrs. Fitzherbert Mrs. Forward Rev." Mr. Harrifon Ford Mrs. Forfter P. i''o- (4) P. Fonereau, Efq. Mifs Floyd Mrs. Foley Paul Field, Efq. Mrs. Foorde G. Rt. Hon. the Countefs of Gran- ville Right Hon. the Earl of Gainf- borough Rt. Hon. the Earl of Guilford Right Hon, Countefs of Guilford Right Hon. Lord Grofvenor Right Rev. the Bifhop of Glou* cefter Hon. Mr. Baron Gould Lady Gould Sir Bennet Garrard Hon. Mrs. Grerille Mifs Greville R. Glynn, M. D. Mrs. Gordon, of Leigh, Wilts. Rev. Dr. Garnet, Prebendary of Ely Rev. Mr. Gouch, Preb. of Ely Rev. Mr. Gould Mr. Richard Gould Mr. Thomas Gould Mifs Gould Mifs J. Gould Mrs. Gaftrel Mrs. Godfchall Thomas Hunt Grubb, Efq. Rev. Mr. Greaves Mifs Gambier Rev. Mr. R. Gibfon **** Guerin, Efq. ***Gufthart, M. D. Mr. Gordon, Pet.Houfe, Camb. Mr. Graham, King's-Coll.Camb. Mrs. Griffith Mrs. Green fohn Gray, Efq. Mrs. Garrard, 2. B. William Dixwell Grimes, Efq, James Gibfon, Efq. H. Right Hon. the Earl of Halifax Right Hon. Countefs Harcourt Right Hon. Lady Eliza. Harcourt Hon. William Harcourt Rt. Hon. LadyVifcountefs Howe Rt.Hon. Dowa.Vifcountefs Howe Hon. Thomas Howe Hon. Mrs. Howe Hon. and Rev. Mr. Howe Lady Hare Mifs Hare Mrs. Hall Rev. Mr. Humphry s, Prebendary of Salifbury Mrs. Mary Hayes Henry Hoare, Efq. Mrs. Hoare Mifs Hsare Richard Hoare, Efq. James Harris, Efq. James Harris, Efq. Jun. Mrs. Harris Thomas Harris, Efq, Mrs. Harris Rev. Mr. Harris Rev. Dr. Hoadley, 4 B. B. Hays, Efq. Mrs. Hill Mifs Hynde Mifs Ruth Healey Mrs. Honeywood Mrs. Hughes Mr. Hughes Mifs Harford Robert Hopwood, M. D. Hugh Holbeck, Efq. **** Hay ward, Efq. Trin. Coll. Camb. Mr. Heath, KingVCollege Mrs. Hays, of Hardrous Mr. Hanton Rev. Mr. Blenner HafTet Mrs. Blenner Haflet Thomas Hayter, Efq. Mrs, Hutchinfon John ( 5 ) John Scott Hilton, Efq. James Hooper, Efq. Rev. Mr. Hubbleftone Dr. George Harris, Doctor's Commons John Hughes, Efq. J. Right Hon. the Earl of Jerfey RightHon. theCountefs of Jerfej Right Hon. Lady Ann Jekyl Right Hon. Lady Charlotte Johnfton Mifs Jackfon Mifs Jackfon Richard Bemp. Johnfon Mrs. Jackfon Ambrofe Ifted, Efq. Mifs Jones Rev. Mr. Jenkens, Canon of Wells Mr. Ingram **** Jenkins, Efq. at Rome, 2 B. Charles Jennings, Efq. Mr. Izzard, Trin. Hall, Camb. Mrs. Jones Mifs Incleton K. Right Hon. the Countefs Dowa- ger of Kilmurry Right Rev. the Bi/hop of Kildare Sir Windham Knatchbull Mifs Knatchbull Lady King Thomas Knight, Efq. Mrs. KnighT Mifs Knight Rev. Mr. Knipe Mrs. Kelly Mr. Kcate, KingVColl. Camb. L. Right Hon. Lord Lyttleton Sir Edward Littleton, Bart. Sir James Lake, Bart. H*n. James Lumley Lady Long Mifs Lant Capt. Latham Rev. Mr. Linton Mifs Lintot, 3 B. Henry Cornwall Leigh, Efq. Mr. J. Leake, Jun. ^*Lee, Efq. Trin. Hall, Camb. Mr. Lumington, Pet. Houfe Rev. Mr. Lloyd, of Aaon, Shropshire Jofeph Lynch, Efq . Peter Leigh, of Lime, Efq. 46. Mrs. Leflie Mifs Hefter Lynch Rev. Dr. Leigh, Archdeacon of Salop Rev, Mr. Lovel, Canon of Wells Mrs. Rachael Long M. Her Grace the Dutchefs of Marl borough Right Hon. Lady Ann Montagu. ElightHon.LadyFrancesMontagu R.t. Hon.LadyElizabeth Montagu R.t. Hon. Lady Barbara Montagu *ight Hon. Lady Middleton lliam Morgan, Efq. Vlifs Morgan Edward Montagu, Efq. VIrs. Montagu Frederick Montagu, Efq. eorge Montagu, Efq. Vlifs Meynel VIrs. Heller Mytten Vlifs Sufanna Mackvvorth Mr. Benjamin Martyn "ames Mariot, Efq. L.L.D. *** Morris, Efq. a B. VIrs. Morris vlrs. Middleton Phomas Miller, Efq. r. Benjamin Mee, Merchani VIrs. Munday Abel (6) Abel Moyfey, M. D. Mr. Michell, Queen's- College Mr. Murifon Mrs. Mr.ry **** Mufgrove, Efq. Peter Materes, fq. Thomas Matters, Efq. Mifs Mann MifsMee James Mackerel, Efq. Mifs Mulfo Rev. Mr. Maxwell N. Right Hon. Lady North Right Hon. Lord Newnham, 3 B. Right Rev. theBifhopof Norwich Sir Roger Newdigate, Bart. Hon. Mr. Nugent Pendrick Neale, Efq. Mrs. Neale Mr. Nofmith, Ben's Coll. Camb. Thomas Noble, Efq. Mr. Newberry, 3 B. Mr. Nichols Mr. Nichols, Tiin. Hall, Cam. Mr. Newton o. "Right lion, the Earl of Oflbry Rev. Dr. Owen **** Onflow, Efq. 'Mrs. Ofbornti T. Olmius, Efq. William Olfrer, M. D. P. Right Hon. fheCountefs of Pem- broke Right Hon. the Countcfs of Pom- fret Right Hon. Lady Juliana Penn Right Hon. Lord Harry Pawlet Hon. Mrs. Poyntz Hon. Mrs. Page Mrs. Popkirii, of Kettle Lee Mrs. Pierfon Mrs. Patrick Major Pepys Rev. Mr. Price Mifs Palmer, Ironmongers-Hall Mifs Palmer, Bafinghall-ftreet Mr. D. A. Pimentel Mrs. Pritchard, 2 B. Mrs. Pratt Mr. Palmer, Philpot-Lane * Rev. Mr. Phips Mrs. Fiances Parrott Mrs. Parrot, fen. Richard Parrott, Efq. 6 B. Mr. James Pereira James Petit, Efq. Rev. Mr. Archdeacon Potter Charles Powell, Efq. Rev. Mr. Pine, Prebendary of Wells William EkinsPiers> Efq. Mrs. Pierce Mr. Palmer, King's-Coll. Cam. G. Prowfe, Efq. Mr. Porteus, QueenVCol. Cam. Mrs. Plunket Mifs Pitt Mr.Pemberton } King'sColl.Cai&. Mr. Pott, King's-Cell. Cam. R. Right Hon. the Lady Ranelagk Mrs. Riggs Mrs. Ravaud Mr. Richardfon Mr. Rofe, of Chifwick George Richards, Efq. Matthew Robinfon, Efq. Rev. Mr. Robinfon ' Mrs. Robinfon John Roberts, Efq. 4 B. Rev. Mr. Roberts Mifs Roberts James Rofe, Efq. Rev. Archdeacon Rolleftone Mrs. Rogers William Raper, Efq. Henry Raper, Efq, Mifs ( 7) Mifs Raper Mr. Richards Mr. Roberts **** Rofs, M. D. William Rodbard, Efq. Mrs. Rook S. Right Hon. the Earl of Scarbo- rough Right Hon. Earl of Shaftfbury Right Hon. Countefs of Shaftf- buiy Right Hon. Countefs of Sandwick Right Hon. Vifcount Spencer Right Hon. Vifcountefs Spencer Right Hon. Lady Jane Stanhope Lady Stanhope Sir William St. Quintin William St. Qinntin, Efq. Mrs. St. Qinntin Mrs. Stanhope Mifs Lavinia Smith, of St. Au- dry's, Somerfetfhire Mrs. Smaldridge Mrs. Scott Mrs. J. Sutton Col. Schutz Mrs. Schutz Mifs Seagar Mifs Genevera Sympfon Mrs. Stanley Mils Stanley Mr. Shiffner Mrs. Shiffner Mrs. Shiffner Mils Shiffner Rev. Mr. Stillingfleet Mrs. Shelley Rev. Mr. Sanderfon Mils Shadd Mils Mary Streatfield Mrs. Stephenfon James Sloper, Efq. Mrs. Saffbry Rev. Mr. Seward, ef Eyaw, Derbylhire Mrs, Stead Mrs, A. Smalridge Mrs. Scott Mr. Sharpe, Ben. Coll. Caw, Mr. Sturgis, KingVColl. Mrs. Spencer John Sneyd, Efq. of Bifhton, Staffordlhire Mrs. Speed *** Strange, Efq. at Rome, 4 B. Shaw Stuart, Efq. Richard Stephens, Efq. Mr. Shellard Rev. Dr. Sympfon Robert Sutton, Bfq. Mifs Symons Rev. Mr. Spence, Prebendary of Durham, 6 B. Rev. Mr. Sleech, Archdeacon of Cornwall Rev. Mr. Sumner Sir Tho. Saliibury, Judge of the- Admiralty % Mrs. Salifbury William Sheldon, Efq. Ralph Schomberg, M.D. F.S.A. Mrs. Simpfon T. Right Hon. Countefs Talbot Right Hon. Lady Trevor Sir Robert Throckmorton, Bart. Sir Benjamin Trueman, Bart. Lady Tynte Hon. Henry Talbot . *** Throckmorton, Efq, Mifs Talbot Mifs Talbot Mrs. Mary Trevor, 3 B. *-** Tongue, M. D. Edward Thurloe, Efq. Mrs. Towrey, 4. B. Rev. Mi*. Thomnfon, Vicar of Elham, Kent John Thorpe, Efq. **** Thurftcn, M. D. **** Tryon, Efq. Ben.Col.Cani. Mrs. MaryThomplbn, Rev. Mr.Thorelby Rev. Rer. Dr. Taylor, Cann. Refid. of St. Paul Tho. Towers, Efq. Mrs. Mary Tonfon John Tavers, Efq. Mrs. Thompfon Thomas Tyndall, Efq. King's- Pro&or V. Rev. Mr. Viney Mifs Vaughan Arthur Vanfittart, Efq. Mrs. Vernon Mrs. Vincent w. Right Hon. the Countefs of Waldgrave Right Hon. Vifcount Weymouth Rt" Hon. Vifcountefs Weymouth Right Hon. Lord Warkworth Right Hon. Lady Frances Wil- liams, 3 B. Hon. Mrs. Wadman, 3 B. *** WortleyMontagu, Efq. 4 B Rev. Dr. Wynne William Whitehead, Efq. Mrs. Walmfley Mrs. Webb Mrs. Wittington John Wadman, Efq. 38. Richard Warner, Efq. Mifs Wray *** Williams, Efq. Mrs. Wollafton Mrs. Wife Matthew Wife, E.fq. Mr. Chriftopher Wright, Jun. Wadham Wyndham, Efq. Mrs. Wright ames Warren, Efq. tfrs. Warburton vlifs Worfen Mrs. Willcox VIr. Wills L,ewis Way, Efq. Mrs. Williams Rev. Mr. Wheatland Dr. Thomas Wilfon, Refid. of St. Paul's VTrs. Letitia Winftanley Mrs. Dorothy Winftanley, a B. Mifs Whitby William Whitehead, Efq. 2 B. Mrs. Wilmot Mr. Wilcox, 6 B. Mifs Wowen Mr. Whitaker John Woodward, Efq. John Watts, Efq. Mrs. Wilmot Fowler Walker, Efq. Rev. Mr. Woodroffe Mr. John Wiltmire Mr. Walter Wiltfkire Dr. WilliamWynne, Doa.Com. Mrs. Webb Mrs. Warburton Rev. Mr. Jof. Warton, a B. Rev. Mr. Thomas Warton Mrs. Williamfon *** Wake, Efq. Trin.Coll.Cam. Mr. Wright Richard Whitem, Efq. Mr. Worley John Waters, Efq. Mifs Ward Saunders Welch, Efq. William Thomas Wifhart, Efq. je***!*!"*^^ E R R A r A. PREFACE, Page 3. Line 10. for on, read in. Defence, P.*. L. 8. r. HIPPONICUS. P. 7. L.X from the Bot- tom,r. hold. P. 17. L. 8. r. my Power. Mem. P. 5. Note (/) L. 3. from theBott. after by, dele an. L. the laft, for calling, r. called, P. 9. L. u. for buried, r. bufied. 'P. 10, L. i. after others, d. again. P. 14. L. n. for the, r. our. P. ao. L. a. after Perfuafion, r. ? P. 18. L. the laft, after commit, r. ? P. 4.7. L. 5. from the Bott. after happy, r. ? P. 48. Note L. the laft, after or, r. for fome. P. 60. L. ii and 15. for Men, r. Man. P. 82. L. 10. for had, r. may. P. 98, L. 8. for will, r. wilt. P. 101. L. 13. for Cloaths, r. Cloathes. P. 105. L. 11. for knew, r. know. P. 130. L. the laft, for knew, r. know. P. 132. L. x. for Encouragement, r. Difcouragement. P. 161. L. 6. from the Bott. d. of. P. 165, L. 12. for it, r. them. P. 176, Note, L. the laft, for and, r. which. P. 194, L. 12. d. to. P. 210. L. ii. before Thus, d. "P. 113. L. ftie 6th from theBott. for void, r. avoid. P. 219, L. 4 from the Bott. after neither, r. can. P. 219. L. 3. for can do nothing well, r. or, do any 'Thing WELL. P. 235, Note (e) L. i. for Pcft, r. Port. P. 251. L. n. for noble, r. nobler. P. 252. L. 16. for to fuppofe, r. fuppofed. P. 275. Note, L. 2. for fix, r. fixteen. P. 299. L. 5. from the Bott. r. Conduct confidered. ( i) PREFACE. L THOUGH the Tranflator of the following Memoirs was fully perfuaded, that the far greater Number of thofe who fa- voured her with their Names, and affifted her with their Intereft, were influenced by much nobler Motives, than the Expectation of receiving any Thing very extraordinary from her Hand; yet, fo little did this ap- pear to her any Reafon for relaxing her Endeavours, that 5 on the Con- trary, trary, fhe confidered it, as laying her under an additional Obligation to do all the Juftice fhe poffibly could to her Author. It was partly, on that Account; partly, fromSick- nefs; and partly from fome other Accidents, not more within her Power to regulate, than the State of her own Health, that the Publi- cation of thefe Memoirs hath been deferred beyond the Time, firft men- tioned in the Propofals: But if the Tafk is, at laft, difcharged tolerably, the Mind of the Translator will be fet much at Eafe; and the Reader find fomewhat to repay him for his waiting. THAT the Memoirs of SOCRATES, with Regard to the greateft Part, are are held in the higheft Eftimation, is moft certain; and if there are fome Paflages which feem obfcure ; and of which the Ufe doth not fo plainly appear to us at thisDiftance of Time; and from theDiflimilarity of our Cuftoms and Manners; yet, per- haps, we might not do amifs, in tak- ingSocRATEs himfelf for our Exam- ple in this Particular, as well as on many others ; who being prefented by EURIPIDES, with the Writings of HERACLITUS, and afterwards aflced his Opinion of their Merit; What I under ft and) faid he^ I find to be excellent ; and therefore believe ', that to be of equal Value* which I do not underftand, and, certainly, continues the admired modern Wri- ter, from whom the Quotation above (iv) above was taken, " This Candour is more particularly becoming us in the Perufal of the Works of ancient Authors; of thofe Works which have been preferved in the Devaftation of Cities; and fnatched up in the Wreck of Nations : Which have been the Delight of Ages; and tranfmitted as the great Inheritance of Mankind, from one Generation to another ; and we ought to take it for granted, that there is a Juft- nefs in the Connexion, which we cannot trace; and a Cogency in the Reafoning, which we cannot under- ftand." TheTranflator of the fol- lowing Sheets, would willingly be- Ipeak the fame Candour, in reading the Translations of the ancient Wri- ters, which hath above been thought (v) fo neceflary, for judging right of the Originals. In the Preface to the Life of CICE RO ; the celebrated Wri- ter of it thus exprefles himfelf : " Nor has that Part of the Taflc, laid he, (fpeaking of the feveral Paflages he had translated from the Writings of CICERO) been the eafieft. to me; as thofe will readily believe who have ever attempted to tranf- late the Claffical Writings of Greece and Rome." It may perhaps be objeded, " That Candour alone is not fufficient for the prefent Oc- cafion;" to which it can only be anfwered, T&Z/SOMETHING was to be done\ and) that ^^PAINS hath been fpared) to do it as well as poflible. %* The Tranflator is forry to find, tint the Title affixed to this Work hath not been approved of univerfally : And, in Truth ; that Inundation of Trifles, Follies, and Vices, lately (vi) lately introduced into the World, under the general Appella- tion of Memoirs, hath occafioned fuch an unhappy AffpcU- tion of Ideas, as doth not well fuit, with a ZE NOTION'S giving a Relation of what a SOCRATES once faid, and did: But the Translator takes Shelter for herfelf, under the re- ipeftable Names of Mr. JOHNSON, and Mrs. CARTER j the one having, as flie thinks, explained the Word, MEMOIR, iq a Manner confiftent with the prefent Application of it} and th other actually rhade Choice of it, for the very fame Pur- pofe, as is here done. XENOPHON's MEMOIRS O F SOCRATES. c^c^c^ BOOK I. CHAP. I. HAVE often wondered by what Ar- guments the Accufers of SOCRATES could perfuade the Athenians that he had behaved in fuch a Manner towards the Republic, as to deferve Death : For the Accufation preferred againft him, was to this Kff-ed :~- A " SOCRATES 2 MEMOIRS of " SOCRATES is criminal-, inafmuch as he ao " knowlegeth not the Gods, whom the Re- " public holds facred, but introduced! other " and new Deities : He is likewife criminal^ " becaufe be corrupteth the Youth" Now, as to the firft of thefe, that he ac- knowleged not the Gods whom the Republic held facred, what Proof could they bring of this ; fince it was manifeft that he often facrificed ; both at Home, and on the common Altars ? Neither was it in fecret that he made Ufe of Divination ; it being a Thing well known among the People, that SOCRATES fhould de- clare, his Genius gave him frequent Intima- tions of the Future , whence, principally, as it feems to me, his Accufers imputed to him the Crime of introducing new Deities. But furely, herein, SOCRATES introduced nothing newer, or more ftrange, ( a ) than any other, who, placing Confidence in Divination, make Ufe (a) The Senfe of this Faflage, together with the Notes which here follow upon the feveral Particulars contained in it, were obligingly given me by one not mere known for his Learning, than eftcemcd for his Candour and Benevolence, - Mr. HARRIS, of SALISBURY. SOCRATES. 3 Ufe of Auguries, W and Omens, (<) and Symbols, W and Sacrifices. ( ) For thefe Men fuppofe not that the Birds, or Perfons A 2 they (b) AUGURIES. In Greek 'Ot^vot, which originally fignifying Birds, was by Metaphor taken to iignify that Difcovery of Futurity to which Birds were fuppofed inftru^ mental. (c) OMENS. In Greek 4>^iai, Voices, either De- clarations of the Gods, by exprefs Words of their own, heard in Temples, Groves, and other Places ; or incidental Ex- preffions dropt by Human Beings j who, without intending it themfelves, were fuppofed to be made Channels of Divine Communications. Thus, when PAULUSEMILIUS was juft re- turned from the Senate, where the Conduct of theWar with the Macedonian King PERSES had been decreed to his Care, he four^d his little DaughterTERTiA inTears. On his tenderly kifling her, and demanding the Caufe : My dear Father, fays me, poor Perfa is dead. Perfa (according to the Latin Idiom for Perfes) was the Name of her Lap-Dog. The Father, eagerly embracing her, cries out, AcipioOMEX, mia filia:- My Child, Ifeizethe Omen. ^EMILIUS foon after went, and PERSES was conquered. Cic. de Divinat. L. x. C. 4.6. Ac- cording to this Idea of the Word Omen, the old Etymologyfts very properly inform us, that it was originally written Ore- men quod fit ex ore t as being a Method of Divination which proceeds from the Mouth, (d) SYMBOLS. In Greek E^SoXa, or Et^oXok, Signs, Symbols, oi< external Types, by which fomething elfc more latent w *s fignified, on the Explanation of which de- pended 4. MEMOIRS of they meet unexpectedly, know what is goocf for them ; but that the Gods, by their Means, give certain Intimations of the Future, to thofe who apply themfelves to Divination. And the fame alfo was his Opinion , only with this Difference , that while the greateft Part fay, they are perfuaded, or diffuaded, by the Flights of Birds, or fome accidental Occur- rence, SOCRATES, on the Contrary, fo af- ferted concerning thefe Matters, as he knew them from an internal Confdoufnefs ; declaring it was his Genius from whom he received his Information. And, in confequence of thefe Significations, (communicated, as he faid, by his Genius) SOCRATES would frequently fore- warn his Friends, what might be well for them to pended the Skill of the Diviner. Thus from CICERO, in the fame Traft above quoted, we learn that when King MI- DAS was a Child, the Ants, as he was ileeping, filled hU Mouth with Grains of Corn ; and that when PLATO was Sleeping in his Cradle, the Bees came and feated themfelves on his Lips. Thefe Symbols were explained to foretel, the fu- ture Riches of the firft, and the future Eloquence of the lat- ter. Cic. de Div. L. i. C. 36. (e) SACRIFICES. In Greek vo-fai. The Infpec- tion of the Entrails of Victims, and the Divination thence deduced, are too well known to need Explanation. SOCRATES. 5 to do, and what to forbear , and fuch as were guided by his Advice, found their Advantage in fo doing , while thofe who negle&ed it, had no fmall Caufe for Repentance, (f) Now, who is there that will not readily acknowlege, that SOCRATES could have no Defire to appear to his Friends either as an Enthufiaft, or arrogant Boafler ; which, how- ever, would have been unavoidable, had he openly afferted that Notices of the Future had been given him by the Deity , while a Failure in the Event made the Falfhood of the Af- fertion (f) As an Inftance of this, it is faid, That after the De- feat of the Athenians, at the Battle of Deli am, he told AL- CIBIADES, and thofe who were with him, '* That he had " juit received Intimations from his Genius, that they mould '* not take the fame Road the greateft Part of their broken " Forces had taken, but turn into feme other." By which Means, thofe who paid Regard to his Admonitions efcapcd ; while the reft, being overtaken by a Party of the Enemy"* Horfe, were either killed on the Spot, or made Priforers. Neither doth this, or any of the like Inftanco.s, oppofe th* Opinion of thofe who fay SOCRATES'S Genius was nothing more than found Judgment, or Rcufon, free from all the- Warpings and Mifb of Pafuon ; improved by an Experience, and a careful Observation of Nature, and Things. CoRNt uus NEPOS calling Frudenc? a Kind of Di\'instion. 6 MEMOIRS of fertion notorious to all. Wherefore, it is ma- nifeft, SOCRATES foretold nothing, but what he firmly believed would, hereafter, be ful- filled : But, where could he place this full Confidence, exclufive of a Deity \ and how could one, who thus confided, be faid to ac- knowlege no Gods ? FARTHER : Although SOCRATES always advifed his Followers to perform the necefiary Affairs of Life in the beft Manner they were able \ yet, with regard to every Thing, the Event whereof was doubtful, he conftantly fent them to confult the Oracle, whether it ought^ or ought not^ to be undertaken. He likewife aflerted, that the Science of Divina- tion was neceflary for all fuch as would go- vern, fuccefsfully, either Cities or private Fa- milies : For, although he thought every one might ehufe his own Way of Life, and afterwards, by his Induftry, excel therein > whether Architecture, Mechanics, Agriculture, fuperintending the Labourer, managing the Finances, or pracYifing the Art of War; yet even here^ the Gods, he would fay, thought proper to referve to them- SOCRATES. 7 felves, in all thefe Things, the Knowlege of that Part of them which was of the moft Importance ; fmce he, who was the moft careful to cultivate his Field, could not know, of a Certainty, who mould reap the Fruit of it. He who built his Houfe the moft elegantly, was not fure who fhould inhabit it. He who was the beft (killed in the Art of War, could not fay, whether it would be for his Intereft to command the Army : Neither he who was the moft able to direct in the Adminiftration, whether for his to pre- fide over the City. The Man who married a fair Wife, in Hopes of Happinefs, might procure for himfelf a Source of much Sorrow , and he who formed the moft powerful Alliances, might come in Time, by their Means, to be expelled his Country. SOCRATES, therefore, efteemed all thofe as no other than Madmen, who, excluding the Deity, referred the Succefs of their Defigns to nothing higher than human Prudence. He likewife thought thofe not much better, who hadRecourfe to Divination on everyOccafion; as if a Man was to confult the Oracle, whe- ther 8 MEMOIRS of ther he fhould give the Reins of his Chariot into the Hands of one ignorant, or well verfed in the Art of Driving ; or place, at the Helm of his Ship, a fkilful, or unfkilful Pilot. He alfo thought it a Kind of Impiety, to impor- tune the Gods with our Enquiries concern- ing Things, of which we may gain the Know- lege by Number, Weight, or Meafure ; it being, as it feemed to him, incumbent on Man to make himfelf acquainted with what- ever the Gods had placed within his Power : As for fuch Things as were beyond his Com- prehenfion, for thefe he ought always to apply to the Oracle ; the Gods being ever ready to communicate Knowlege to thofe, whofe Care had been to render them propitious. SOCRATES was, alnloft, continually in Men's Sight. The firfl Hours of the Mor- ning were ufually fpent in the Places fet apart for Walking, or the public Exercifes ; and from thence he went to the Forum, at the Time when the People were accuiiomed to aflemble. The Remainder of the Day was patted, where might be feen the greatefl Con- courfe of the Athenians , and, for the mofl Part, S O C RAT E S. 9 Part, he fo difcourfed, that all who were wil- ling might hear whatfoever he faid : Yet no one ever obferved SOCRATES either {peaking or pra&ifmg any Thing impious, or profane j neither did he amufe himfelf, like others, with making curious Refearches into the Works of Nature ; and finding out how this, which Sophifts call the World^ had its Begin- ning v or what thofe powerful Springs which influence Celeftial Bodies. On the Contrary, he demonftrated the Folly of thofe, who bu- ried themfelves much in fuch fruitlefs Difqui- fitions \ afking, whether they thought they were already fufficiently inftructed in human Affairs, that they undertook, only, to medi- tate on divine ? Or, if pafling over the frft, and confining their Enquiries altogether to the latter^ they appeared, even to themfelves, to act wifely, and as became Men. He mar- velled they fhould not perceive, it was not for Man to inveftigate fuch Matters j for thofe among them who arrogated the moft to themfelves, becaufe they cou'd with the greateft Facility talk on thefe Subjects, never agreed in the fame Opinion ; but like Mad- men, fome of whom tremble when no Danger B is io MEMOIRS of is near , while others again fear no Harm at the Approach of Things hurtful : So thefe Philofophers ; fome of them afferting there was no Shame in faying or doing any Thing before the People ; others fending their Dif- ciples into Solitude ; as if nothing innocent could be performed by us in Public. Some regarding neither Temples' nor Altars, nor reverencing any Thing whatfoever as divine ; while others thought nothing could be found too vile for an Object of their Adoration.- Even among thofe who laborioufly employed themfelves in ftudying the Univerfe, and the Nature of all Things, fome imagined the whole of Being to be fimply One only ; others, that Beings are in Number Infinite : Some, that all Things are eternally moving-, others, that nothing can be moved at all: Some, that all Things are generated and deftroyed , others, that there can never be any Generation or Definition of any Thing, (s) HE (g) This Paffage, with the following Note upon it, to- gether with the Note marked (b) were given to the Tranfla- tor by Mr. HARRIS. In this PafTage SOCRATES has Reference to the Specula- tions, partly Phyfical, partly Metaphyfical, of the Philofo- pliers, SOCRATES. ii HE would afk, concerning thefe bufy En- quirers into the Nature of fuch Things, -as are only to be produced by a divine Power,- whether, as thofe Artifts who have been in- ftrufted in fome Art, believe they are able to pra&ife it at Pleafure, fo they, having found out the immediate Caufe, believe they lhall be able, for their own Benefit, or that of others, to produce Winds and Rain, the Vicifiitudes of Time, or the Change of Seafons ? Or, if indeed, altogether deftitute of this Hope, they could content themfelves with fuch fruitlefs Knowlege ? IN this Manner would he reafon concern- ing thofe People who gave themfelves up to fuch ufelefs Speculations. As for himfelf, Man, and what related to Man, were the only B 2 phers, who lived before him, and whofe Writings now are tither wholly loft, or only preferved in Fragments by ARIS- TOTLE, CICERO, SIMPLICIUS, &c. The Names ofthffe ancientSages wereMELissus, PARMENIDBS, ANAXAGORUS, HERACLITUS, DEMOCR.IIUS, V. 'Twouldbe fupcrfiuous in this Place to fay any Thing concerning their Opinions, the Piverfity among them is fufficiently fet forth by our Author, and 'tis w-tbis Dive^Jity refls the Force of his Argument, 12 MEMOIRS of Subjects on which he chofe to employ him- felf. To this Purpofe, all his Enquiries and Converfation turned upon what was pious, what impious , what honourable, what baft , what juft, what unjuft ; what Wifdom, what Folly ; what Courage, what Cowardice ,. what a State or political Community, what the Character of a Statefman or Politician ; what a Government of Men, ( h ) what the Cha- racter of one eqijal to fuch Government. It was on thefe, and other Matters of the fame Kind, that he ufed to difiert ; in which Sub- jects, thofe who were knowing he ufed to ef- teem Men of Honour and Goodnefs , and thofe who were ignorant, to be no better than the bafeft of Slaves. M THAT (h) He fpeaks here of the Government of Men, in Con- tradiftinc"lion to that of Brutes, as pra&ifed over Sheep by Shepherds, over Cattle by Herdfmen, over Horfes by Horfe- men. The Brutes all confidered as irrational, but Man as rational. See this Matter finely illuftrated by XENOPHQN, in the Beginning of his Cyropcedia. (i) ErtCTETus confines the Study and Enquiries to yet narrower Bounds ; for he fays," As the Subject - st Matter of a Carpenter, is Wood ; of a Statuary, Brafs ; fo of the Art of Living, the Subjeft-Matter is, each Per- f fon's own Life ;" But the more enlarged Scheme of So- CRATES (eems more anjiable, as more jnft. SOCRATES. 13 THAT the Judges of SOCRATES fhould err concerning him, in Points wherein his Opinion might not be apparently manifeft, I marvel not , but that fuch Things as had been fpoken plainly, and acted openly, mould have no Weight with them, is indeed wonderful; for, being of the Senate, and having taken, as was cuftomary, the fenatorial Oath, by which he bound himfelf to aft in all Things conformable to the Laws, and arriving in his Turn to be Prefident of the AfTembly of the People, (*) he boldly refufed to give his Suffrage to the iniquitous Sentence which condemned the nine Captains, (0 two of whom were ERASMIDES and THRASELLUS^ to an unjuft Death ; being neither intimi- dated (k) EPlSTATE f (1) The Crime alleged againft thefe Men was, their not having taken Care to pay the laft Rights to the Dead after a Sea-Fight with the Lacedemonians, though they could plead in Ecufe for the not doing it, the being prevented by a vio- lent Storm. SOCRATES, notwithftanding THEREMENES, one of his Followers and Friends, had preferred the Accufa- tion, oppofed it ftrongly ; and when called upon to put the Judgment in Writing, as his Office required him, he tqld them at firft he was unacquainted with the Law-Terms j an4 & laft, absolutely refufe4 to (Jo it, 14 MHMOIRS o/ dated with the Menaces of ,ihe Great, nor the Fury of the People ; but fteadily pre- ferring the Sanctity of an Oath to the Safety of his Perfon : For. he was periuaded the Gods watched over the Actions and the Af- fairs of Men, -in a- Way altogether different to what the Vulgar imagined ; for while tbefe limited their Knowlege to fome Particulars only, SOCRATES, on the Contrary, extended it to all\ firmly perfuaded, that every Word, every A&ion, nay even the moft retired De- liberations, were open to their View ; ('*) that they were every where prefent, and com- municated to Mankind all fuch Knowlege as related to the Conduct of human Life : Wherefore, I greatly wonder the Athenians could ever fuffer themfelves to be perfuaded that SOCRATES retained Sentiments injurious to the Deity ! He, in whom nothing was ever obferved unbecoming that Reverence fo juftly due to the Gods ; but, on the Con- trary, (m) When you have fhut your Door, faith and darkened your Room ; remember never to fay, You are alone: For GOD is within, and your Genius is within, and what Need They of Light to fee what you are doing ? CARTER'S EPIC, SOCRATES. 15 trary, fo behaved towards them, both in Re- gard to his Words and his Adtions, that who- ever fhall hereafter demean himfelf in fuch a Manner, mufl be, in Fad, and ought alfo to be efteemed, a Man of the trueft and moft exemplary Piety. CHAP. II. 1QUT it is ftill Matter of more Wonder to JL> me, that any one could be prevailed on to believe, that SOCRATES was a Corrupter of Toutb ! SOCRATES, the moft fober, and the moft chafte of all Mankind ! fupporting with equal Chearfulnefs the Extreme, whether of Heat or Cold ! ( n ) who ilirunk at no Hard- fhips, declined no Labour, and knew fo per- fectly how to moderate his Defires, as to make the Little he pofTefled altogether fuf- fkient for him ! Could fuch a one be an En- (n) It was his Cultom never to drink on his Return from his Exercifes, 'till after having poured Abroad the firft Buc- ket of Water, though ready to die with Thirft and Heat: and this, as he faid, to exercife his Patience, and accuftom his fenfual Appetites the better to obey his Reafon. 16 MEMOIRS of Encourager of Impiety, Injuftice, Luxury, Intemperance, Effeminacy ? But, fo far from any fuch Thing, that on the Contrary he re- claimed many from thefe Vices, by kind- ling in their Minds a Love of Virtue ; en- couraging them to think, that by a fledfaft Perfeverance they might make themfelves efteemed, by becoming virtuous Men : And although he never undertook to be a Teacher cf others , yet, as he practifed the Virtues he fought to recommend, thofe who converfed with him were animated with the Hopes of becoming one Day wife, from the Influence of his Example. Not that SOCRATES ever omit- ted a due Concern for his Body , neither did he commend thofe who did : He would even frequently blame the People whofe Cuftom it was to eat to Excefs, and afterwards ufe im- moderate Exercife ; faying, that Men fhould only eat 'till Nature was fatisfied, and then apply themfelves to fome moderate Exercife ; which would not only keep the Body in Health, but fet the Mind at Liberty for the more proper Difcharge of its peculiar Duties. IN SOCRATES. 17 IN his Apparel nothing was either delicate or often tatious ; and the fame might be faid with Refpeft to his whole Manner of Living : Yet no Man ever became avaricious, from ha- ving converfed with SOCRATES : On the Con- trary, many were reclaimed from this infamous Vice, by his Example, as they had been al- ready from many others -, while they obferved him not only to forbear the taking any Re- ward of thofe who fought his Conversation, but heard him earneftly contend it was necef- fary to do fo, for any one who defired to avoid Slavery : For fuch, he would fay, as fubmit to receive a pecuniary Return for the Inftruc- tions they beftow, ar no longer at Liberty to give, or with-hold them ; but, like fo many Slaves, are at the Will of thofe from whom they are content to receive Wages : There- fore he much admired, that the Man who profefled himfelf a teacher of Virtue^ fhould debafe himfelf fo far ; unlefs he either under- flood not, that to gain a virtuous Friend was the greateft of all Acquifitions , or at leaft feared, that fuch as had been made wife and, virtuous by his Inftructions, might yet be want- ing in Gratitude to their greateft Benefa&or. C BUT 1 8 MEMOIRS of BUT, far from any fuch Abfurdity, SO- CRATES, without fetting himfelf up for an Inflructor, had full Confidence, that all who attended to his Difcourfes, a^id embraced his Doctrines, would never fail in Point of Friendlhip, either to him, or to each other : How then could a Man like Ms? be a Cor- rupt ~er of To nth , unlefs, haply, the Study of Virtue mould be the Way to corrupt the Morals, and incline Mankind to become more diflblute ? BUT, fays his Accufers, " SOCRATES makes thofe who converfe with him, Contemners of the Laws ; calling it Madnefs, to leave to Chance the Election of our Magiftrates , while no one would be willing to take a Pilot, an Architect, or even a Teacher of Mufic, on the fame Terms -, though Miftakes in fuch Things would be far lefs fatal than Errors in the Admi nut ration." With thefe^ and the like Difcourfes, he brought (as was faid) the Youth by Degrees to ridicule and contemn the eftablifhed Form of Government - 9 and made them thereby, the more headftrong and audacious. Now SOCRATES. 19 Now, it feemeth to me, that whoever ap- plies himfelf to the Study of Wifdom, in Hopes of becoming one Day capable of di- refting his Fellow-Citizens, will not indulge, but rather take Pains to fubdue whatever he finds in his Temper of turbulent and impe- tuous ; knowing that Enmity and Danger are the Attendants on Force -, while the Path of Perfuafion is all Security and Good- Will : For they who are compelled hate whoever compels them, fuppofmg they have been in- jured , whereas we conciliate the Affection of thofe we gain by Perfuafion ; while they con- fider it as a Kindnefs, to be applied to in fuch a Manner. Therefore, it is only for thofe to employ Force, who poiTefs Strength without Judgment; but the Well-advifed will have Recourfe to other Means. Befides, he who pretends to carry his Point by Force, hath need of many AfTociates , but the Man who can perfuade, knows, that he is of himfelf fufficient for the Purpofe : Neither can fuch a one be fuppofed forward to fhed Blood ; for, who is there would choofe to deftroy C 2- a Pel- 2O MEMOIRS of a Fellow-Citizen, rather than make a Friend, of him, by Mildnefs and Perfuafion, BUT, adds his Accufer, know- ing, 24 MEMOIRS of ing, that as to converfe with the Good, muft exercife and improve every Virtue ; fo, to afibciate with the Bad, muft prove no lefs pernicious and baneful. And to this Pur- pofe alfo the Poet : () " Although unconfcious of the pleafing Charm, The Mind ftill bends where Friendlhip points the Way : Let Virtue, then, thy Partner's Bofom warm, Left Vice mould lead thy foften'd Soul aftray." And that other " In the fame Mind, now Good, now Bad, prevails/* AND with thefe do I agree , for, as we may obferve, People who have learnt Verfes foon forget them, if not frequently repeated , fo will it prove with Regard to the Pre- cepts of Philofophy > they flip out of the Memory, and along with them we lofe the very Ideas which kindled and nou- rifhed (o) THEOGNIS. The dial-after of this Poet is, " That he refcued Poetry from trifling and ufelefs Subjects, to employ it in the Service of Virtue and Goodnefs." He was born in the 39th Olympiad. {!= This elegant Tranflation was given me by a kind Friend. SOCRATES. 25 riflied in our Souls the Love of Virtue; which Ideas once gone* no Wonder if the Praftice of it ceafes foon after. I have ob- ferved farther; that fuch Men as are hur- ried away with an inordinate Love, whe- ther of Wine or Women, become lefs ca- pable of attending to what will be for their Advantage ; or refraining from what is to their Harm : So that it hath often happen'd, that many, who before were remarkable for their Oeconomy, no fooner became Slaves to one or other of thefe Paffions, but all Things went to Ruin , and, having fquandered away their Subftance, were compelled, through Want, to fubmit to fuch Offices, as they themfelves had once thought Jhameful. How then (hall we fay, that he who is once tempe- rate, cannot become intemperate ; or, that he who acts uprightly, at one Time, cannot, at another act the very Contrary ? For myfelf, I am perfuaded, that no one Virtue can fubfift that is not diligently and duly exercis'd : And Temperance more efpecially -, becaufe our fenfual Defires, being feated with our Minds, in the fame Body, are continually foliciting D us 26 MEMOIRS of us to a Compliance with thofe Appetites Na- ture hath implanted ; though at the Expencc of Virtue, and all Things virtuous. Where- fore, I can well imagine, that even ALCIBI- ADES and CRITIAS could reftrain their vi- cious Inclinations, while they accompanied with SOCRATES, and had the Afiiftance of his Example \ but being at a Diftance from him, CRITIAS, retiring into ThefTaly, there very foon compleated his Ruin, by chufing to afibciate with Libertines, rather than with fuch as were Men of Sobriety and Integrity j while ALCIBIADES, feeing himfelf fought after by Women of the higheft Rank, on Account of his Beauty ; and at the fame Time much flattered by many who were then in Power, becaufe of the Credit he had gained, not only in Athens, but with fuch as were in Alliance with her : In a word ; per- ceiving how much he was the Favourite of the People ; and placed, as it were, above the Reach of a Competitor ; neglected that Care of himfelf which alone could fecure him.: Like the Athletic, who will not be at the Trouble to continue his Exercifes, on feeing no one near, able to difpute the Prize with SOCRATES. 27 with him. Therefore, in fuch an extraordi- nary Concurrence of Circumftances as befel thefe Men : Puffed up with the Nobility of their Birth, elated with their Riches, and in^ flamed with their Power , if we confider the Company they fell into, together with their many unhappy Opportunities for Riot and Intemperance, can it feem wonderful, -fepa- rated as they were from SOCRATES, and this for fo long a Time too, if at length they became altogether degenerate, and rofe to that Height of Pride and Infolence to which we have been WitnefTes ? BUT the Crimes of thefe Men are, it feems, in the Opinion of his Accufer, to be charged upon SOCRATES j yet allows he no Praife for keeping them within the Bounds of their Duty in that Part of Life which is generally found the moil intemperate and untradtable : Neverthelefs, on all other Occaiions, Men judge not in this Manner. For, what Teacher of Mufic, or any other Art or Science, was ever known to incur Cenfure, becaufe the Scholar, whom he had well inftrucled, for- got all he had been taught, when placed . ' under 2$ MEMOIRS of under the Care of fome other Matter ? Or what Father would condemn thofe Compa- nions of his Son, with whom the firft Years of his Life had been fpent innocently \ be- caufe afterwards he had been drawn afide into Riot and Debauchery, by aflfociating himfelf with very different People ? will he not, ra- ther beftow the greater Praife on the one, by how much more he fees his Son hath been corrupted by the other ? *- Even Pa- rents, themfelves, are not blamed for the Faults of their Children, though educated under their own Eye, provided they are care- ful not to fet before them any ill Example. HERE, then, is the Teft, whereby to have tried SOCRATES: " Hath his Life been wicked ? let him be confidered, and cori- demn'd, as a wicked Man : But, if other- wife ; if he hath fteadily and invariably per- fevered in the Paths of Virtue, accufe him not of Crimes, which his Soul never knew." " YET, it may be, he countenanced thofe Vices in others, which in his own Perfon he icbpfe not to coipmit." BUT SOCRATES. 29 BUT far from SOCRATES were all fuch Compliances ! -On the Contrary, when CRI- TIAS was enfnared with the Love of EUT HY- DE MUS, he earneftly endeavoured to cure him of fo bafe a Paffion ; mewing how il- liberal, how indecent, how unbecoming the Man of Honour, to fawn, and cringe, and meanly act the Beggar : Before him, too, whom of all others he the mod earneflly ftrove to gain the Efteem of ; and, after all, for a Favour which carried along with it the greateft Infamy. And when he fucceeded not in his private Remonftrances , CRITIAS ftill perfifting in his unwarrantable Defigns, SOCRATES, it is faid, reproached him in the Prefence of many, and even before the beloved EUTHYDEMUS ; refembling him to a Swine, the moft filthy and difgufting of all Animals. For this Caufe CRITIAS hated him ever after , and, when one of The nirty, being advanced, together with CHARICLES, jto prefide in the City, he forgot not the Affront -, but, in order to revenge it, made a Law, wherein it was forbidden that any fhould 30 MEMOIRS of fhould teach Pbilofophy in Athens : (PJ By 'which he meant, having nothing in particular againft SOCRATES, to involve him in the Re proach caft by this Step on all the Philofo- phers ; and thereby render him, in common with the reft, odious to the People : For / never heard SOCRATES lay that he taught Philofophy -, neither did I know any who ever did hear him : But CRITIAS was ftung ; and he determined to fhew it. Now after The Thirty had put to Death many of the Citizens, and fome of them of the beft Rank -, (?) and had given up the Reins to all Manner of Violence and Rapine ; SOCRATES had faid fomewhere, " that it would aftonifh him much, if he who loft Part of the Herd every Day, while the reft grew poorer and weaker under his Management, mould deny his being a bad Herdfman : But it would af- tonifh (p) This Law was again abrogated upon the Expulfiqn of the Thirty Tyrants. See POTTER "s Grecian Anti^mtles^ Yd. i. Chap. 25. (q) It is faid, that the Number of Thofe put to Death by thefe Tyrants, were Fourteen Hundred ; and this, withou* the leaft Form of Law : Befides Five Thoufsnd, who were, driven i SOCRATES. 31 him ftill more, if he who had the Charge of the City, and faw the Number of Iris Citizens decreafe hourly, while the reft became more difiblute and depraved under his Adminiftration, mould be fhamelefs enough not to acknowlege himfelf, an evil Ruler." Thefe Words, therefore, of SOCRATES, being told to CRITIAS and CHARIOLES, they fent for -him; and fhewing him theLaw, ftraitly for- bad him to difcourfe any more with the young Men. SOCRATES then afked, " if it was permitted him to propofe fome Queftions, touching fome Parts of the faid Law ; which he faid he could not thoroughly underftand ;" and being anfwered it was permitted : " I am always, faid he, moil ready to obey the Laws -, but, to the End I may not tranfgrefs unwittingly, inform me, I pray you, whether you take Philofophy, as it Hands here con- demned by you, to confift in Reafoning right , or Reafoning wrong ; fince, if you intend it to imply the firft, then muft we henceforth beware how we Reafon right ; but if the lat- ter is meant, the Confequence is plain, then muft we endeavour to mend our Reafoning." AT 32 MEMOIRS of AT thefe Words, CHARICLES being much enraged, faid to him, " Since you are fo ig- norant, SOCRATES, and with all, fo dull of Apprehenfion, we will exprefs ourfelves in Terms fomewhat more eafy to be underftood ; refrain altogether from talking with the young Men." " IT is well, ahfwered SOCRATES ; but* that nothing of Ambiguity may remain in the prefent Cafe, tell me, I pray you, how long are Men called young ?" " So long, replied CHARICLES, as they are refufed Admittance into the Senate ; as fup- pofed not yet arrived at Maturity of Judg- ment: Or, in other Words, 'till they are Thirty." ** BUT, fuppofe I fhould want to buy fome- thing of a Merchant, muft I not afk the Price of it, if the Man is under Thirty ?" " WHO fays any fuch Thing ? returned CHARICLES: But SOCRATES, faid he, it is fo much your Cuftom to afk Queftions, when you SOCRATES. 33 you are not ignorant of the Matter in Hand, that I do not wonder at your doing fo now: Let us, however, have done for the prefent with your trifling Interrogatories." " BUT what if fome young Man, as he pafles along, fhould afk me in Hafte, " where lives CHARICLES ? where's CRITIAS gone ?" muft I not anfwer him ?" " IT is hardly intended to prohibit fuch Things," returned CHARICLES : When CRI- TIAS interrupting them j " and /, SOCRATES, /can inform thee of fome thing more thou haft to refrain from : Keep henceforth at a pro- per Diftance from the Carpenters, Smiths, and Shoemakers j and let us have no more of your Examples from among them : And befides , I fancy, they are fufficiently tired with your bringing them in fo often in your long Difcourfes." " MUST I like wife give up the Confer- uences, faid SOCRATES, dedudble from thefe Examples ; and concern myfelf no lon- ger with Juftice and Piety, and the Rules of Right and Wrong ?" E THOU 34 MEMOIRS of " THOU muft, by Jupiter ! replied CHA- RICLES : And SOCRATES, faid he, to make all fure , trouble not thyfelf any more with the Herdfmen > for Fear thotc fhould'ft occa- fion the Lofs of more Cattle." ( r ) Now, from this, it is evident, that what SOCRATES once faid concerning the Cattle^ be- ing told thefe Men, had greatly inflamed their Rage againft him : Hence alfo may be feen, how long CRITIAS continued to afibciate with SOCRATES ; and what the Affection they had for each other. I might here likewife add, how ieldom it is we make Proficiency under People who are not pleafing to us i and, that the Converfation of SOCRATES did not render him fo either to CRITIAS or AL- CIBIADES, may well be fuppofed. Even at the (r) Some underfland this as referring to a certain Coin in Ufe among the Athenians, whereon was ftampt the Figure of an Ox, asif CHARICLES had threatened SOCRATES with a Fine ; -but there are others, and feemingly, with more Rea- i fon, who think that CHARICLES aimed his Menace, rather at the Life, than Wealth of SOCRATES, when he thus turns his own Words upon him j and bids him take Care, '* that he himfejf does not occafion the Lofs of more Cattle/ 1 It ftems '4 Witticifm too, well fuiting fuch a Man. SOCRATES. 35 the very Time they followed him, their chief Delight was in converting with fuch Per- ibns as they believed the molt fkilful in the Affairs of State : Their only Defign being to govern the Republic. And, agreeably to this-, they tell us that ALCIBIADES, when un- der the Age of Twenty, coming to PERICLES his Tutor, and at that Time fole Director of the Athenian State, entered into the follow- ing Converfation with him concerning the Laws. " MY PERICLES, faid he, can you explain to me what a Law is ?" " Undoubtedly," returned the other. " Then, I conjure you by the immortal Gods ! faid ALCIBIADES, inftruft me in this Point : For when I hear Men praifed for their ftri6t Obfervance of the Laws -, it feems to me evident, that he can no Way pretend to that Praife, who is altogether ignorant what a Law is." "Your Requeft, my ALCIBIADES, is not difficult to be complied with : For that is a Law, which the People agree upon in their public AfTemblies, and afterwards caufe to 2 be 36 MEMOIRS of be promulgated in a proper Manner \ or- daining what oHgbt^ or ought not, to be done," " AND what do they ordain ^ to do Good* or to do Evil?" " Not Evil, mod aflu redly, my young Man." " BUT what do you call that, faid ALCIBI- ADES, which in States where the People have no Rule, is advifed and ordained by The Few who may be then in Power ? " " I CALL that likewife a Law, replied PERI- CLES*, for the Laws are nothing but the In- jun&ions of fuch Men as are in PofTeflion of the Sovereign Authority." " BUT when a Tyrant is poflefled of this Sovereign Authority, are the Things be or* dams, to be received as Laws /"' "A$ Laws," returned PERICLES. " WHAT then is Violence and Injujlice? faid ALCIBIADES ? Is it not when the Strong compel SOCRATES. 37 compel the more weak; not by Mildnefs and Perfuafion, but Force, to obey them ? " " I THINK, it is." " WILL it not then follow, that what a Ty- rant decrees, and compels the Obfervance of, not only without, but contrary to the Will of the People ; is not Law , but the very Re- verfe to it ? " " I BELIEVE it mayv aniwered PERICLES ; for I cannot admit that as a Law, which a Ty- rant ena&s, contrary to the Will of the People." " AND when the Few impofe their Decrees on the Many, not by Perfuafion, but Force : Are we to call this alfo Violence ? " " WE are , and truely, I think, faid PE- RICLES, that whatever is decreed and enforced, without the Confent of thofe who are hereafter to obey , is not Law, but Violence." " THEN ought that alfo, which is decreed by the People, contrary to the Will of the Nobles, 38 MEMOIRS of Nobles, to be deemed Violence, rather Law?" " No Doubt of it, replied PERICLES : But, my ALCIBIADES, continued he - y at your Age, we were fomewhat more acute in thefe Subtil ties, when we made it our Bufmefs to confider them ; as we now fee you." To which, it is faid, ALCIBIADES returned Anfwer, " Would to the Gods then, my PERICLES, I might have converfed with you at the Time when you befl underftood thefe Sort of Things ! " In Confequence there- fore, of this moil ambitious Difpofition ; no fooner did thefe Men fuppofe they had ac- quired fome Advantages over the Perfons then employed in the Adminiftration -, but they forbore to aflbciate any longer with SOCRATES : For, befides that his Company was no Way pleating to them, on other Confiderations ; they could ftill lefs brook his frequent Re- monftrances for the many Irregularities of their Lives : Therefore, they plunged at once, into Bufmefs, and the Affairs of the Commonwealth i the only End^ for which SOCRATES. 39 which they had ever been among his Fol- lowers. BUT CRITO, CH^ROPHON, CH/ERECRATES, SIMMIAS, CEBES, PH^EDO, and many others, were continually with him , not from the Hope of becoming by his Means, better Ora- tors> whether at the Bar, or before the Peo- ple \ but better Men : Capable of difcharging all thofe Duties which they owed to them- felves, to their Country, to their Families, their Friends, their Fellow-Citizens. And, f# far were thefe Men from pradifing what was dilhoneft, that whether in Youth or in Age, not one of them ever incurred even the Sufyicion of any Crime. BUT, faith his Accufer, " SOCRATES encou- rageth his Followers to defpife their Parents ; inafmuch as he perfuadeth them, that be is able to make them wifer than they : Declaring (till farther i That, as it is lawful for a Son, to confine his Father in Chains, when convic- tedof Madnefs-, fo ought the Ignorant alfo to be confined by him, who is poflefled of fu- perior Knowlege." Now, 40 MEMOIRS of Now, whatever his Accufer might endea- vour to infmuate , it is certain SOCRATES was very far from being of fuch an Opinion. On the Contrary, it was common with him to fay, " That, whoever pretended, to confine an- other, on the Account of his Ignorance, might himfelf be thus treated, by thofe who were ftill more knowing." And to this Purpofe, he would often difcourfc on the efiential Diffe- rence between Madnefs and Ignorance ; faying, on fuch Occafions, plainly, and clearly ; " That, it was indeed necefTary, and for the Benefit of himfelf \ as well as his Friends, that the Madman fhould be enchained; fyut, that he who was ignorant, in any Thing ufeful, fhould only be initrudted, by fuch Perfons as were qualified to give him proper Inflruction." His Accufer, however, went on to afTert, " That SOCRATES, not only taught the Youth to have a Contempt for their Parents, but for the reft of their Kindred , fince he would fre- quently declare, that when Men were fick, or had a Law-fuit upon their Hands, they had not Recourfe to any of their Kindred for Re- lief 5 but to the Lawyer in one Cafe, and the Phyfician S O C RAT E S. 41 Phyfician in the other. And, with Regard to Friend/hip^ he would like wife fay, " That an ufelefs Good-will, unaccompanied with the Power of fervin'g, was little to be accounted of: But, the Man to be efleemed and pre- ferred, fliould be one, who not only knows what is for our Advantage, but can fo explain it, as to make us likewife know it ;" thereby infmuating, as was pretended, into the Minds of the Youth; that he himfelf was the Friend to be chofen before any other j as being the beft able to direct in the Way of Wifdom ; while the reft of Mankind, in Comparifon with him, were of fmall Eftimation. Now, that I myfelf have heard him talk after fome fuch Manner, concerning Relations, Fathers, and Friends, is moft certain. And I remember him faying, " That, when the Soul, in which Thought and Reafon alone refide, retires from the Body ; although it may be the Body of a Father, or a Friend, we remove it from our Sight as fpeedily as well may be. And, whereas no Man can be doubted as to the Love he beareth to his own Body ; yet, who is there, would he afk, that F fcruples 42 MEMOIRS of fcruples to take away from it, the Part that is fuperfluous ? to cut the Hair, or pare the Nails ; or remove the whole Limb, when mortified ? for which Purpofe the Surgeon is called in , and the Steel and the Cauftick, not only rea- dily fubmitted to, but the Hand which ap- pHes them, liberally rewarded. The Spittle, he would fay, Men were glad to caft from them, becaufe, remaining in the Mouth it was both ufelefs and offenfive. But, notwithftand- ing all this, SOCRATES never intended, though he talked in fuch a Manner, that Fathers were to be buried alive , or that he himfelf ihould have a Limb taken off-, but, he intended to let us fee, that whatever is ufekfs, can be of no Eftimation ; in order to excite in his Hearers a Defire to improve , and make them- felves, as far as may be, ferviceable to others ; to the End, that if they wifhed to be regarded by their Parents; or refpected and honoured by their Brethren, or Kindred; they might urge their Claim on the Account of Merit ; and not owe the Whole ^ only to Consanguinity" " But, fays his Accufer, SOCRATES, the better to convey ; and, at the fame Time, con- ceal the Malignity of his Intentions ; hath chofen SOCRATE S. 43 chofen manyPaffages from our mod celebrated Poets, whereby to convey his Poifon to the People ; and difpofe them, the more readily, to Fraud and OpprefTion;" for having often cited that Line of HESIOD'S, " Employ thyfelf in any Thing^ rather than ftand idle ;" It was pretended he meant to infmuate it, as the Poet's Opinion, " That no Employment, whatever, could be unjuft, or difhonourable, from whence Profit might arife ," whereas, in Truth, nothing could be farther from the Defign of SOCRATES : For, although he con- ftantly maintained, that Labour and Employ- ment were not only ufeful^ but honourable \ and Idlenefs no lefs reproachful^ ti&n. pernicious to Man ; T- yet, he never concluded without faying, " That he^ alone, could be confidered as not idle, who was employed in procuring fome Good to Mankind ; but that the Game- fler, the Debauchee, and every other, whofe End was only Evil, were emphatically to be called fo , and, in this Senfe, he might, with goodReafon, adopt that Line of HESIOD'S, F 2 " Employ 44 MEMOIRS of " Employ thyfelf in any T'king, rather than Hand idle." BUT it was ftill farther alleged, that SO- CRATES frequently introduced thefe Lines of HOMER j where, Ipeaking of ULYSSES, he fays, Each Prince of Name, or Chief in Arms approv'd, He fir'd with Praife, or withPerfuafion movM : fold, at no mean Price, but a fmall Part of that which had coft them nothing : While, uninfluenced by his Example , and bearing no Refemblance to him, in Affection to the People, they refufed to converfe with any who were not able to pay, and, that largely for their !nftru6tion. AND, indeed, by this Conduct; SOCRATES had 46 MEMOIRS of had rendered the City of Athens renowned throughout all Greece \ fo that, if it was faid of'LvcHAS, the Lacedemonian, " That he was the Glory of Sparta," becaufe he enter- tained, at his own Expence, the Strangers who reforted thither at one of the Feafts made in Honour of APOLLO, much rather might be faid of SOCRATES, " That he was the Glory of Athens," whofe whole Life was one con- tinued Largefs ; and who, difpenfmg with a liberal Hand, his ineflimable Treafure, fent no one ever away from him, without making him, if willing, a wifer, and a happier Man. Wherefore, it ihouldfeem, that had SOCRATES been treated by the Athenians according to his Merit ; Public Honours would have been decreed him much rather than a fhameful Death. And, after all, For whom do the Laws appoint this Punifhment ? Is it not for the Thief?/ For the AlTaulter on the High- way ? -For the Underminer of Walls, and the Committer of Sacrilege ? But where, among Mankind, fhall we find any one at fo great a Diltance from any of thefe Crimes, as SO- CRATES ? Who can accufe him of holding Intelligence with the common Enemy ? of fprcading SOCRATES. 47 fpreading Sedition and Treafon throughout the City ? or of having been the Caufe of any one public Calamity whatfoever ? Where is he, who, in private Life, can fay, " SOCRATES hath defrauded me of my PofTeffions ; or hath injured me in any Kind ? " Nay, when did he incur, even the Sufpicion of any of thefe Things ? And as to the Points whereof he flood accufed , Could he be a Denier of thole very Gods, whom in fo eminent a Manner he worlhipped ? Could he be a Corrupter of Youth whofe only Employment was to root out of the Mind of Man every vicious Incli- nation, and plant in their Stead a Love of that Virtue which is fo amiable in itfelf ; and fo becoming us as Men ; and which alone hath the Power to make, whether Cities, or private Families, flourilhing, and happy. jTfc, be- ing fo : Who feeth not how much his Coun- try flood indebted to SOCRATES ? and that Honour s^ not Ignominy, mould have been his Reward. CHAP. 48 MEMOIRS of CHAP. III. NOW, as I am perfuaded, the Benefit arifing to all thofe who accompanied with SOCRATES, was not lefs owing to the ir- refiftible Force of his Example, than to the Excellency of his Difcourfes ; I will fet down whatever occurs to my Memory, whether it relates to his Words, or his Actions. AND firft, with Refpect to Sacred Rites, and Inftitutions. In thefe Things, it was ever his Practice to approve himfelf a fine! Obfer- ver of the Anfwer the Pythian Prieftefs gives to all who enquire the proper Manner of facri- ficing to the Gods \ or paying Honours (J) to (f) Thefe Honours confifted of Sacrifices, Libations, and various other Rites and Ceremonies; and were per- formed on the 9th and 3oth Days after Burial j and repeated when any of their Friends arrived who had been abfent at the Solemnity ; and upon all other Occafions which required their furviving Relations to have the Deceafed in Memory. On thefe Public Days, it was the Cuftom to call over the ,Names of their dead Relations, one by one, excepting ftrch as died under Age ; or had forfeited their Title to this Ho- nour by diflipating theirPaternal Inheritance, or otherCrimes- POTT. Ant'iq. SOCRATES. 49 to their deceafedAnceflors ; "Follow, faith the God, the Cujlom of your Country : " and there- fore SOCRATES, in all thofe Exercifes of his Devotion and Piety, confined himfelf altoge- ther, to what he faw pradifed by the Repub- lic ; and, to his Friends, he conilantly advifed the fame Thing , faying, it only favoured of Vanity and Superflition in all thofe who did otherwife. WHEN he prayed; his Petition was only tbis<> " That the Gods would give to him thofe Things that were G-ood :" and this he did, forafmuch as they alone knew, what was good for Man. But he who fhould afk for Gold, or Silver, or Increafe of Dominion , adted not, in his Opinion, more wifely than one, who fhould pray for the Opportunity to fight, or game ; or any Thing of the like Nature ; the Confequence whereof, being altogether doubtful^ might turn, for ought he knew, not a little to his Difad vantage. When he iacrirlced, he feared not his Offering would fail of Acceptance in that he was poor ;-*- but, giving according to his Ability, he doubted not, but in the Sight of the Gods, he equalled G thofe 50 MEMOIRS of thofe Men, whofe Gifts and Sacrifices over- fpread the whole Altar. And indeed, he made no Scruple to afTert, that it would not be agreeable to the Nature of the Gods to re- fpeft the coftly Offerings of the Rich and the Great , whilft the poor Man's Gift was alto- gether difregarded. For,, by this Means, it might happen, nor yet unfrequently, that the Sacrifice of the Wicked would find the moft Acceptance : Which, if fo, he thought Life itfelf would not be defirable to a reafona- hle Creature : But SOCRATES, always rec- koned upon it, as a moft indubitable Truth , That, the Service paid the Deity, by the pure and pious Soul, was the moft grateful Sacri- fice ; and therefore it was, he fo much ap- proved that Precept of the Poet, which bids us, " offer to the Gods according to our Power: 99 And not only on thefe, but on every other Occafion, he thought he had no better Advice to give his Friends, than, tbat they Jhould do all Things according to their Ability. Far- ther j -whenever he fuppofed any Intimations had been given him by the Deity, concern- ing what ought, or ought not to be done, it was no more poflible to bring SOCR'ATES to SOCRATES. 51 to act otherwife, than to make him quit the Guide, clear- figh ted, and well-in ftruded in the Road he was to go, in Favour of one, not only ignorant, but blind. And, to this Purpofe, he always condemned the extream Folly of thofe , who, to avoid the ill Opi- nion, and Reproach of Men, acled not ac- cording to the Direction of the Gods : Look- ing down, with Contempt, on all the little Arts of human Prudence, when placed in Competition with thofe divine Notices, and Admonitions, which it is often-times their Pleafure to communicate to Man. As to his Manner of Living, it may be faid-, that, whoever is willing to regulate and difcipline his Body and his Mind after the Example of SOCRATES, can hardly fail, no Deity oppofmg, to procure forhimfelf, that Degree of Health and Strength, as cannot eafily be fhaken. Neither, mall he want large Sums for fuch a Purpofe. On the Contrary, fuch was his Moderation, that I queftion whe- ther there ever was any Man, if able to work at all, but might have earned fufHcient to have fupported SOCRATES. His Cuftom was to eat G ^ as $2 MEMOIRS of as long as it gave him any Pleafure; and a good Appetite was to him, what delicious Fare is to another : And as he only drank when Thirft compelled him , whatever ferved to allay it, could not fail of being grateful : So that it was eafy for him, when prefent at their Feafts, to refrain from Excefs, which other Men find fo much Difficulty in doing. And as to fuch Perfons as gave Proof how very little they could command themfelves, to thefe he would counfel even the not tafting of thofe De- licacies which might allure them to eat when they were not hungry, and drink when they were not dry -, fince the Fruits (he faid) of fo doing were not only Pains in the Head, and Lofs of Digeftion ; but Diforder and Con- fufion in the Mind of Man : And it was fre- quent with him to fay, between Jeft and Ear- neft, " That he doubted not its being with Charms like thefe, that CIRCE- turned the Companions of ULYSSES into Swine; while the Hero Jiimfelf, being admonifhed by MER- CURY ; and from his accuflomed Temperance, refilling- to tafte-\ht enchanting Cup, happily efcaped the fhameful Transformation." WITH SOCRATES. 53 WITH Regard to Love, his Counfel al- ways was to keep at a Diftance from beautiful Perfons , faying, it was difficult to approach any fuch, and not be enfnared. As for him- felf, his great Continence was known to every one ; and it was more eafy for him to avoid the moft beautiful Objecls, than for others, thofe who were the moft difgulting. But al- though this was the Manner in which SOCRA- TES lived-, yet could he not be perfuaded that he enjoyed lefs of the Pleafures of Life than the voluptuous Man, who employed all his Thoughts in the eager Purfuit of them ; at the fameTime that he efcaped all thatVexa- tion and Grief fo fure to attend on thofe who too freely indulge in fenfual Gratifications. XXXXXXXXXXXOO CHAP. IV. NOW, mould there be any inclined to believe, what fome on Conjecture have undertaken to advance, both in their Conver- fations and Writings, " That SOCRATES could indeed inflame his Hearers with the Love of Virtue ^ but could never influence them fo far 54 MEMOIRS of far, as to bring them to make any great Pro- ficiency therein :" Let thefe, I fay, confider what his Arguments were , not only when his Defign was to refute fuch Men as pretended to know every Thing; but even in his retired, and familiar Converfation , and then let them judge, whether SOCRATES was not fully qua- lified, for the bringing his Followers and his Friends, to make Proficiency in the Paths of Virtue. AND for this Purpofe I will now relate the Manner in which I once heard him difcourling with ARISTODEMUS, firnamed The Little^ con- cerning the Deity. For obferving that he neither prayed, nor facrificed to the Gods ; nor yet confuked any Oracle ; but, on the Contrary, ridiculed and laughed at thofe who did -, he faid to him , - " TELL me, ARISTODEMUS, is there any Man whom you admire on account of his Merit ?" ARISTODEMUS having anfwe red, " name fome of them, I pray you." " I AD- SOCRATES. 55 ) y&&$&3^ CHAP. VI. AN D now let us examine whether by dif- fuading his Friends from Vanity and Arrogance, he did not excite them to the Prac- tice of Virtue. It was his Cuflom to aflert, " that the only Way to true Glory, was for a Man to be really excellent , not affecl: to ap- pear fo :" And to fhew this the more plainly, he ( if it is, what will become of him when called to pre- fide at the Helm , or command the Army ? what but Shame to himfelf, and perhaps Ruin to his bejl Friends, can potfibly be the Refult of the vain Undertaking ? Neither v/ill he, who foolifhly affects the Character of Valiant, or SOCRATES. 79 or .Rich,, or "Strong, be expofed to lefs Dan- ger. By the Help of fome falfe Appearance, he may be called, indeed, to fome honoura- ble Employment , but it is an Employment exceeding his Abilities to perform ; and his Miftakes will not be pardoned by thofe whom he impofed on. For, as the Man can be deemed no other than a Cheat^ who refufeth to return the Money, or the Cloak, which through his fair Demeanor, hath been lent him by his Neighbour ; much rather ought he to be ftigmatized, as fuch ; who, deftitute of every Talent, neceflary for the Purpofe, (hall dare impofe himfelf on the State ; as one, well-qualified, to direft in the Adminiftration." THUS SOCRATES endeavoured to make Va- nity and Oftentation the more odious to his Followers, by (hewing clearly, how much Folly attended the Pradlice of it. XENO- 8o MEMOIRS of (B. X E N P H Memoirs of Socrates. * ^^^m^ BOOK II. CHAP. I. T is likewife my Opinion that So- T & CRATES contributed not a little by *%* * his Difcourfes to make his Followers more patient of Hunger, and Thirfl, and La- bour-, contemn Heat, and Coldj defpife Sleep i with every other fenfaal Gratification. For hearing that one of them lived too effe- minately, he afked him, faying" Syppofe now, ARRISTIPPUS, the Education of two young II.) SOCRATES. 81 young Men was fubmitted to your Direction ; the one intended to bear Rule in the State; the other to obey : What Method would you take with them ? Shall we examine the Mat* ter, and begin with their Food ? " " It will be right to do this, mpft certainly, replied ARISTIPPUS, fince Food feems to be the Support of Life." . " IT is probable then, faid SOCRATES, that you will accuftom them both to eat and drink, at certain flated Hours ?" " MOST probably." " BUT which would you teach to relinquifli this ftated Hour of Repaft, when urgent Bu- (inefs called him away from it ? " HE whom I intend for Sovereignty, moft aflii redly, that the Affairs of the Common- wealth may not fuffer from Delay." " AND the Power of enduring Third pft- tiently, ought not this likewife to be added ?" " CERTAINLY." L AND $2 MEMOIRS "AND which of thefe would you- accuftoQi to rife early , and go to Reft late -, or pafs, when necefiary, whole Nights in Watching? Which to fubdue even Love itfe-if, with every tender Inclination ; while Fatigue artd Labour are not Jhunned, but with Chearftilnefs fub- mitted to ?'* " THE fame, no Doubt of it." " BUT if there is . an Art, teaching us in what Manner we had beft fubdue our Ene- mies ; 'which of thefe young Men wou'd you endeavour to make Mafter of it ?" -whom I intended for Rule, replied ; fmce without this Art, all the reft will be-felefs," '< ONTE ihouM'fuppofe then, iaid SOCRATES, that a' Man thus educated, would not fo rea- dily fall into the Snares that are laid for him as thofe Animals, whereof fome, we know, are deftroyed by their Gluttony, while thqrrufli forward, however timerous by Nature, to feiz the Bait tlirown out to allure them. Other, with * : ' II.) SOCRATES. 83, with equal Greedinefs fwallow down the Li* quor which has been prepared, and fet for that very Purpofe , and, intoxicated 'there- with, are eafily taken : While the Partridge and Quail find their Deftruction, in running too eagerly after the Female's Call." ARISTIPPUS afienting to this, SOCRATES went on : " But is it not then moft fhame- ful, ARISTIPPUS, when Men do fall into the fame Snares with which thofe foolifh Ani- mals are taken ? Yet, fo doth the Adulterer. He meanly fubmits to be frr . ^ like a Pri- foner in the Chamber of the Man whom he is feeking to injure. Neither the Rigour of th e ' Laws , ( a ) nor the Fear of a Difcovery, though fenfible how many Evils befides that of Infamy mud attend it, are fufficient to reftrain him : But, regardlefs of Hie Danger j and neglecling thofe many rational and credi- table Amufements which are (till within his Power-, and might ferve to divert him from fo fhame-ful a Paffion , he rufhes headlong to ' L 2 his C^ SeeFoTTE^'s Antiq, B, 4, Ch, 12, 84 MEMOIRS of (B. his Ruin ! And can any other be faid of fo wretched a Being, but that fome Fury hath poffefled him ?" " So it fhould feem, faid ARISTIPPUS." " BUT, continued SOCRATES, (ince fo many, and thofe the moft important Employments of Life \ as War, Hufbandry, and others, are of Neceflity to be carried on in the open Fields, from under Shelter , do you not think, ARISTIPPUS, that Mankind are much to Blame in neglecting to inure themfelves to the Inclemencies of the Air ; and the Changes of the Seafons ? Above all, fhould not he endeavour to bring himfelf to bear thefe In- conveniencies with Patience, who expedls, one Day, to command others ?" " I BELIEVE he ihould." if he who has thus brought him- felf to endure Pain and Inconvenience, is alone qualified for Command ; they who have not done this, ought never to pretend to it ?" THIS II.) SOCRATES. 85 THIS being granted, SOCRATES went on : " Seeing then you fo well perceive, ARIS- TIPPUS, the Rank to which each of thefe properly belong ; in which would you rather we fhould place you .?" NOT with thofe, SOCRATES, who are in- tended to Command ; I envy not thefe : And indeed, iince Men are obliged to take fo much Pains to provide for their own Wants, I fee no great Wifdom in undertaking to fup- ply the Wants of a whole Community. For while he who does this, is forced to relinquifh many of the Things he moft ardently defires ; it will be held highly criminal, if, during his Adminiftration, any one Wilh of the capri- cious Multitude remains un gratified : Thefe behaving towards their Governors exactly in the Manner I do to my Slaves. I expect them to prepare what I am to eat and drink, and all other Neceffartes ; but fuffer them to take no Part for themfelves : The People Hkewife require, that Plenty and Abundance fhould flow in upon them from every Quar- 'ter, but permit not the Perfon, to whofe Care they 86 MEMOIRS of (B. they owe this, even to tafte of thofe In- dulgencies he hath fo amply provided * for others : Such therefore, SOCRATES, as am fond of Employment, and have been educated in the Manner you mentioned, may do very well to make Governors; but as for m&J I am for a Life of more Eafe and Tran- quility !" LET us fee then, ARISTIPPITS, which of the two leads a Life of the greateft Tranqui- lity and Eafey thofe who govern, or they who obey? Among the Nations that are known to us ; in Afia, the Syrians, Phrygians, and Lydians, are fubjed to the Perlians ; m Eu- rope, the Meotians to the Scythians ; and, in Afric, the Carthaginians lord it over all the refl : Which of thefe do you take to be in the moft elegible Situation ? Or, here, in Greece, where you are placed j which feem to you the moft happy; they who are pofTefTed of the fovereign Power ; or thofe who are compelled to fubmit to it ? " *' I DO not deflre to be ranked among Slaves, returned ARISTIPPUS : But there is a Sta* .II.) SOCRATES. a Station equally remote from Sovereignty and 'Servitude: This is the true Path of Liberty; and, in this /would walk, as the fureft Road to Happinefs." " THIS Path, replied SOCRATES , which lieth fo equally clear, whether of Sovereignty -or 'Servitude, might perhaps be fuppofed to have fome Exiftence in Nature, could we place it beyond the Bounds of human Society. 'But how, ARISTIPPUS, to live among Men, without governing or being governed ? Do you not fee that the Strong will always opprefs the Weak ; and compel them at laft, by re- 'peated Injuries, both public and private, to fly, as it were, to Slavery for Refuge? If they refufe to fubmit, willingly, their Lands are ravaged, their Trees cut down, their Corn -ruined: *TiJl wearied out at laft; by Op- preffion of every Kind; they are obliged to give up, the unequal Combat. Alfo, in pri- vate Life : See you not how the Bold and Strong trample upon fuch as are weak; or -want Courage to defend themfelves ? " (C I DO 88 MEMOIRS ing in RefpecT: to his Parents, / to manage your Affairs, what then ? " " I WOULD try what I could to engage his Gratitude, by firft rendering him the Service, I wifhed to receive." " BUT, fuppofe you defined to fecure for yourfelf an hofpitable Reception in fome fo- reign Country , what would you do ? " " WHEN any of that Place came to Athens I would invite them to my Flonfe, faid CH^E- RECRATES; II.) SOCRATES. 115 Gil RE CRATES , and would fpare no Pains to afiift them in difpatching the Bufmefs they came for; that they, when I went thither, might help me in Return, to expedite mine." " Is it fo then ! replied SOCRATES', and are you fo well fkilled in all the Arts of con- ciliating Favour and Affection ; yet know no- thing of the Matter ? But you are afraid, CH^RECRATES, of making the firft Advances to your Brother, left it fhould degrade you in the Opinion of thofe who hear it ? Yet, fure - ly, it ought not to be lefs glorious for a Man to anticipate his Friends, in Courtefy and kind Offices, than get the Start of his Enemies in Injuries and Annoyance ! Had I thought C/EREPHON as well difpofed as you towards a Reconciliation ; I fhould have endeavoured to have prevailed on him to make the firfl Ad- vances , but you feemed to me the better Leader in this Affair; and I fancied Succefs the moil likely to enfue from it," " NAY now, SOCRATES, cried out RECRATES, you certainly fpeak not with your yfual Wifdom. What! would you have me P 2 who n6 MEMOIRS of (B. who am the youngeft, make Overtures to my Brother-, when in all Nations it is the un- doubted Privilege of the Firft-born to lead the Way ? " " How, replied SOCRATES : Is it not the Cuftom every-where for the Younger to yield Precedency to the Elder ? Muft not he rife at his Approach ; and give to him the Seat which is moil honourable , and hold his Peace 'till he hath done fpeaking ? Delay not there- fore, my CH^RE CRATES, to do what I advife : Ufe your Endeavour to appeafe your Bro- ther ; nor doubt his Readinefs to return your Love. He is ambitious of Honour ; he hath a Noblenefs of Difpofition : Sordid Souls, in- deed, are only to be moved by mercenary Motives -, but the Brave and Liberal are ever beft fubdued by Courtefy, and Kindnefs." " BUT fuppofe, my SOCRATES, when I have adled as you advife, my Brother fhould behave no better than he has done ? " " SHOULD it prove fo, CH^RECRATES, t what other Harm can arife to you from it, than that of having ihewn yourfelf a good Man* II.) SOCRATES. n 7 Man, and a good Brother to one who'fe 'Bad- nefs of Tamper makes him undeferving of your Regard ? But I have no Apprehenfion of fo unfavourable an Ifiue to this Matter : Rather, when your Brother (hall fee it your Intention to conquer by Couftefy, he himfelf will ftrive to excel in fo noble a Conteft. As it is, 'nothing can be more deplorable than your prefent Situation , it being no other than as if thefe Hands, ordained of GOD for mu- tual Afliftance, fhould fo far forget their Of- fice, as mutually to impede each other : Or thefe Feet, defigned by Providence for a reci- procal Help, fhould entangle each other to the Hindrance of both. But, furely, it fhews no lefs our Ignorance and Folly, than works our Harm; when we thus turn thofe Things into Evil which were not created but for our Good. And, truely, I regard a Brother as one of the bed of Bleflmgs that GOD hath beftowed oil us ; -two Brothers being more profitable to each other, than two Eyes, or two Feet; or any other of thofe Members which have been given to us in Pairs ; for Partners, and Helps, as it were, to each other, by a bountiful Provi- dence. For whether we confider the Hands, or ir8 MEMOIRS of (B. or the Feet ; they afllft not each other unle/s placed at no great Diftance : And, even our Eyes, whofe Power evidently appears of the wideft Extent, are yet unable to take in, at one and the fame View, the Front and theRe- verfe of any one ObjecT: whatfoever, though placed ever fo near them : But no Situation can -hinder Brothers who live in Amity, from rendering one another the moft eflential Services." CHAP. IV. 1ALS O remember a Difcourfe that SOCRA- TES once held, concerning Friendfhip ; which I think could not but greatly benefit his Hearers ; fmce he not only taught us how we might gain Friends ; but how to behave towards them when gained. On this Occa- iion he obfesved; " That although the Gene- rality of Mankind agreed in efteeming a firm and virtuous Friend, an invaluable PoiTefllon ; yet were there very few Things about which, they II.) SOCRATES. 119 they gave themfelves lefs Trouble : They were diligent, he faid, to purchafe Houfes and Lands, and Slaves, and Flocks, and Houfliold Goods , and when purchafed would take ho little Pains to preferve them -, but, were no Way felicitous either to purchafe or preferve a Friend, however they might talk of the Ad- vantages of having; one, Nay, he had feen People, who, if they had a Friend and a Slave fick at the fame Time, would fend for the Phyfician , and try every means to recover the Slave, while the Friend was left to take Care of himfelf; and, if both died; it was eafy to fee, how each flood in their Eftimation. Of all their Pofiefiions, this alone was neglected : They would even fuffer it to be loft for Want of a little Attention. (*) Their Eftates here and there, they could with Readinefs point out to (i) One Proof we have of this Want of Attention, even in PERICLES himfelf; and which poflibly SOCRATES might have in his Eye, though out of Refpect to his Memory he forbore to mention it; for he fuffered ANAXAGORAS, to whom he ftood indebted for fo much ufeful Knowlege both in Philofophy and Politicks, to be reduced to fuch Diftrefs, that, partly from Want, and partly from Vexation, he determined to ftarve himfelf to Death , And having muffled up his Head I2O MEMOIRS of (B. to you j but afk them of their Friends how many, and what they are, and you reduce them to fome Difficulty : The Number, tho* acknowledged fmall, is more than they can well make out to you -, fo little do thefe Peo- ple concern themfelves about the Matter. And yet what Polfeffion fhall be placed in Competition with a Friend? What Slave fo affe&ionate to our Perfons \ or fludious of our Intereft ? What Horfe able to render us fuch Service ? From whence, or from whom, can we at all Times, and on every Occafion, re- ceive fo many, and fuch effential Benefits ? Are we at a Lofs in our own private Affairs, or in thofe the Public have intrufted to our Management? A Friend will fupply every Deficiency. Do we wifh for the Pleafure of giving Affiflance to fome other ? A Friend will Head in his Cloke, he threw himfelf on the Ground to expecl itscoming. Indeed, PERICLES no fooner heard of this but he flew to his Affiftance : Begging him to live } and bewail- ing his own Lofs, in Cafe he was deprived of fo wife a Coun- fellor. When, opening his Cloke, the Philofopher, in a fee- ble, and low Voice, faid to him,- " Ah ! PERICLES ! they, who need a Lamp, do not negleft to fupply it with Oil ! " A gentle Reproof ; but therefore the more piercing, to an in- genuous Mind. II.) SOCRATES. 121 will furnifh us with the Power. Are we threatened with Danger ? He flies to our Af- fiftance; for he not only dedicates his Fortune to our Service, but his Life to our Defence. Do we purpofe to perfuade ? His Eloquence is ever ready to fecond all we fay. Are we compelled to contend? His Arm is ever found among the foremoft to afiift us. He doubles the Joy which Profperity brings, and makes the Load of Affliction lefs heavy : Our Hands, our Feet, our Eyes, can yield us fmall Service in Comparifon to that we receive from a Friend : For what we are not able to do for ourfelves -, that which we neither fee, nor hear? nor think of, when our own Intereft is the Queftion ; a Friend will perceive, and per- form for us. And yet, this Friend, whilft the Plant that promifeth us Fruit mall be care- fully cultivated i this Friend, we neglect to nourifh and improve-, though where elfe the Tree, from whence fuch Fruit is to be found!'* CHAP. 122 MEMOIRS of (B. CHAP. V. I Remember like wife another Di'fcourfe of his, wherein he exhorteth his Hearers to look well into themfelves, and fee, in what Eftimation, they might reafonably hope their Friends fhould hold them. For, having ob- ferved one of his Followers defert a Friend when oppreiTed with Penury; he thus quef- tioned ANTISTHENES in the Prefence of the Man, together with many others : " Pray, fay ANTISTHENES; is it allowable to value our Friends as we do our Slaves : For one of thefe we perhaps rate at Five Mina-, W while we think another dear at Two : Thefe again we will give Ten for ; and for fome, it may be Twenty : Nay, it is- faid that NICIAS, the Son of NICER ATUS, gave no lefs than a whole Ta- lent ( l ) for one he intended to fet over his Mines. May we eftimate our Friends in th< fame Manner?" " I THIN: (k) The Attic Mina, worth. Three Pounds Sterling. (1) The Talent, worth Sixty Mina. n.) SOCRATES. 12 ; 3 " I THINK we may, replied ANTISTHENES i for, while I ;ki\o\yfoinf whofe Affedion I would purchafe at no mean Price , there are others whom I would fcarcely thank for theirs, .if I might have it for nothing. And there are, my SOCRATES, whofe Favour and Friendfhip I mould be glad to fecure, though at the Ex- pence of the laft Farthing." " IF this is the Cafe, replied SCCRATES, it behoves us not a little to confider of how much worth we really are to our Friends ; at the fame Time that we ufe our Diligence, to raife our Value with them as much as we can, that they may not lay us afide, like ufelefs Lumber, For when I hear this Man cry out, " myFriend hath deferted me ; " and another complain, " that one whom he thought mod ftrongly attached to him, had fold his Friendfhip for fome trifling Advantage ;" I am inclined to afk, whether, as we are glad, to get rid of a bad Slave at any Rate, fo we may not wifli to do the fame by a worthlefs Friend ? Since, after all, we feidorrx heat;, of the good Friend being forfaken, any more than' of the good Slave wanting a Mailer." Qj> CHAP; 124 MEMOIRS of (B. CHAP. VI. AN D here, on the other Hand, I will re- late a Converfation SOCRATES once had with CRITOBULUS \ from whence we may learn to try our Friends ; and find out fuch as are worthy of our AfFe&ion. " SUPPOSE, faid he, CRITOBULUS, we wanted to chufe a worthy Friend, what mould be our Method of Proceeding in this Matter ? Should we not beware of one much addicted to High- living ? To Wine, or Women ; or of a lazy Difpofition ? Since, enflaved to fuch Vices, no Man could be of Life, either to himfelf, or any other." " CERTAINLY." " SUPPOSE we met with a Man whofe Pof- feffions being fmall, he is yet moft lavifh in his JLxpences \ who (lands daily in Need of his Friend's II.) SOCRATES. 125 Friend's Purfe, as a necefiary Supply for his own Profufionj with whom however all that is lent, is loft; yet whom to refufe, is moft deadly to offend : Would not fuch a one prove rather troublefome, think you ? " " No doubt, SOCRATES." " AND if there was a Perfon, provident in- deed enough j but withal fo covetous, as never to be content unlefs he hath the Advantage of you on every Occafion ? " " I THINK of him, worfe than of the other." " BUT what do you fay to the Man, CRITO- BULUS, who is fo much bent on making a For- tune as to mind nothing but what ferves to that End? " " I SAY, leave him to himfelf, returned CRITOBULUS ; fince it is fure he will never be of Ufe to any other." " AND fuppofe one of fo turbulent a Dif- pofition, as to be daily engaging his Friends in fome Quarrel on his Account ? " " I WOULD 126 MEMOIRS of (B. * cc " I WOULD keep clear of fuch a one, moft certainly, my "SOCRATES." * .. . A - V ** BUT what if the Man were free from thefe Defedts-; and had only fuch a Sort of Selfim- nefs belonging to him, as made him always ready to receive Favours \ not at all folicitous about returning any ? " " WHY certainly, replied CRITOBULUS, no Perfon would wifh to have any Thing to fay to fuch a one : But, my SOCRATES, continued he, fince none of thefe People will ferve our Purpofe, fliew me, I defire you, what Sort of Man he muft be whom we mould endeavour to make a Friend of? " " I SUPPOSE, faid SOCRATES, he fhould be the very Reverfe of all we have been faying : Moderate in his Pleafures, a ftrift Obferver of his Word, fair, and open in all his Deal- ings , and who will not fuffer even his Friend to furpafs him in Generofity , fo that all are Gainers, with whom he hath to do." " BUT how fhall we find fuch a one, laid CRITOBULUS s or make Trial of thcfe Virtues and II.) SOCRATES. 127 and Vices, without running fome Hazard by the Experiment ? " " WHEN you are enquiring out the beft Statuary, CRITOBULUS," you truft not to the Pretences of any, but examine the Perfor- mances of all ; 'and conclude, that he who hath hitherto excelled, gives the beft grounded AfTurance of excelling for the Future/' " So you would have us infer, SOCRATES, that he who hath already difcharged the Duties of a good Friend, towards thofe with whom he hath been formerly conne&ed ; will not fail to do the fame, when connected with you ? " UNDOUBTEDLY, my CRITOBULUS : Juft as I mould infer, that the Groom, who hath taken proper Care of your Horfes, will do the fame by mine, whenever I fend him any." " BUT, my SOCRATES, when we have found out a Man whom we judge proper to make a Friend of -, what Means may we ufe to engage his Affeftion ? " " IN the firft Place, returned SOCRATES, we muft confult the Gods ; whether it be agreeable 128 MEMOIRS of (B. agreeable to their Will, that we engage in Friendfhip with him." " BUT fuppofe the Gods difapprove not of our Choice, what Way fhall we take to obtain his favour ? " " NOT hunt him down, CRITOBULUS, as we do Hares j nor catch him by Stratagem, as we do Birds , neither are we to feize him by Force, as we are wont to ferve our Enemies ; for it would prove an arduous Tafk to make a Man your Friend in Spite of Inclination. To fhut him up like a Criminal, might create Averfion \ but would never conciliate Favour and Efteem." " BUT what muft we do then ? " " I HAVE heard, faid SOCRATES, of certain Words, that have all the Force in them of the moil powerful Charms. There are, likewife, other Arts, where -with fuch as know them feldom fail to allure to themfelves whomfoever they pleafe." " AND where can we learn thefe Words, faid CRITOBULUS ?" " You II.) SOCRATES. 129 J " ANp.fo, becaufe they are free ; and re- lated to you; they are to do nothing but eat, and fleep ! Do you fuppofe, ARISTARCHUS, that fuch as live in this Manner, are more con- tent than others ? Or enjoy more Happinefs than they who, by their Labour, earn Bread for their Families ? Suppofe you, that Idlenefs and Inattention can gain any ufeful Knowlege-, or preferve in the Memory what hath been al- ready gained ? -That tbey can keep the Man in Health ? Add Strength to his Body , and Gold to his Stores , or give Security to what he hath already in his PoiTeflion ; and mall La- bour- -and In duilry ftand him in no Stead ? To what Purpofe I pray you, did your -Relations learn any Thing ? Did they refolve, at the Time IL) SOCRATES. 147 Time, to make no Ufe of their Know- lege ? Or rather did they not intend from it fome Advantage to themfelves, or Benefit to others ? Surely, we give fmall Proof of our Wifdom when we thus decline all Employ- ment ! For which is moil reafonable ? Pro- curing to ourfelves the Things that are ufeful, by exerting the Powers which Nature hath bellowed ? Or, with Arms a-crofs lit liftlefs and mufing conlidering only the Means by which others may provide for us ? And verily, if I may fpeak my Mind to you, freely j I lould fuppofe, ARISTARCHUS, you cannot have any great Love for your Guefls, in your prefent Situation ; nor they for you. You think them a Burthen \ and they perceive, you think them fo : And it will be well if Difcon- tent does not increafe daily , 'till all Gratitude and Affection are compelled to give Way. But fhew them once in what Manner they may become ufeful , and you will henceforth re- gard them with Complacency and Satisfaction \ while they, perceiving it, will hardly be want- ing in Affection to you. They will be able to look back with Pleafure, not Pain, on all you have done for them : And the fweet Famili- T ^ 148 MEMOIRS of (B. arity of Friendship , together with all the tender Charities, arifmg from the facred Ties of Confanguinity, will again be reftored to your happy Society ! Were the Employ- ments indeed of that Nature, as would bring Shame along with them , Death itfelf, were to be chofen rather than a Subfiftance fo obtained : But fuch as they are (killed in, are, as I fup- pofe, decent and honourable \ to be performed with Pleafure, fince they can perform them with fo muchEafe. Delay not then, my ARIS- TARCHUS, to propofe what may be of fo much Advantage, both to them and you ; and doubt not their Compliance with what they muft perceive to be fo very reafonable." " O Heavens, cried ARISTARCHUS, what Truths have I now heard ! But your Advice, my SOCRATES, ihall be regarded as it ought : Hitherto I have been afraid to borrow Money of my Neighbour, as not knowing, wh< fpent, by what Means to repay it ; but Scruples are now over ; this Moment I wil buy fuch Materials as may be wanted," NOR did he at all cool in his Refolutions Wool, with whatever was necefiary for th< workii II.) SOCRATES. 149 i working of it, were fent in by ARISTARCHUS -, and each one was employ'd from Morning to Night. Melancholy gave Way to continual Chearfulnefs ; and mutual Confidence took the Place of that mutual Sufpicion, which, 'till then, had poflefTed the Minds of ARISTARCHUS and his Guefts. They confider him now as their generous Protector , and his Love for them increafed, in Proportion to their Ufe- fulnefs. SOME Time afterward, ARISTARCHUS coming to fee SOCRATES; related with much Pleafure in what Manner they went on : cc Bu'c my Guefts, faid he, begin now to reproach me \ for being, as they fay, the only idle Perfon in the whole Family." " ACQUAINT them, anfwered SOCRATES, with the Fable of the Dog. You muft know, continued he, that in the Days of Yore, when Brutes could talk , feveral of the Sheep com- ing to their Mailer, " Is it not ftrange, Sir ! fay they to him , that we y who provide you with Milk, and Wool, and Lambs, have no- thing at all given us but what we can get off the 150 MEMOIRS of (B. the Ground ourfelves , while the Dog, there, who cannot fo much as help you to one of them, is pampered and fed with the very Bread you eat of ?" " Peace! cries the Dog, who over-heard their Complaint \ it is not without Reafon, / am taken moft Care of: For / fecure you from the Thief and the Wolf; nor would you^ Wretches ! dare to eat at all, if / did not Hand Centinel, to watch and de- fend you." The Sheep, faith the Fable, on hearing this, withdrew; convinced that the Dog had Reafon on his Side i and do you, ARISTARCHUS, convince your Guefts that it is by your Care they are prote&ed from Harm j and enjoy a Life of Security and Pleafure." CHAP. VIII. AT another Time SOCRATES meeting his, old Friend EUTHERUS, whom he had not feen for many Years ^ afked him, " Where he came from ? " " FROM no great Diftance, at prefent, re- plied EUTHERUS. Towards the End of our late H.) SOCRATES. 151 late deftraftive War, I returned indeed, from, a long Journey : For, being difpoffefied of all the Eftate I had on the Frontiers of Attica ; and my Father dying, and leaving me nothing here, I was obliged to gain a Subfiftance by myLabour, where-ever I could : And thought it better to do fo, than beg of any one ; and bor- row I could not, as I had nothing to mort- gage." " AND how long, faid SOCRATES, do you f imagine your Labour, will fupply you with NecefTaries ? " " NOT long." " AND yet Age increafes the Number of our Wants, at the fame Time that it lefTens our Power of providing for them ? " " IT does fo." " WOULD it not then, be more advifeable, my EUTHERUS, to feek out for fome Employ- ment, which might enable you to lay up fome little for old Age ? What if you were to go to fome wealthy Citizen -, who may want fuch a Per- 152 MEMOIRS of (B* a Perfon, to affift him in gathering in his Fruits-, infpe&ing his Affairs; and overlook- ing his Labourers > whereby you might be- come, a mutual Benefit to each other ? " u BUT Slavery, my SOCRATES ! is a Thing I can ill fubmit to." " YET Magiftrates, EUTHERUS , and thofe who are employed in Public Affairs, are fo far from being confidered, as Slaves on that Ac- count ; that, on the Contrary, they are held in the higheft Eftimation." " IT may be fo, SOCRATES; but I never can bear the being found Fault with." " AND yet, faith SOCRATES, you will be hard fet, to do any one Thing, whofe every Circumftance is fecure from Blame. For it is difficult fo to act, as to commit no Error ; which yet, if we could , I know of no Security againft the Cenfure of ill Judges : And, truely, I Ihould wonder, EUTHERUS, if what you are at prefent employed about, could be performed in fuch a Manner, as to efcape all Blame. It feems therefore, to me, that all you can do, is only II.) SOCRATES. 153 only to take Care, as far as may be, to keep clear of thofe People who feem glad to find Fault; and feek out fuch as are more candid. Which done purfue with Steadinefs and Ala- crity whatever you undertake, but beware how you undertake any Thing beyond your Power. Thus will your Indigence find Relief, without the Hazard of much Blame to you; Certainty mall take the Place, of a precarious Subfiftance ; and leave you to the full Enjoyment of all the peaceful Pleafures of old Age ! " !OI!<^I$I!$I^^ CHAR IX. 1 Remember one Day, CRITO complaining, how difficult it was at Athens for a Man who loved Quiet to enjoy his Fortune in Secu- rity: " For, faid he, I have now feveral Law- iuits on my Hands, for no other Reafon, that I can guefs at, but becaufe they know I would rather pay my Money than involve myfelf in Bufinefs and Perplexity." SOCRATES afked, " If he kept never a Dog, to defend his Sheep from the Wolves ? " U "I KEEP MEMOIRS of (B. " I KEEP feveral, faid CRITO, as you may imagine ; and they are of no fmall Ufe to me." " WHY then, faid SOCRATES, do you not engage fome Perfon in your Service, whofe Vi- gilance and Care might prevent others from molefting you ? " cc So I would, my SOCRATES, did I not fear, that this very Man, might, at laft, turn againft me." " BUT wherefore fliouldyou fear this ? Arc you not pretty certain, that it may be more for the Intereft of People to keep on good Terms with you, than have you for an Enemy ? Believe me, my CRITO, there is many a Man in Athens, who would think himfelf very much honoured by your Friendfhip. Saying this, ARCHIDEMUS came immediately into their Mind-, A Man, able, and eloquent; and, with-all, well verfed in Bufmefs : But poor ; as being one of thofe Few, who are not for having whatever they can lay Hands on. He loved honefl Men j though he would often fay, nothing was more eafy than to grow rich by Calumny. To this Man, CRITO, in Confe- quencc II.) SOCRATES. 155 quencc of what SOCRATES had faid to him, would fend Corn, or Wool, or Wine, or Oil; or any other Produce of his Eflate, when they brought him thofe Things from the Country : And, when he facrificed to the Gods, he fent for him to the Feaft; nor ever omitted any Opportunity of fhewing Refpect to him. ARCHIDEMUS feeing this, began to detach himfelf from all other Dependencies ; and con- fider CRITO'S Houfe as the Place that would fhelter him from every Want. He therefore gave himfelf entirely to him : And difcovering that CRITO'S falfe Accufers were guilty of many Crimes ; and had made themfelves many Enemies, he undertook to manage them. He therefore fummoned one of them to anfwer for an Offence, which, if proved againfl him, muft fubject him at lead to a pecuniary Mulct, if not to corporal Punilhment. The Man knowing how little he could defend his Male- practices, endeavoured by every Art to make ARCHIDEMUS with-draw his Profecution: But to no Purpofe , for he would never lofe Sight of him 'till he had compelled him, not only to. leave CRITO in Peace, but purchafed his own with no inconfiderable Sum of Money. * U 2 156 MEMOIRS of (B. AR CHID EMUS having conduced this Affair, and many others of the fame Nature, fuccefs- fully; CRiTOwas thought not a little happy, in having his AfTiftance : And as the Shepherds oft-times avail themfelves of their Neighbour's Dog, by fending their Sheep to pafture near him; CRITO'S Friends would intreat him to lend ARC HID EMUS to them. He, on his Side, was glad of any Opportunity to oblige his Be- nefactor; and it was obferved that not only CRITO himfelf, but all his Friends, lived free for the Future, from any Moleftation. Like- wife when any reproached him, with having made his Court to CRITO for his own Intereft ; " and which, faid he, do you think the moil fhameful ? ferving the Good who have already ferved you ; and joining with them, in their Oppofition to the Wicked ; or, confederating with the Bad, affift them the more effectually to opprefs the Virtuous ; and thereby make every honeft Man your Enemy ? " FROM this Time ARCHIDEMUS lived in th ftri&eft Intimacy with CRITO ; nor did CRITO'S Friends lefs honour and efteem him. CHAP. II.) SOCRATES. 157 H^JHJH^ CHAP. X. I Remember SOCRATES once faying to DIO- DORUS, " Suppofe, DIODORUS, one of your Slaves ran away from you ; would you be at any Pains to recover him " " YES, certainly, faid the other; and I would even go fo far as to publilh a Reward, for whoever would bring him to me." " AND if any of them were fick; you would take Care of them, I imagine ; and lend for a Phyfician, to try to fave them ? " " UNDOUBTEDLY ! " " BUT what if a Friend ; fomething of more Worth to you than a thoufand Slave s were reduced to Want; would it not become you, DIODORUS, to relieve him ? You know HERMOGENES P You know him for a Man incapable of Ingratitude ; nay, one who would even blulh to lie under an Obligation, without endeavouring to return it. You know too, I5& MEMOIRS of (B., too, that the Service of him who ferves from Inclination-, who not only can execute what you command-, but, of himfelf, find out many Things that may he of Ufe -to you -, who can deliberate, forefee, and aflift you with good Counfel is infinitely of more Value, than many Slaves ? Now good Oeconomiits tell us, it is right to purchafe, when Things are mod cheap , and we can fcarcely recollect the Time at Athens, when a good Friend might be had fuch a Pennyworth." " You are in the Right, faid DIODORUS, therefore you may bid HERMOGENES come to me." " NOT fo, neither, returned SOCRATES ; for fmce the Benefit will be reciprocal, it feems juft as reafonable, that you go to him j as he come to you." IN Confequence of this Difcourfe, DIODORUS went himfelf tori ERMOG EN ES i and, for afmall Confideration, fecured a valuable Friend -, whofe principal Care was to approve his Gra- titude, and return the Kindnefs ihewn him, with many real Services. XENO* III.) SOCRATES. 159 X E N P H JV's Memoirs of Socrates. cfcojgoo^o^o^c^c^o^ BOOK III. CHAP. I. E will now relate in what Manner SOCRATES was ufeful to fuch of his Friends as aimed at any honoura- ble Employment, by ftirring them up to the Attainment of that Knowlege which alone could qualify them for difcharging it properly. BEING told that one DIONYSIDORUS was come to Athens, and there made public Pro- feflion of teaching the Military Art ^ SOCRA- TES 160 MEMOIRS of (B. TES from thence took Occafion to addrefs the following Difcourfe to a young Man of his Aquaintance, whom he knew at that very Time foliciting for one of the principal Pofts in the Army : "Is it not, faid he, a moft fcandalous Thing, for one who aims at commanding the Forces of his Country, to neglect an Opportunity of gaining the In- ftrudtions necefiary for it ? And does he not deferve to be more feverely treated, than he who undertakes to form a Statue, with- out having learnt the Statuary's Art ? InTime of War, no lefs than the Safety of the whole Community, is entrufted to the General : And it is in his Power, either to procure to it many, and great Advantages, by a pru- dent Difcharge of the Duties pf his Station ; or invplve his Country, through Mifcon- ducl, in the very deepeil Diftrefs : And therefore that Man mud be worthy of no fmall Pu rudiment, who, whilft he is unwea- ried in his Endeavours to obtain this Ho- nour, takes little or no Thought about qua- lifying himfelf properly for executing a Truft of fuch vaft Importance." THIS III.) SOCRATES. 161 THIS Reafoning wrought fo powerfully upon the Mind of the young Man, that he immediately applied himfelf to the gain- ing of Inftru&ion. And coming a little Time after, where SOCRATES was (landing with other of his Friends, SOCRATES on his Approach, faid to them laughing," You remember, Sirs, that HOMER, fpeaking of AGAMEMNON, ftiles him, Venerable? Do you not think, our young Man here, has ac- quired new Dignity ; and looks far more re* fpectable, now he hath learnt the Art of Com- manding ? For, as he who is a Matter of Mufic, will be a Mailer of Mufic, though he touches no Inftrument^ and he who hath the Skill of a Phyfican, will be a Phyfician though not actually employed in the Practice of his Art : So, no Doubt of it, this young Man, now that he hath gained the Knowlege of a General, is, inconteflably, a General, though he never fhould be chofen to Command of the Army : Whereas it would be to very little Pur- pofe for an ignorant Pretender to get himfelf elected, fince this could no more make a Ge- neral of him, than it would make a Man a Phyfician, to call him one : But, continued W SOCRATES, 162 MEMOIRS of (B. li J " SOCRATES^ turning towards him, fmce it may fall out, that fome of us may command a Company, or a Cohort under you ; inform us, I pray you ; with what Point your Mailer be- gan his Inflru&ions , that we may not be alto- gether ignorant of the Matter ? " WITH- the very fame Point with which he ended, replied the other : The right ordering of an Army ; whether in Marching, Fighting, or Encamping ? " " SURELY, anfwered SOCRATES, this is but a fmall Part of the Office of a General : For he mull likewife take Care, that none of the Necefiaries of War be wanting-, and that his Soldiers are fupplied with every Thing need- ful ; as well for their Health, as daily Subfif- tance. He fhould be diligent; patient; fruitful in Expedients;- quick of Apprehen- fion ; unwearied in Labour : Mildnefs, and Severity, mud each have their Place in him : Equally able to fecure his cwn^ and take away that which belonged! to another. Open > yet referved; rapacious, yet profufe; gene- rous, yet avaritiaus; cautious, yet bold : Befides V III.) SOCRATES. 163 . . , Befides many other Talents ,, both natural ancj., acquired , necefTary for him who would dif- charge properly the Duties of a good General Yet I do not efteem the right Difpofitiori of an Army a flight Thing--, on the Contrary, laid he, nothing can be of fo much Importance'; fince, without Order, no Advantage can , ' arife frdmNumbers any more than fromStones, and Bricks, and Tiles, and Timber, thrown together at Random. But when thefe are dii" pofed of in their proper Places , when t4ie ' Stones, and the Tiles, as lead perifhahle, are made Ufe of for -the Foundation and the Co- vering ; the Bricks, .and Timber, each like wife in their Order ;-~-then we may fee, a re- gular Edifice arifing ; which afterward be- comes no inconfiderable Part of our ' Pof feffions." . " YOUR Comparifon, int crrupted:f he otlier, makes me recoiled another Circumftance which we were told the General of an Army ought to have Regard to, and that is, to place the beft of his Soldiers in the Front, and in the Rear j whilft thofe of a doubtful Cha- racter being placed in the Middle, may be anu W 2 mated 164 MEMOIRS of (B. mated by the one, and impelled by the other, to the Performance of their Duty.*' " YOUR Matter then, faid SOCRATES, taught you how to know a good Soldier from a bad one ; other wife this Rule could be of no Ufe : For if he ordered you, in the counting of Mo- ney, to place the Good at each End of the Ta- ble ; and that which was adulterated in the Middle, without firft inftrudting you by what Means to diftinguifli them , I fee not to what Purpofe his Orders could be ? " " I CANNOT fay, replied the other ; but it is very fure my Matter did no fuch Thing : We mutt therefore endeavour to find it out our- felves." " SHALL we confider this Point then a little farther, faid SOCRATES, that fo we may the better avoid any Miftake in this Matter. Sup- pofe, continued he, the Bufinefs was to feize fome rich Booty -, ihould we not do well to place in the Front, thofe whom we thought the moft avaricious ? "" ** CERTAINLY." " BUT HI.) SOCRATES. " BUT, where the Undertaking is attended with Peril, there, furely, we fhould be care- ful to employ the moft Ambitious ; the Love of Glory being fufficient to make Men of this Stamp, defpife all Danger: Neither mall we be at a Lofs to find out thefe People-, fmce they are always forward enough to make them- felves known. But this Matter of yours, con- tinned SOCRATES, when he taught you the different Ways of ranging your Forces, taught you, at the fame Time, the different Ufe you were to make of it ?" " NOT at all, I do allure you." " AND yet a different Difpofition of the Army fhould be made according as different Occafions require ? " " THAT may be, replied the other; but he faid not a Word to me of the Matter." " THEN return to him, faid SOCRATES, and queftion him concerning it-, for if he is not either very ignorant, or very impudent, he will be afhamed of having taken your Money, and fent you away fo little inftruded." CHAP. ' '' $^*#3C^ . CHAP. II. MEETING with one who had been newly elected General, SOCRATES afked him, " Why hath AGAMEMNON the Title of P aft or of the People , given him by HOMER ? Muft it not be for this Reafon, think you? . That like as a Shepherd looks carefully to the Health of his Flock; and provides them Paf- ture; fo be, who hath the Command of the Army; fliould provide his Soldiers with all Things neceflary ; and procure thofe Advan- tages to them for which they endure the Hard- Ihips of War ; Conqueft over their Enemies ; ) and to themfelves more Happinefs. Why alfo doth the fame Poet praife AGAMEMNON for being, *. Qr^at in the War; and gr^at in Arts of Sway, POPE, But to (hew, in him, that ferfonal Bravery, hoXvever remarkable, is not enough to confti- tute ti&General, v/ithout he animates his whole Army III.) SOCRATES. r6 7 Army with Courage; and makes every fmgle Soldier, foave. Neither, continued he, can that Prince be celebrated for the Arts of Sway, however fuccefsful he may be in regulating his domeftic Affairs, who doth not caufe Felicity and Abundance to be diffufejd throughout his whole Dominion. For Kings are not elected that their Cares mould afterwards centre in their own private Profperity; but to advance the Happinefs of thofe who elect them, are they called to the Throne. As therefore the only Motive for fubmitting to War, is the Hope of rendering our future Lives more fe- cure and- happy ; and Commanders are chofen for no other Purpofe, than to lead the Way to this defirable End ; it is the Duty of a Gene- ral, to ufe his utmoft Endeavours, not to dif- appoint the People therein : For, as to anfwer their Expectations will bring to him the higheft Glory; fo to fail, through Mifconduct, muft be attended with the greatelt Shame." WE may here fee from what hath beenjuft faid that SOCRATES defigning to give us his Idea of 2. good Prince ; palling over every other Confideration, confines it to hirn alone, who diligently promotes the Happinefs of his People. CHAR 1 68 MEMOIRS of (B, CHAP. III. MEETING at another Time withaPer- fon who had been chofen General of the Horfe, SOCRATES faid to him, " As I doubt not, my young Man, your being able to give a good Reafon why you defired the Com- mand of the Cavalry -, I mould be glad to hear it,: For I cannot fuppofe you afked it only for an Opportunity of riding before the reft of the Army, as the Archers on Horfeback, muft go before you : Neither could it be, to make yourfelf the more takenNotice of -, for Madmen will ftill have the Advantage of you there ? But your Defign, I conclude, was to reform the Cavalry ; in Hopes of making them of more Service to the Republic ? " " I DID defign this, moft certainly." " A NOBLE Intention! replied SOCRATES, if you can but accomplifh it. But your Sta- tion obliges you to have an Eye to yourHorfes, as well as Men?" " UN- HI.) SOCRATES. 169 " UNDOUBTEDLY," " PRAY tell us then, faid SOCRATES, what Method you will take to get good Horfes ? " " Q, THAT, anfwered the General, belongs not to me : The Rider himfelf mufl look to that Particular." " VERY well, faid SOCRATES. But fup- pofe you wanted to lead them on to charge the Enemy -, and you found fome of them lame ; and others fo weak, from being half-ftarved, that they could not come up with the reft of the Army: While others again were fo reftive, and unruly, as to make it impofllble to keep them in their Ranks : Of what Ufe would fuch Horfes be to you ? Or you to the Re- public ? " " You are in the Right, faid the other \ and I will certainly take Care what Sort of Horfes are in my Troop." " AND what Sort of Men too, I hope, re- plied SOCRATES." *' CERTAINLY." X * YOUR 170 MEMOIRS of (B. " YOUR firft Endeavour, I fuppofe then, will be, to make them mount their Horfes readily ? " " IT fhall, faid the other, to the End they may fland a better Chance to efcape, if they are thrown off them." " You will likewife take Care, faid SOCRA- TES, to exercife them often: Sometimes in one Place, and fometimes in another; par- ticularly there, where it feems the moft like to that, in which you expect to meet the Ene- my ; that your Troops may be equally dex- trous in all : For you cannot, I fuppofe, when going to Engage, order yourEnemies to cpme and fight you on the Plain, becaufe there, alone, you were accuftomed to exercife your Army ? You will likewife inftruct them in throwing the Dart ; and if you would, in- deed, make good Soldiers, animate them with the Love of Glory , and Refentment againft their Enemies : >But above all be careful to eftablim your Authority ; fince nei- ther the Strength of your Horfes, nor the Dexterity of the Riders, can be of much Ufe to you without Obedience." " I III.) SOCRATES. 171 " I KNOW it, SOCRATES, but what muft I do to bring them to this Obedience ? " c< HAVE you not obferved, faid SOCRATES, that all Men willingly fubmit to thofe whom they believe the moil fkilful , in Sicknefs, to the beft Phyfician ; in a Storm, to the beft Pilot; and, in Agriculture, to him whom they confider as the beft Hufbandman ? " u I HAVE, replied the other." " IF fo ; may we not well conclude, that he who is known to have the moft Skill in conducting the Cavalry, will always find him- felf the moft willingly obeyed ?" " BUT need I, do no more tharT convince them of my fuperior Abilities ? w M YES i you muft likewife convince them that both their Glory, and Safety, depend on their Obedience." " BUT how (hall I be able to convince them of this ?" WITH lefs Trouble, replied SOCRATES, than you can prove to them, it is better X2 and 172 MEMOIRS of (B. and more for their Advantage to be Vicious, than Virtuous." " BUT at this Rate, it will be neceflary for a General, to add the Study of the Art of Speaking^ to all his other Cares ?" " AND do you imagine, faid SOCRATES, he can difcharge his Office without /peaking ? It is by the Medium of Speech the Laws are made known to us, for the Regulation of our Conduct , and whatfoever is ufeful in any Science, we become acquainted with it by the fame Means ; the bed Method of In- ftruftion being in the Way of Converfation j aad he, who is perfectly Matter of his Sub- ject, will always be heard with the greatefl Applaufe. But have you never obferved, continued SOCRATES, that throughout all Greece, the Athenian Youth bear away the Prize, in every Contention, from thofe fent by any other Republic ? Even a Chorus of Mufic going from hence to Delos, ex- ceeds, beyond all Companion, whatever ap- pears from any other Place. Now the Athe- nians have not, naturally, Voices more fweet^ or Bodies more ftrong, than thole of other Nations ; HI.) SOCRATES. 173 Nations ; but they are more ambitious of Glory ; which always impels to generous Deeds, and noble Undertakings. Why, therefore, may not our Cavalry be brought in Time to excel any other -, whether in the Beauty of their Horfes and Arms ; whe- ther in their Difcipline, Order, and Courage, were they but Ihewn that Conquelt and Glory would almoft prove the infallible Re- fult of it ?" ce I SEE ntft why, indeed, anfwered the other, if we could but convince them, this would be the Event." " LOSE no Time, then, faid SOCRATES, but go, excite your Soldiers to the Performance of their Duty , that while you make them of Ufe to you ; they may like wife make you of fome Ufe to your Country." "I CERTAINLY fhall make the Attempt," replied the General. CHAP. 174 MEMOIRS of (B. CHAP. IV. SEEING, at another Time, NICHOMA- CHIDES return from the Aflembly of the People, where they had been chufing the Magiftrates ; SOCRATES afked, whom they had fixed upon to command the Army ? " Could you have thought 'it! faid the other the Athenians, my SOCRATES, paid no Regard to me who have fpent my whole Life in the Exercile of Arms ! pafled through every Degree, from that of common Centi- nal, to Colonel of the Horfe, covered with thefe Scars \ mewing them on his Bofcm ; my whole Strength wafted with righting in Defence of them ! while ANTISTHENES, - one, who never ferved among the Infantry, nor ever did any Thing remarkable among the Horfe, him they have elected, though all his Merit teems to confift in being able to get Money." " No bad Circumftance, replied SOCRATES j we may hope, at leaft, to have our Troops well paid.' 1 BUT III.) SOCRATES, 175 " BUT a Merchant can get Money as well as ANT is THEN ES ; doth it follow from thence that a Merchant is a fit Man to command an Army ? " " You overlook, NICHOMACHIDES, that ANTISTHENES is likewife a Lover of Glory ; and feeks to excel in whatever he undertakes; a Quality of fome Worth in the Comman- der of an Army : You know, whenever he led the Chorus,- he always took Care to carry off the Prize." " BUT, furely, there is fome Difference be- tween commanding an Army, and ordering the Chorus ? " " AND yet, replied SOCRATES, ANTIS- THENES has no great Knowlege, himielf, ei- ther in Mufic, or the Laws of the Thea- tre , but, as he had Penetration fufficient to find out thofe who excelled in them, you fee how, by their AfTiftance, he cam e off Conqueror," " HE muft have fomebody then to fight, and give out his Orders, when at the Head of his Army ?" 44 BE 176 MEMOIRS of (B. "Be that as it may, returned SOCRATES, it is certain, that he who follows the Coun- fel of fuch as are beft fkilPd in any Art ; let it be War, or Mufic, or any Thing elfe ; is pretty fure of furpafiing all who are en- gaged in the fame Purfuit with him : Nei- ther is it probable, that he who fo liberally expends his Money, when the Affair is no more than to amufe the People ; and pur- chafe a Victory, which only brings Honour to himfelf, and to his own Tribe ; (*) will be more fparing, when the Point is to gain a Conqueft far more glorious over the Ene- mies of his Country -, and in which the whole Republic are equally concerned." 46 WE are to conclude then, returned the other, that he who knows how to prefide, pro- perly at a public Shew, knows in like Manner how to command an Army ? " " IT is certain, faid SOCRATES, fo much may- be concluded ; that he who has Judgment enough to find out what Things are bed for him; (a) The Citizens of Athens were all divided intoTribes j and had their peculiar Cuftoms and Honours. III.) SOCRATES. 177 him ; and Ability to procure them-, can hardly fail of Succefs, whether his Defign be to di- rect the Stage, or govern the State *, manage his own Houfe, or command the Army.'* " TRULY, replied NICHOMACHIDES, I fcarcely expected to hear from you, SOCRATES, that a good Oeconomift, and a good Comman- der, was the fame Thing.** " Do you think fo? anfwered SOCRATES: Let us enquire then, if you pleafe, into the Duty of each ; and fee what Agreement we can find between them. Is it not the Bufmefs of them both to endeavour, to make the Peo- ple who are placed under them, tractable and fubmiflive ? " " IT is." " MUST they not fee, that every Perfon be employed in the Bufmefs he is moft proper for ? Are they not, each of them, to punifh thofe who do wrong; and reward thofe who do right? Mufl they not gain the Love of the People who are placed under their Authority; and procure to themfelves, as many Friends Y 4*. 178 MEMOIRS of (B* as may be, to flrengthen, and ftand by them, in Time of Need ? Should they not know how to fecure their own ? And, in fhort, ihould not, each of them, be diligent, and un- wearied, in the Performance of his Duty ? " " So far, replied NICHOMACHIDES, it may be as you fay ; but furely the Companion can fcarcely hold, when the Cafe is to engage an Enemy ? " " WHY fo, faid SOCRATES j have they not each of them Enemies to engage ? " " CERTAINLY." c * AND would it not be for the Advantage of both, to get the better of thefe Enemies ? 5> " No doubt of it, SOCRATES ! but I ftill fee not of what Ufe, Oeconomy can be to a Ge- neral, when the Hour is come for his Sol- diers to fall on." ".TiiE very Time, faid SOCRATES, when it. will be the moft : For, as Oeconomy will (hew him, his greateft Gain muft arife from Conqueft, his greateft Lofs from being over- come III.) SOCRATES. come ; he will for that Reafon be very careful not to take any one Step whatfoever, which may hazard a Defeat ; wifely declining an En- gagement while in Want of any Thing , but equally ready to feize the Hour, when pro- vided with all that is neceflary, Victory feems to him no longer doubtful. Thus you fee of what Ufe Oeconomy may be to a General ; nor do you, NICHOM A CHIDES, defpife thofe who practice it : Since the Conduct of the State, and that of a private Family, differ no other wife than as Greater and Lefs ; in every Thing elfe there is no fmall Similarity. The Bufmefs is with Men, in either Cafe ; nei- ther do we know of one Species of thefe, whereby to manage the Affairs of Govern- ment, and another for carrying on the com- mon Concerns of. Life; but the Prince,- at the Helm, and the Head of his Family, muff ferve themfelves. from the fame Mafs, And* to compleat the Parallel ; be allured, NICHO- MACHIDES, that whoever hath the Skill to ufe thefe Inftruments properly, hath alfo the heft Secret for fucceeding in his D'eiTgn 5- whether his Aim be to direct, the State* or limit hk Care to the Concerns of his ow'n fjdttmolct ; Y -a i8o MEMOIRS of (B. While he who is ignorant of this Point muft commit many Errors, and of Courfe meet with nothing but Difappointments." KH3ie(iill^ CHAP. V. BEING in Company with PERICLES, Son to the great PERICLES ; SOCRATES faid to him, " I hope, my young Man, when you come to command the Forces of the Re- public, the War may be carried on with more Glory and Succefs than we have lately known it!" " I SHOULD be glad if it were fo, replied the other ; but how it is to be done, I can- not eafily fee." " SHALL we try, faid SOCRATES, to get fomc Light into this Matter? ^You know the Beotians are not more numerous than we ? " " I KNOW they are not." " Neither III.) SOCRATES. 181 " NEITHER are they ftronger, or more valiant ? " ' THEY ire not." " BUT the Beotians, it may be, arc more united among themfelves ? " " So far from it, faid PERICLES, that the Beotians hate the Thebans on Account of their Oppreflion ; whereas we can have nothing of this Sort in Athens." " BUT then we muft own, faid SOCRATES^ that the Beotians are not only the moft cour- teous of all Mankind, but the moft ambitious > and they, who are fo, the Love of Glory, and of their Country, will impel to undertake any Thing." cc BUT I know not, replied PERICLES, that the Athenians are deficient in any of thefe Particulars." " IT muft be acknowleged, faid SOCRATES, if we look back to the Actions of our Fore- fathers ; and confider, either the Luftre, or the Number of their glorious Deeds ; no Na- tion can exceed us : And having fuch Exam- ples, 182 MEMOIRS of pies, taken out too from among .ourfeVves, they cannot but inflame our Courage ; jted ftir us up to a Love of Valour and of Virtue !'* " AND yet you fee, anfwered how much the Glory of the Athenian Nattie" is tarnifhed fince the fatal Defeat of LUBE A ; wherein TOLMIDES loft more than a thouiand Men ! and that other, at Delium, where HI- POCRATES was flain : For, whereas", 'till then, the Beotians feared to make Head againft us, though in Defence of their own Country, with- out the Afiiftance of the Lacedemonians, and the reft of Peleponefus ; they now threaten to invade us , and that, with their own Forces only : While the Athenians, inftead of rava- ging, as formerly, Beotia at Pleafure, when not defended by foreign Troops, are made to tremble in their Turn, left Attica itfelf thould become the Scene of Slaughter." 4C THE Cafe, faid SOCRATES, is, I fear, as. you have ftated it : But for that Rcafon it feemeth to me, my PERICLES, the very Time* wherein to defire, the Command of our Armies. It ;s of the Nature of Security to make Me \\ SOCRATES. 183 c^relefs, effeminate, and ungovernable ; while Fear,, on the Contrary, awakens their Dili- gence ; renders them obedient ; and reduces them to Order. We may fee this among our Seamen. So long as they are under no Ap- prehertfion of Danger, they give themfelves over to Riot and Diforder ; but at the Sight of a Pirate, or the Appearance of a Storm, be- come, immediately, other Men: Not only dili- gent in performing whatever is commanded ; but even watching, in Silence, the Mafter's Eye ; ready to execute, as in a well ordered Chorus, whatever the Part he fhall think pro- per to aflign them*" " SUPPOSING, replied PERICLES, the Peo- ple of Athens were at prefent in fuch a State as might difpofe them to Obedience ; what Way fhall we take to roufe them to an Imita- tion of our Anceftors : That, with their Vir- tues, we may reftore, the Happinefs, and the Glory of the Times they lived in ?" " WAS it our Defire, anfwered SOCRATES, to ftir up any one to regain an Inheritance, now in the PofTefTion of another, what more mould we need, than to tell them it was theirs by long 184 MEMOIRS of (B. long Defcent from their Progenitors ? If, therefore, my PERICLES, you wifh our Athe- nians to hold the foremoft Rank among the Virtuous; tell them it is their Right, deli- vered down to them from the earlieft Ages ; and, that fo long as they are careful to main- tain this Pre-eminence in Virtue-, Pre-emi- nence in Power cannot fail to attend it. You would likewife do well to remind them, how highly the moft ancient of their Forefathers were efteemed, and honoured, on Account of their Virtue.'* " You mean, when in the Time of CECROPS, the People of Athens, were chofen, in Prefq- rence to all others, to arbitrate in the Difpute, which had arifen among the Gods ? " ( b > " I DO, faid SOCRATES, and I would have you go on, and relate to them the Birth, and the Education of ERICTHEUS , the Wars in his Time, with all the neighbouring Nations : To- gether with that undertaken in Favour of the Hera- (b) Alluding to the fabled Conteft between and MlRVA for the Patronage of Athens; which was de- termined by the Athenian*, in Farour of MIMERTA. HI.) SOCRATES. 185 Heraclides, againft thofe of Peleponefus. That, alfo, in the Days of THESE us, when our Anceftors gained the Reputation of furpafiing all their Contemporaries both in Conduct and Courage, ought not to be patted over: After which, it may not be amifs to recal to their Minds, what the Defcendants of thefe Heroes have performed, in the Ages juft before us. Shew them the Time, when by their own Strength alone, they made Head againft the Man who lorded it #ver all Afia -, and whofc Empire extended even into Europe itfelf, as far as Macedonia , inheriting from his Forefa- thers, a formidable Army, as well as wide Dominions, that had already made itfelf fa- mous, for many noble Undertakings. Tell them, at other Times, of the many Victories both by Sea and Land when in League with the Lacedemonians , Men, no lefs famous than themfelves, on the account of MilitaryCourage: And, although innumerable have been the Revolutions, throughout the reft of Greece; whereby many have been compelled to change their Habitations , (hew them, the Athenians ftill in PofTefilon of their ancient Territories , and, not only fo, but often-times made Arbi- Z ters 1 86 MEMOIRS of (B. fers of the Rights of other People ; while the Opprefs'd, on every Side, have had Recourfe to them for Prote&ion." " WHEN I think of thefe Things, my SO- CRATES ! I marvel, by what Means, our Re- public hath funk fo low." " I SUPPOSE, replied SOCRATES, theAthenians afted in this Refpedb like Men, who, feeing themfelves exalted above the Fear of a Com- petitor, grow remifs, and neglect Difcipline ; and become thereby more defpicable than the People whom they once defpifed :^ For, no fooner had our Virtue fet us above the Reft of our Contemporaries, but we funk into Sloth ; which ended, as you fee, in a total Degene- racy." " BUT how fhall we recover the Luftre of that ancient Virtue ? " " NOTHING moreeafy to point out, replied SOCRATES : Let but our People call to Mind, what were the Virtues, and Difcipline of their Forefathers ; and diligently endeavour, to follow their Example \ and the Glory of the Athenian i III.) SOCRATES. 187 Athenion Name, may rife again as high as ever ! But, if this is too much for them, let them copy at leaft the People, whom, at pre- fent, they are compelled to confider as far above them: Let them apply themfelves with the fame Diligence, to perform the fame Things -, and let them not doubt of becoming again their Equals : Their Superiors^ if fo be, they will but furpals them in Virtue," " You fpeak, my SOCRATES, as if you thought our Athenians, at no little Diftance from it! And indeed, continued PERICLES, when do we fee them, . as at Sparta, reve- rencing old Age? Or, rather, do we not fee them, mewing their Contempt of it, even in the Perfon of a Father ! Can they be ex-* peeled to imitate that Republic in theExercifes which render the Body healthful, who make Sport of thofe who do ? Will People, who even glory in defpifing their Rulers, fubmit, readily, to their Commands ? Or will Con- cord and Unanimity fubfift among Men, who feek not to help, but injure one another ; and bear more Envy to their Fellow-Citizens, than to any other of Mankind ? Our AiTem- Z I blies, MEMOIRS of (B. blies, both public and private, are full of Quar- rels, and Contentions ; whilft we harfafs each other with perpetual Suits at Law j choofmg by that Means fome trifling Advantage, though with the Ruin of our Neighbour, rather than content ourfelves with an honeft Gain, whereby each Party might be equally profitted. The Magistrate's Aim is, altogether, his own Inte- reft; as if the Welfare of the Community no Way concerned him. Hence that eager Con- tention for Places and Power ^ that Ignorance, and mutual Hatred among thofc in the Ad- miniftration ; that Animofity and Intrigue which prevail among private Parties : So that I fear, my SOCRATES ! left the Malady fhould rife to fuch a Height, that Athens itfelf, muft, e'relong, fink under it! " " BE not afraid, my PERICLES, that the Diftemper is incurable! You fee with what Readinefs and Skill our People conduct them- felves in all Naval Engagements ? How re- gular in obeying thofe who prefide over their Exercifes? Lead the Dance, or direct, the Chorus ? " "I AM III.) SOCRATES. 189 " I AM fenfible of this, faid PERICLES: And hence, my SOCRATES, is the Wonder; that being fo complying on allfuch Occafions; our Soldiers, who ought to be the Choice, and Flower of this very People, are fo frequently difpofed to Mutiny and Difobedience ? " " THE Senate of the Areopagus, faid SO- CRATES, is not /to, likewife compofed, of Perfons of the greateft Worth ? " . " MOST certainly." " WHERE elfe do we fee Judges who acl: in fuch Conformity to the Laws ; and Honour to themfelves ? Who determine with fo much Uprightnefs between Man, and Man : Or dif- charge, with fuch Integrity, whatever Bufinefs is brought before them ? " " I CANNOT reproach them, faid PERICLES, with having failed in any Thing." " THEREFORE, let us not give up our Athe- nians, my PERICLES, as a People altogether degenerate ! " "YET 1 90 MEMOIRS of " YET in War, replied PERICLES; where Decency, Order, and Obedience are ftK$re 'efpe- cially required ; they feem to pay no Regard, to the Command of their Superiors ? " " PERHAPS, returned SOCRATES, fome Part of the Blame may belong to thofe, who under- take to Command them ? You hardly know of any Man, I believe, pretending to prefidc over a Chorus , directing the Dance, or giving Rules to the Athletics, whilft ignorant of the Matter. They who take upon them to do any of thefe Things, muft tell you where, and by whom they were inftructed in the Art they now pretend to teach others , whereas the greater Part of our Generals, learn the firft Rudiments of War, at the Head of their Annies. But, I know, my PERICLES, you are not of that Sort of Men ; but have made your Employment to ftudy the Military Art and have gone through all the Exercifes fo no' ceffary for a Soldier. In the Memorials of your Father, that great Man ! I doubt no your having remarked for your own Advan tage, many of thofe refined Stratagems h made Ufe of > and can fhew us rnfriy more, of you I >f 1 III.) SOCRATES. 19* your own colle&ing. Thefe you ftudy: And, to the End, that nothing may be omitted by one who hopes to command our Armies ; when you find yourfelf either deficient, or doubtful, you are not unwilling to own your Ignorance i but feek out for fuch as you ima- gine more knowing; while neither Courtefy of Behaviour, nor even Gifts are wanting, v/hereby to engage them to give you Aflittance." " AH! SOCRATES, cried PERICLES, inter- rupting him, It is not that you think I have done thefe Things , but wifh me to do them, that you talk in this Manner ! " " IT may be fo, replied SOCRATES: But, to add aWord or two more ; you know, con- tinued he, that Attica is feparated from Beo- tia, by a long Chain of Mountains-, through which the Roads are narrow, and craggy , fo that all Accefs to our Country from that Side, is both difficult and dangerous ? " " I KNOW it, faid PERICLES." " IT has been told you too, I imagine, how the Myfians,*and Pifidians, having feized for themfelves 192 MEMOIRS of (B. themfelves, feveral confiderable Places, and a large Tract of Land, in the Territories of the King of Perfia, are able, from the Advantages of their Situation, not only to fecure their own Liberty, but, with their light armed Horfe, greatly annoy their Enemies, by making per- petual Inroads upon them ? " " YES, I have heard this, replied the other." " WHY then may it not be fuppofed, faid SOCRATES, that if we fecured thofe Pafies on the Mountains, which divide us from Beotia -, and fent there our Youth, properly armed, for making Incurfions, we might in our Turn, give fome Annoyance to our Enemies \ while thefe Mountains, as fo many Ramparts, fecured us from their Hoflilities ? " " I agree with you, faid PERICLES, this might turn to our Advantage , and that all you have faid, hath been much to the Pur- pofe." " IF you think fo, replied SOCRATES; and that my Obfervations may be of Service , you have nothing more to do than to carry them Into III.) SOCRATES. 193 into Execution. Should Succefs be the Con* frequence; you, my friend! will have the Honour ; and the Republic, much Gain. If you fail, through Want of Power, no great Mifchief can enfue-, Athens will not be endan- gered; nor mall you, my PERICLES, incur ei- ther Shame, or Reproach, for having engaged in fuch an Undertaking." <^c^cfrc&o&o^ CHAP. VI GLAUCO, the Son of AiusTO, was fo ilrongly pofTefTed with the Deiire of go- verning the Republic, that although not yet Twenty, he was continually making Orations to the People : Neither was it in the Power of his Relations, however numerous, to prevent his expofmg himfelf to Ridicule ; though fome- times they would drag him, by very Force, from the Tribunal. SOCRATES, who loved him on the Account of PLATO and CHARMI- DUS, had alone the Art to fucceed with him. For meeting him, he faid,- " Your Defign A a then 194 MEMOIRS of then, my GLAUCO, is to be at the very Head of our Republic ? " " IT is fo," replied the other. " BELIEVE me, faid SOCRATES, a noble Aim ! For this, once accomplifhed, and you become, as it were, abfolute -, you may then, feive your Friends \ aggrandize your Family \ extend the Limits of your Country, and make yourfelf renowned, not only in Athens, but throughout all Greece: Nayit may be, your Fame will fpread Abroad, among the moft barbarous Nations, like to another THE- MISTOCLES , while Admiration, and Applaufe, attend wherever you go ! " SOCRATES having thus fired the Imagination of the young Man, and fecured himfelf a fa- vourable Hearing -, went on " But if your Defign is to receive Honour from your Coun- try, you intend to be of Ufe to it ; for nothing but that can fecure its Applaufe." *' UNDOUBTEDLY," replied GLAUCO. " TELL me then, I intreat you, what may be the firfl Service you intend to render the Republic ? " GLAUCO III.) SOCRATES. ,195 GLAUCO remaining filent, as not knowing what to anfwer, " Ifuppofe, faid SOCRATES, you mean to enrich it ? For, that is, generally, the Method we take, when we intend to ag- grandize the Family of fome Friend." "Tnis is indeed my Defign," returned the other. " BUT the Way to do this, faid SOCRATES, is to encreafe its Revenues ? " " IT is fo." " TELL me then, I pray you, whence the Revenues of the Republic arife , and what they annually amount to : Since I doubt not of your having diligently enquired into each Particular, fo as to be able to fupply every De- ficiency ; and when one Source fails, can eafily have Recourfe to fome other," " I proteft to you, faid GLAUCO, this is a Point I never confidered." " TELL me then only its annual Expences ; for, I fuppofe, you intend to retrench, what- ever appears fuperfluous ? " " I can- 1:96 MEMOIRS of " I cannot fay, replied GLAUCO, that I have yet thought of this Affair, any more than of the other." cc WE muft poftpone then our Defigri pf enriching the Republic to another Time, faid SOCRATES -, for I fee not how a Perfon can exert his Endeavours to any Purpofe fo long as he continues ignorant both of its Income and Expences." " YET a State may be enriched by the Spoils of its Enemies ? " " ASSUREDLY, replied SOCRATES: But, in order to this, its Strength mould be fuperior, otherwife, it may be in Danger of lojing what it hath already. He therefore, who advifes War, ought to be well acquainted, not only with the Forces of his own Country, but thofe of the Enemy ; to the End, that if he finds Superiority on his Side, he may boldly perfift in hisfirft Opinion-, or, recede in Time; and diffuade the People from the hazardous Un- dertaking," ^ IT is very true," returned the other. I pray III.) SOCRATES. 197 " I PRAY you then tell me what are our Forces, by Sea, and Land-, and what, the Enemy's ? " cc IN Truth, SOCRATES, I cannot pretend to tell you, at once, either one, or the other." " POSSIBLY, you may have a Lift of them in Writing ? If fo, I fhould attend to your reading it with Pleafure." < c No, -nor this, replied G LAI/CO, for I have not yet beg;un to make any Calculation of the Matter." ** I PERCEIVE then,faid SOCRATES, we mall not make War in a fhort Time ; fince an Af- fair of fuch Moment cannot be duly confi- dered at the Beginning of your Adminiftra- tion. But I take it for granted, continued he, that you have carefully attended to the guard- ing our Coafts , and know where it is necef- fary to place Garrifons ; and what the Num- ber of Soldiers to be employed for each : That while you are diligent to keep thofe compleat which are of Service to us, you may order fuch to be withdrawn as appear fuperfluous." 1918 MEMOIRS of " IT is my Opinion, replied GLAUCO, that every one of them ihould be taken away ; fihce they only ravage the Country they were appointed to defend." " BUT what are we to do then, faid Sr CRATES, if our Garrifons are taken away ? How {hall we prevent the Enemy from over- running Attica at Pleaiure ? And who gave you this Intelligence, that our Guards difcharge their Duty in fuch a Manner ? Have you been among them?" " No : But I much fufpeft it." " As foon then, faid SOCRATES, as we can be thoroughly informed of the Matter ; and have not to proceed on Conjecture only, we will fpeak of it to the Senate ? " " PERHAPS, replied GLAUCO, this may be the beft Way." " I CAN fcarcely fuppofe, continued SO- CRATES, that you have vifited our Silver Mines *o frequently, as to aflign the Caufe why they have fallen off fo much of late, from their once flourishing Condition ? " " I have ffi.) SOCRATES. 199 J<< I HAVE not been at all there, anfwered GLAUCO." " THEY fay indeed, anfwered SOCRATES, that the Air of thofe Places is very unhealth- ful ; and this may ferve for your Excufe, if the Affair at any Time fhould be brought un- der Deliberation." You rally me, SOCRATES, now," faid the other. " HOWEVER, faid SOCRATES, I queftton ot but you can eafily tell us how much Corn Country produces , how long it will ferve the City , and what more may be wan- ted to carry us through the Year, that fo you may be able to give out your Orders in Time; that Scarcity and Want may not come upon us unawares." " THE Man, replied GLAUCO, will have no little Bufmefs on his Hands, who pretends to take Care of fuch a Variety of Things." " YET fo it muft be, my GLAUCO ! faid SOC&ATES : You fee even here, in our own private 2OO MEMOIRS of (B. private Families ; it is impoffible for the Maf- ter to difcharge the Duties of his Station pro- perly , unlefs he not only enquires out what is neceiTary for thofe who belong to him ; but exerts his utmoft Endeavours to fupply what- ever is wanted. In the City there are more than ten thoufand of thefe Families to pro- vide for ; and it is difficult to beftow upon them at one and the fame Time, that Atten- tion and Care which is necefiary for each of them : I therefore think you had better have given the firft Proof of your Abilities in re- ftoring the broken Fortunes of one in your own Family, from 1 whence, if fucceeding, you might afterwards have gone on to better thofe of the whole Community ; or, finding yourfelf unable to do the one, thought n( longer of the other ; for furely the Abfur- dity of the Man is molt apparent, who know- ing himfelf not able to raife fifty Poum Weight, fhall neverthelefs attempt the can ing of five thoufand." BUT I make no Doubt, replied GLAUC< of my having been able to have ferved irr] Uncle, and that very confiderably, if would have followed my Advice." III.) SOCRATES. 2oj " ALAS! returned 'OCRATES, if you could not to this Hour, prevail on fo near a Relation as your Uncle to follow your Counfel*, how can you hope that all Athens this very Man too among oihers -(hould fubmit to your Di- redion ? Beware then, my GLAUCO! Beware, left a too eager Deflre of Glory fhould termi- nate in Shame. Confider how much they ha- zard, who undertake Things, and talk on Subjects of which they are ignorant. Call to Mind thofe of your Acquaintance who have thus talked, and thus done ; and fee whether the Purchase they made for themfelves, had not more of Cenfure, than Applaufe in it* of Contempt, ^nan Admiration ! Confider on the other Hand, with what Credit they appear, who have made themfelves Matters of the Point in Qu^ftion: And when you have done this, I doub iio: your feeing, that Approba- tion, and Glory, are ahne the Attendants of Capacity and irue Mem : vVhile Contempt and Shame are the fure Reward of Ignorance and Temerity. If c here fore, you defire to be admired and efteemed by your Country, be- yond all others j you mult , : -:d all others in the Knowlege of thofe Things which you are B b ambitious 202 MEMOIRS of (B. of undertaking: And, thus quali- fkxi, I fhaL not fcruple to enfure your Sue- c< , when-ever you may think proper to pre- fide over the Commonwealth." C HAP. VII. ON the other Hand; having obferved that CHARMIDAS, the Son of GLAUCO, and Uncle to the young Man of whom we have been fpeaking, induftrioufly declined any Office in the Government, though otherwife a Man of Senfe, and far greater Abilities than many who at that Time were employed in the Ad- min iftration ; SOCRATES faid to him, " I pray you, CHARM ID AS, what is your Opinion of one who being able to win the Prize at the Olympic Games -, and thereby gain Honour to himfelf, and Glory to his Country \ mall,, neverthelefs, decline to make one among th< Combatants ? " " I SHOULD certainly look upon him, faid CHARMIDAS, as a very effeminate and mean- fpirited Man," "AN; III.) SOCRATES. 203 " AND fuppofe t 1 ere may be one, who hath it in his Power, by the Wifdom of his Counfels, to augment the Grandeur of the Republic , and raife, at the fame Time, hi? own Name, to no common Pitch of Glory ; yet timoroufly refufing to engage in Bufinefs mould not this Man be deemed a Coward ?" " I believe hefhould, replied CHARMIDAS; but wherefore this Queftion to me ? " " BECAUSE, faid SOCRATES, you feem to be this very Man ; fmce, able as you are, you avoid all Employment ; though, as Citizen of Athens, you are certainly a Member of the Commonwealth , and, confequently, ought to take fome Share in ferving it." " BUT on what do you ground your Opinion of my Ability ? " " I NEVER once doubted it, faid SOCRATES, fmce I once faw you in Conference with fome of our leading Men : For, when they imparted any of their Defigns to you, you not only coun^- felled what was beft to be done ; but expo^.u- lated freely, and judicioufly, when you thought they were miftaken." " BUT 204 MEMOIRS of (B. " BUT furely, there is feme Difference, faid CHAR MID AS, between difcourfing in private -, and pleading your own Caufe, before a full Affembly." " AND yet, faid SOCRATES, a good Arith- metician, will not calculate wuh leis Exadn* fs before a Multitude, than when alone j a id he, who is a Mailer ot Mufic, not only e>: . .,s while in his own Chamber, but leads the Con- cert with Applaufe, in Prefence of the mil Audience." * c BUT, you know, SOCRATES, the Bafnful- nefs and Timidity Nature hath implanted, operates far more powerfully in us when before a large Aflembly, than in private Conver- fation." " AND is it poffible, faid SOCRATES, that you, who are under no Sort of Concern when you fpeak to Men who are in Power , and Men who have Underftanding, Ihould fcand in Awe of fuch as are poiTefled of neither ? For, after all, CHARMIDAS, who are the People you are moil afraid of? Is it the Mafons, the Shoe-makers, the Fullers, the Labourers, the Retailers! III.) SOCRATES. 205 Retailers ! Yet thefe are the Men who com- pofe ovu AfTemblies. But to converfe thus at your Eafe, before People who hold the highefl Rank in the Admin iflration, fome of them, perhaps, not holding you in the higheft Efti- maiion ; and /et fairer yourfeif to be intimida- ted by thofe wrr.) know nothing of the Bufmefs of the State , neither can be fuppofed at all likely to defpife you, is, certainly, no other than if he who was perfc&ly well fkilled in the Art of Fencing, fhouid be afraid of one who never handled a File. 3ut you fear their laughing at you ? " " AND do they not often laugh at our very beft Speakers ? " " THEY do, replied SOCRATES , and fo do the others , thofe great Men , whom you converfe with daily. I therefore the richer marvel, CHAR MID AS, that you who have pi- nt and Eloquence fuificient to reduce even thefe lafl to Reafon, fhould ftand in Awe of fuch ftinglefs Ridiculers ! But endeavour, my Friend, to know yourfelf better : And be not of the Number of thofe who turn all their Thoughts to the Affairs of others, and are, the mean 206 MEMOIRS of (B. mean While, utter Strangers at Home. Be acquainted with your own Talents; and lofe no Occafton of exerting them in the Service of your Country \ and make Athens, if it may be, more flourifhing than it is at prefent. The Returns they bring, will be glorious ! Neither is it the Commonwealth alone that fhall be advantaged by them : Yourfelf, my CHARMIDAS, and your beft Friends, lhall Ihare the Benefit." Bi&l&idHit^ C H A P. VIII. ARISTIPPUS being defirous to retaliate in Kind, for having been formerly put to Silence by SOCRATES, propofed a Quef- tion in fo artful a Manner, as he doubted not would pofe him. SOCRATES, however, was at no Lofs for an Anfwer -, though regard- ful, rather, of the Improvement of his Htar^ ers, than the ordering of his Speech. The Queftion was, " If he knew any Thing that was good ? * Now had it been faid of Food, Money, Health, Strength, Courage-, or any Thing elfe of the like Nature, that they were goodv III.) SOCRATES. 207 good ; ARISTIPPUS could, with Eafe, have de- monftrated the Contrary -, and fhewn that each, and all of them, were often-times evil. But SOCRATES was better provided with a Reply: For, knowing with what Eagernefs we wifh to be relieved from whatever molefts us " What faid he, ARISTIPPUS do you afk me if I know any Thing good for a Fever ? " " No; notfo," returned the other. " FOR an Inflammation in the Eye ? " " NOR that, SOCRATES." " Do you mean any Thing good againfl a Famine ? " " No-, nor againft a Famine." " NAY, then, replied SOCRATES, if you afk me concerning a Good, which is good for nothing, I know of none fuch ; nor yet defire it." ARISTIPPUS flill urging him, " But do you know, faid he, any Thing beautiful ? " " A great 20$ MEMOIRS of (R " A GREAT many," returned SOCRATES. CRATCS thought, the Places beft fitted for >fe were 1'uch, as lay at fome Diftance from ic Hty, and were open to the View : For, when with-held from them, we Ihould pray nth more Ardour, while in Sight of thofe icred Edifices : And, being fequeftered from Refort of Men, holy Souls would approach ;hem with more Piety and Devotion. CHAP, 212 MEMOIRS of (B. XXXXXXXXXXX=XXXXXXXXX)f ESCULAPIUS ? " " O, that in the Temple, replied the other." " AND how is it, faid SOCRATES, that you do not perceive yourfelf more froward and harder to pleafe, not only than your own Ser- vants, but even People who are fick ? " SOCRATES feeing one beat his Servant im- moderately, afked him, " What Offence the Man had committed ? " " I BEAT him, replied the other, becaufe he is not only a Drunkard and a Glutton, but avaricious and idle." G g " You 242 MEMOIRS of (B. " You do well,faid SOCRATES ; but judge for yourfelf, which deferves the moil Stripes, your Servant, or you ? " ANOTHER dreading the Length of the Way to Olympia-, SOCRATES afked him, "What he was afraid of? for is it not your Cuftom, faid he, to walk up and down in your own Chamber almoft the whole Day ? You need therefore, but fancy you are taking your ufual Exercife between Breakfaft and Dinner, and Dinner and Supper, and you will find yourfelf without much Fatigue, at the End of your Journey, for you certainly walk more, in five or fix Days, than is fufficient to carry you from Athens to Olympia. And, as it is plea- fanter to have a Day to fpare, than to want one; delay not, I advife you; butfetoutin T ; me; and let your Hafle appear, not at the End, but the Beginning of your Journey." (s) A CERTAIN Perfon complaining of being tired with Travelling-, SOCRATES afked " if he had carried any Thing ? " " NOTHING (g) Many of the Circumftances here mentioned, feem as if they fliduld not be fo much confideredas Things fpoken by SOCRATES, as SOCRATES: But, by SOCRATES vvbora XENOPHON mod tenderly loved. III.) SOCRATES. 243 NOTHING but my Cloke, replied thefe Men mufl pay for an Abundance of the well-mixed Ragout." THE young Man whom this Difcourfe glanced at, fufpeftmg it was meant for him, thought III.) SOCRATES. 247 thought proper to take a little Bread, but, at the fame Time, continued to cram down his Meat as formerly; which SOCRATES obfer- ving, called to one who fat near him to take Notice, " whether his Neighbour eat his Meat for the Sake of the Bread; or his Bread for the Sake of the Meat." AT another Time feeing aPerfon dip a Piece of Bread into feveral different Sauces, SOCRA- TES afked " whether it was pofiible to make a Sauce fo coftly, and at the fame Time fo lit- tle good, as thisPerfon had made for himfelf : For, as it confifted of a greater Variety, there could be no Doubt of its coiling more : And as he had mixed fuch Things together as no Cook ever once thought of; who could doubt his having fpoil'd all? Befides,faidSocRATES, what Folly to be curious in fearching after Cooks, if a Man is to undo at once, all they have done for us ?" Moreover, he who is accuf- tomed to indulge in Variety, will feel diflatis- fied when not in his Power to procure it : But the Man who generally reflrains himfelf to one Difh, will rife well-fans ft* ed from every Table. He ufed alfo to fay, that the compound Verb, which, in the Attic Dialect, fignified tofeaft, or 248 MEMOIRS of (B* or fare well, (V meant to eat-, and that the Term WELL, was added to exprefs the eating in fuch a Manner as neither to diforder the Body, nor opprefs the Mind; and with fuch Mainnefs, that the Food could not be difficult to come at , fo that this Attic Verb was only applicable to fuch Perfons as eat with Decency and Temperance, and agreeably to the Nature of focial rational Beings. XENO- (I) TheVerb here mentioned by SOCRATES is Ey&>v0-9at, to feaft, or make one at a Banquet, which comes from Evw^Ia, aFeaft or Banquet. Of this laft Word we have two Etymo- logies ; the firft deduces it from Ey Bene, and o^v Cibus, becaufe thofe, who attend Feafts, are ivdlfed; the fecond deduces it from Ey I'^iv Bene fefe habere, becaufe thofe who attend Feafts are nvell off, they find their Advantage in being the ve, from faring fo fumpiuoujly and well. Which-ever Ety- mology we admit, the Ingenuity of SOCRATES remains the fame, who by transferring the Term Et> in E V u%ei as he faw, naturally, inclining towards Virtue. Now he thought anAptnefs to learn, together with a Strength of Memory, to retain what was already learnt ; accompanied with a bufy Inquifitivenefs into fuch Things as might be of Ufe for the right Conduct of Life, whether as Head only of a fmgle Fa- mily, or Governor of the whole State ; indi- cated a Mind, well-fitted for Inftruction ; which, if duly cultivated, would render the Youth in whom they were found, not only happy in themfelves, and their own Families, but give them the Power of making many others the fame-, fince the Benefits arifmg from thence, would be diffufed throughout the whole Community. His Method, how- ever, was not the fame with all , but when- ever he found any who thought fo highly of themfelves on the Account of their Talent; ts, IV.) SOCRATES. 251 as to defpife Inftrution, he would endeavour to convince them, that of all Mankind they flood in the greateft Want of if: Like to the high-bred Horfe , which having more Strength and Courage than others, might be made, for that very Reafon, of fo much the more Ufe, if properly managed; but negledled while young, becomes thereby the more vicious and unruly. Alfo thofe Dogs which are of the noble Kind , thefe, being trained to it, are excellent in the Chace ; but left to themfelves, are good for nothing : And it is the fame, would he fay, with refpect to Men ; fuch of them to whom Nature hath dealt the moft liberally ; to whom flie hath given Strength of Body, and Firmnefs of Mind , as they can execute with greater Readinefs and Facility whatever they engage in, fo they become more ufeful than others, and rife to nobler Heights of Virtue, if Care is taken to give them a right Turn : But this not being done, they excel only in Vice , and become, by the Means of thefe very Talents, more hurtful to Society : - For through Ignorance of their Duty, they engage in a bad Caufe ; and make themfelves Parties in evil Actions , and, be- B h 2 ing 252 MEMOIRS of (B. ing haughty and impetuous, they are with Difficulty retrained, and brought back to their Duty, fo that many and great are the Evils they occafion. As to thofe Men who relied upon their Riches, and imagined they flood in no Need of Inftru&ion ; as their Wealth would be fu ficient to fupply all their Wants, and procure them every Honour: Thefe, SOCRATES would endeavour to reduce toReafon, by mewing how foolifh it was to imagine they could of them- felves diftinguifh between Things that were ufeful, and thofe which were hurtful, without having firft been (hewn the Difference. Or, wanting this Power of difcriminating, flill vainly to fuppofe, that becaufe they could purchafe the Things they had a Mind to, they could therefore perform whatever woul( be to their Advantage : Or if not, coul( yet live fafe and eafy, and have all Thingi go well with them. Neither was it, he faid, lefs abfurd in them to fuppofe, that Wealtl could fupply the Want of Knowlege ; an< make the Pofleflbr of it pafs for a Man Abilities : Or at leaft procure for him the Jifleem which is only acquired by true Merit CHAJ IV.) SOCRATES. 253 C HAP. II. BUT, on the other Hand, when he met with any who valued themfelves on Account of their Education, concluding they were qualified for every Undertaking , we fee the Method SOCRATES took to chaftize their Vanity, from the Manner in which he treated EUTHEDEMUS, furnamed the Fair. This young Man having collected many of the Writings of the moft celebrated Poets and Sophifts, was fo much elated by it, as to fancy himfelf fuperior to any other of the Age, both in Knowlege and Abilities; and doubted not to fee himfelf the very firft Man in Athens, whatever the Bufinefs, whether to manage the Affairs of the State, or harangue the People. Being however as yet too young to be admitted into the pub- lic AiTemblies, his Cuilom was to go into a Bridle-Cutter's Shop which flood near to the forum, when he had any Bufinefs depending: Socrates obferving; he alfo went in thi- ther, 254 MEMOIRS of (B, ther, accompanied by fome of his Friends ; and one of them afking, in the Way of Con^ verfation, " whether THEMISTOCLES had been much advantaged by converfing with Philo* fophers ; or, whether it were not chiefly the Strength of his own natural Talents, which had raifed him fo far above the reft of his Fel- low Citizens, as made them not fail to turn their Eyes towards him whenever the State flood in Need of a Perfon of uncommon Abi- lity ?" SOCRATES, willing to pique EUTHE- DEMUS, made Anfwer : " It wasmonftrous Folly for any one to imagine, that whiift the Knowlege of the very lowed mechanic Art was not to be attained without a Mailer ; the Science of governing the Republic, which required for the right Difcharge of it all that human Prudence could perform, was to be had by Inflitution." SOCRATES went no farther at that Time; but plainly perceiving that EUTHEDEMUS cautioufly avoided his Company, that he might not be taken for one of his Follow- ers j he determined to attack him fomething more openly. To this .Purpofe, when he was IV.) SOCRATES. 255 next along with him ; SOCRATES turning to fome who were prefent : "May we not expect, faid he, from the Manner in which this young Man purfues his Studies, that he will not fail to fpeak his Opinion even the very firfl Time he appears in the AfTembly, fhould there be any Bnfmefs of Importance then in Debate ? I fhould fuppofe too, that the Proem to his Speech, if he begins with letting them know that he hath never re- ceived any Inftrudion, muft have fomething in it not unpleafant. " Be it known to you,. will he fay, O ye Men of Athens ! I never learnt any Thing of any Man : I never affbciated with Perfons of Parts or Experi- ence , never fought out for People who could inftruct me -, but on the Contrary, have fteadily perfifted in avoiding all fuch ; as, .not only holding in Abhorrence the being taught by others, but careful to keep clear ef every the leaft Sufpicion of it ; but, I am ready, notwithilanding, to give you fuch Advice as Chance mall fuggeft to me : Not unlike the Man, continued SOCRATES, who fhould tell the People, while foliciting their Voices i " It is true, Gentlemen, I ne- ver 256 MEMOIRS of (B. vcr once thought of making Phyfic my Study ; I never once applied to any one for Inftru&ion ; and fo far was I from de- firing to be well veried in this Science, I even wifhed not to have the Reputation of it : But, Gentlemen, be fo kind as to chufe m your Phyfician ; and I will gain Know- lege, by making Experiments upon you." EVERY one prefent laughed at the Abfurdity of fuch a Preface; and EUTHEDEMUS after this, never avoided the Company of SOCRATES; but Hill he affected the moft profound Silence ; hoping, by that Means, to gain the Reputa- tion of amodeftMan. SOCRATES, defirous to cure him of his Miftake ; took an Opportunity of faying to fome of hisFriends EUTHEDEMUS being prefent " Is it not flrange, Sirs, that while fuch as wifli to play well on the Lute, or mount dexterouQy on Horfeback, are not con- tent with practifmg in Private as often as may be, but look out for Mafters ; and fubmit wil- lingly to their Commands, as the only Way to become Proficients, and gain Fame -, the Man whofe Aim is to govern the Republic, or fpeak before the People, fhall deem himfelf aptly qualified IV.) SOCRATES. 257 qualified for either without the trouble of any previous Inftruftion : Yet furely the laft mufl be owned the moft difficult , fince, out of the many who force themfelves into Office, fo few are fecn to fucceed therein -, and, therefore it fhould feem, that Diligence and Study are here the moft needful." BY thefe and the like Difcourfes, SOCRATES difpofed the young Man to enter into farther Conference, and give him a patient Hearing. Which having obferved; he took an Opportu- nity of going on a Time alone, into the Bridle- cutter's Shop ; where EUTHEDEMUS then was : And fitting down by him, " Is it true, faid he, EUTHEDEMUS, that you have colle&ed fo many of the Writings of thofe Men whom we call wife ? " " MOST undoubtedly it is true, replied the other -, neither (hall I give over collecting 'till I have gained as many of them as I well can." " TRULY, faid SOCRATES, I admire you much for thus endeavouring to accumulate Wifdom rather than Wealth. For by this, EUTHEDEMUS, you plainly difcover it to be I i vowr 258 MEMOIRS of (B. your Opinion, that Gold and Silver cannot add to our Merit ; whereas we furnifh our- felves with an inexhauftible Fund of Virtue, when we thus treafure up the Writings of thefe great Men." EUTHKDEMUS was not a little pleafed with hearing SOCRATES fpeak in fuch a Manner; concluding his Method of obtaining Wifdom had met with Approbation-, which SOCRATES perceiving, he continued the Difcourfe. " BUT what Employment do you intend to excel in, EUTHEDEMUS, that you collect fb many Books ? " EUTHEDEMUS returning no Anfwer, as at a Lofs what to lay : " You perhaps intend to ftudy Phyfic, faid SOCRATES; and no fmall Number of Book? will be wanting for that Purpofc." " NOT I, upon my Word ! " " ARCHITECTURE, perhaps, then ? and foi this too, you will find no little Knowlege ne - cefTary." " N< IV.) SOCRATES. 259 " No, nor that, replied EUTHEDEMUS." " You wifh to be an Aftrologer ? or a ikil- ful Geometrician, like THEO? " " NOT at all.'* " THEN you pofiibly intend to become a Rhapfodift; and recite Verfes ; for I am told you are in Poflefiion of all HOMER'S Works?" " BY no Means, replied EUTHEDEMUS, will I do this , for however ready thefe Men may be with their Verfes, it doth not prevent their being thought troublefome, wherever they come." 5 may be carried over, and ranged under A* ? r IV.) SOCRATES. 263 " IT may." " BUT will it not be neceflary to make a farther Diftin&ion, EUTHEDEMUS, and fay, That, to behave in fuch a Manner to our Ene- mies is juft; but, to our Friends unjuft: Be- caufe to thefe laft, the utmoft Simplicity and Integrity is due ? " " You are in the Right, SOCRATES." " BUT how, faid SOCRATES, if this Gene-. ral, on feeing the Courage of his Troops be- gin to fail, ihould make them believe frefh Succours are at Hand , and by this Means re- move their Fears ? To which Side mall we affign this Falfhood ?" " I SUPPOSE to Juilice." " OR, if a Child refufeth the Phyfic he Hands in Need of; and the Father deceiveth him under the Appearance of Food where mall we place the Deceit, EUTHEDEMUS ?" " WITH the fame, I imagine." " AND fuppofe a Man in the Height of Defpair fhould attempt to kill himfelf ; and his 264 MEMOIRS of (B. his Friend fhould come and force away his Sword j under what Head are we to place this Ad of Violence ?" " I SHOULD think,, where we did the former." " BUT, take Care, EUTHEDEMUS, fmce it feemeth from your Anfwers, that we ought not always to treat our Friends with Candour and Integrity ; which yet we had before agreed was to be done ?" " IT is plain we ought not, returned EU- THEDEMUS , and I retract my former Opi- nion, if it is allowable for me fo to do." " MOST alTuredly, faid SOCRATES; for it is far better to change our Opinion, than to perfift in a wrong one. However, (continued he) that we may pafs over nothing, without duly examining it ; which of the two, Eu- THEDMUS, appears to you the mod unjuftj. he who deceives his Friend wittingly ; or he who does it without having any fuch Defign ?" " Truly, faid EUTHEDEMUS, I am not cer- tain what I fhould anfwer, or what I fhould think; IV.) SOCRATES, 265 think ; for you have given fuch a Turn to all I have hitherto advanced, as to make it appear very different to what I before thought it: However, I will venture fo far as to declare, that Man the moft unjuft who deceiveth his Friend defignedly." " Is it your Opinion, EUTHYDEMUS, that a Man muft learn to be juft, and good, in like Manner as he learneth to write, and read." I believe fo." " AND which, faidSocRATES, do you think the moft ignorant, he who writes, or reads ill, defignedly ; or he who doth it for Want of knowing better ? " " THE laft, certainly, replied EUTHDYE- MUS -, fmce the other can do right whenever he pleafes." " IT then follows, that he who reads ill from De/ign, knows how to read well i but the other, doth not ? " k" IT is true." " PRAY tell me, continued SOCRATES, which of the two knoweth beft what Juftice is, K k d 266 MEMOIRS of (B. and what he ought to do \ he who offends againft the Truth, and deceives defignedly , or he who does it without having any fvch Defign ? " " HE, no Doubt, who deceives defignedly, replied EUTHYDEMUS." " BUT you faid, EUTHYDEMUS, that he who underftands how to read, is more learned than one who does not." .1 DID fo, SOCRATES, and it is certainly true." " THEN he who knows wherein Juftice confifts, is more juft than he who knows no- thing of the Matter ? " " So it feems, faid EUTHYDEMUS, and I know not how I came to fay otherwife." " BUT, what would you think of the Man, EUTHYDEMUS, who, however willing he might be to tell the Truth, never tells you twice to- gether the fame Thing: But if you afk him about the Road, will fhew you To-day to the Eaft, and To-morrow to the Weft ; and make the very fame Sum amount fometimes to Fif- ty, IV.) SOCRATES. 267 ty, and fomctimes to a Hundred , what would you fay to this Man, EUTHYDEMUS ? " " THAT it was plain he knew nothing of what he pretended to know." SOCRATES ftill went on, andfaid, " Have you never heard People called bafe, and fervile?" " FREQUENTLY." " AND why were they fo called ? for their Ignorance, or Knowlege ? " " NOT for their Knowlege, certainly." . " WHAT then ? for their Ignorance in the Bufinefs of a Brafier ? building a Houfe ? or fweeping a Chimney ? " " NOR this, nor. that, repliedEuTHYDEMus. for the Men who are the moft expert in Em- plo) ments of this Nature, are generally the moft abjecl and fervile in their Mipds." " IT fhould feem then, EUTHYDEMUS, thefe Appellatives only belong to thofe-who are ig- norant of what is juft, and good ? " K k 2 ** So 268 MEMOIRS of " So I imagine." " DOTH it not then follow, that we ought to exert our Powers to the utmoft, to avoid this Ignorance, which debafes Men fo low ? " " O SOCRATES! cried EUTHYDEMUS, with no little Emotion ; I will not deny to you that I have hitherto believed I was no Stranger to Philofophy , but had already gained that Knowlege fo neceffary for the Man who afpires after Virtue. What then muft be my Con- cern, to find, after all my Labour, I am not able to anfwer thofe Queftions which moft im- porteth me to know ? And the more, as I fee not what Method to purfue, whereby I may render myfelf more capable ! " " HAVE you ever been at Delphos ? " " I have been there twice/' " DID you obferve this Infcription, fome- where on the Front of the Temple, KNOW THYSELF ? " , I read it." "BUT IV.) SOCRATES. 269 " BUT it feems fcarcely fufficicnt to have read it, EUTHYDEMUS : Did you confider it? and in Confequcnce of the Admonition, fet yourfelf diligently to find out what you are ? " <*) " I certainly did not, faid EUTHYDEMUS -, for I imagined I muft know this fufficiently al- ready : And, indeedj it will be difficult for us to know any Thing, if we can be fuppofcd at a Lofs here." " BUT, for a Man to know himfelf properly^ faid SOCRATES, it is fcarcely enough that he knows his own Name. He who defires to pur- chafe a Horfe, doth not imagine he hath made the proper Trial of his Merit, 'till by mount- ing him he hath found out whether he is trac- trable, or unruly , ftrong, or weak \ ^-fleet, or heavy ; with every Thing elfe, either good or bad, in him , fo likewife we fhould not fay, he knows himfelf as he ought, who is ignorant of his own Powers , or thofe Duties which, as Man, it is incumbent upon him to perform." (a) " The Subject-Matter, fays EPICTETUS, of a Car- penter, is Wood ; of a Statuary, Brafs 5 and fo of the Art af Living, the Subjeft-Mitter is, each Per&n's own Life/* 270 MEMOIRS of .(B. " IT muft be confefied, replied EUTHYDE- MUS, that he who knoweth not his own Powers, c'annot be faid to Know Himfelf." " AND yet, who feeth not, continued SO- CRATES, how great the Advantage arifing from thisKnowlege j-r-and what Mifery muft attend our Miftakes concerning it ! For he who is poflefled of it, not only knoweth himfelf, but knoweth what is beft for him. He perceiveth what he can, and what he cannot do : He ap- plieth himfelf to the one : He gaineth what is neceflary , and is happy : He attempts not the other; and, therefore, incurs neither Dif- trefs, nor Difappointment. From knowing himfelf, he is able to form a right Judgment of others, and turn them to his Advantage, either for the procuring fome Good, or preventing fome Evil. On the Contrary, he who is ig- norant of himfelf, and maketh a wrong Eiti- mate of his own Powers, will alfo miftake thofe of Bother Men: He knows neither what he wants, or undertakes , nor yet the Means he maketh Ufe of-, fo that he not only fails of Succefs, but oft-times falls into many Misfor- tunes ; while the Man who fees his Way be- fore IV.) SOCRATES. 271 fore him, mod commonly obtains the End he aims at ; and not only fo, but fecurcs to him- felf Renown and Honour. His Equals gladly attend to his Counfel, and follow his Advice ; and they who, by wrong Management, havd plunged themfelves into Difficulties, implore his Help, and found all their Hopes of being reftored to their former Eafe, on the Prudence of his Adminiilration : While they who blindly engage in Bufinefs, as they chufe ill, fo they fucceed worfe -, nor is the Damage they then fuftain, the only Misfortune they incur \ but they are difgraced forever ; all Men ridiculing, defpifmg, or blaming them. Neither doth it fare any Thing better with Commonwealths themfelves, continued SOCRATES, when, mif- taking their own Strength, they engage ea- gerly in War with their more powerful Neigh- bours-, which ends either in the Ruin of th? State, or the Lofs of their Liberty , compelled to receive their Laws, from the Hand of the Conqueror." " BE allured, anfwered EUTHYDEMUS, that I am now fully convinced, of the Excellency of the Precept which bids us KNOW OURSELVES r But MEMOIRS of (B. But from what Point mall the Man fct out, my SOCRATES, on fo important an Enquiry ? To inform me of this, is now what I hope from you." " You know what Things are good ; what evil, EUTHYDEMUS ? " CERTAINLY, replied EUTHYDEMUS-, for otherwife I ihould know lefs, than the very loweft of our Slaves." * c SHEW me then, I pray you, what you think good , what, evil ? " " MOST willingly, anfwered EUTHYDEMUS; and truely, I think, the Tafk will not be dif- ficult. Firft, then, I count found Health, good ; and Sicknefs, evil , and whatever con- duces to the one, or the other, are to be efti- mated accordingly, fo that the Food andEx- ercife which keep us in Health, we may call good; and that which brings on us Sicknefs, andDifeafe, evil." " BUT might it not be as well to fay, EU- THYDEMUS -, that Health and Sicknefs are both of them good, when they are the Caufe of good ; IV.) SOCRATES. 373 good ; and evil, when they are the Caufe of evil ? " " BUT when do we fee, replied EUTHYDE- MUS, that Health is the Caufe of evil; or Sick- nefs, of good ? " " IT is certainly the Cafe, anfwered SOCRA- TES, when Levies ate raifingfor fome unfuc- cefsful Expedition-, or Embarkations made, which afterwards fuffer Shipwreck: For the Healthy and the Strong being fele&ed on thefe Occafions, they are unhappily involved in the fame common Misfortune , whil^ the Feeble and the Infirm remain in Safety." " THAT is true, replied EUTHYDEMUS* but then, on the other Hand, you muft own, my SOCRATES, that the Healthful and Strong have their Share and that to their no fmall Advantage, in more fortunate Undertakings ; while the Sickly and Infirm are entirely ex- cluded ? " ** THESE Things being fo as indeed they are, fometimes profitable, and fometimes hurtful, we fhoiald not do amifs to fet them L 1 down, MEMOIRS of (B. down, faid SOCRATES, as being, in themfelves, not more good than evil ? " " So indeed it appears, faid EUTHYDEMUS, from this Way of Reafonincr : But, Know- lege, my SOCRATES, muil ever remain an in- dubitable Good-, fince he who hath Knowlege, whatever the Bufmefs, may certainly execute it with far greater Advantage than he who wants it." " HAVF. you not heard then, faid SOCRATES, how it fared with the wretched DAEDALUS, on the^ Account of his excelling in fomany diffe- rent Arts? (V This Man falling into the Hands of MINOS, was detained by him in Crete; at once torne from his Country, and de- pi ived of his Freedom : And when afterwards attempting to efcape with his Son, he was the Caufe of the Lofs of the miferable Youth. Neither was he able to fecure hirnfelf j but be- ing (b) He was the mo ft ingenious Artift in the World ; and hefice the Proverb, DJF.DAM Opera when we would com- mend the Cunouinefs of the Workmanfliip. He invented the Saw, the Ax, the Plummet, the Augre, Glue, Cennent, Sails, and Sail-yards : And made Statues with a Device to ifostke the Eyes move, as if Hying. IV.) SOCRATES. 275 ing feized by the Barbarians, was. compelled to return ; again to endure all the Evil of Sla- very." . " I HAVE heard this," repliedEuTHYDEMus, " You know too, continued SOCRATES, the unhappy Fate of PALAMEDES-, whofe Praifes all Men celebrate : ( c ) He fell a Sacrifice to the Envy of ULYSSES-, and miferably perifhed, through the infidious Artifices of his Rival: And how many are now Ian gui filing in perpetual Bondage-, whom the King of Perfiacauied to be carried away, and itill keeps near him ; meer- ly on the Account of their fuperior Talents ?" " BUT granting this to be as you fay, yet certainly, replied EUTH YD EM us, we may efteem HAPPINESS an undoubted Good ? " LI. 2 WE (c) PALAMEDES invented four Greek Letters, and them to the other fix already invented by CADMUS. He v*as fkilful in Aftrology, and the firft who found out the Caufe of an Eclipfe j and brought the Year to the Courfe of the Sun } and the Month to the Courfe of the Moon : He wa9 ikiJful in ordering an Array, and introduced the Ufc of the, Watch-Word ; both which he took the Hint of, as was-faid, ihe Conduflt, and the flying of Cranes. 276 MEMOIRS of (B. " WE may, anfwerecl SOCRATES, provided this Happinefs arifeth from fuch Things as are undoubtedly good." *' BUT how can thofe Things, which produce Happinefs, be otherwife than good ? " " THEY cannot, faid SOCRATES, if you ad- mit not of the Number, Health, Strength, Beauty, Riches, Fame, and fuch like." 4 * BUT we certainly do admit fuch Things into the Number, replied EUTHYDEMUS ; for how are we to be happy without them ? " " RATHER, how are to be happy with them, returned SOCRATES, feeing they are the Source of fo many Evils? For how often hath a beautiful Form been the Caufe of De- filement? How often, from a Perfuafion of their Strength have Men been induced to en- gage in hazardous Undertakings, which over- whelmed diem in Ruin? How many have funk into Luxury by Means of their "Riches; or fallen into the Snares, that were infidiou fly laid for them, by the People whofe Intereft ii was to procure their Ruin? Even, that Glory, IV.) SOCRATES. 277 my EUTHYDEMUS ! which refults from our ha- ving well ferved our Country; doth not feldom prove fatal to the Man on whom it is beftowed." raifed me, you may go away with the fame diflocated -Shoul- der; the fame aching Head ; the fame Fiftula, and the fame- Abfcefs tfcat you,bromght ? " CARTER'S EPICT. IV.) SOCRATES. 281 CHAP. III. YET was not SOCRATES ever in hafte to make Oratours, Artifts, or able Statef- men. The firfl Bufmefs, as he thought, was to implant in the Minds of his Followers, vir- tuous Principles-, fince thefe wanting, every other Talent only added to- the Capacity of doing greater Harm , and more efpecially to infpire them with Piety towards the Gods ; but feeing many others have already related what they heard him fpeak upon that Subject; I mall content myfelf with only mentioning in what Manner he once difcourfed, I being pre- fent, with EUTHYDEMUS, concerning a Provi- dence : For, turning towards him, he faid, '* HAVE you never refledted, EUTHYDE- MUS, how wondroufly gracious the Gods have been to Men, in providing all Things ufeful for them ? " " I CANNOT fay, replied EUTHYDEMUS, that I ever did." Mm " AND 282 MEMOIRS of (B- " AND yet, continued SOCRATES, you want not to be informed, how neceflary this Light is? or, that it is the Gods, who have beftowed it upon us/' " I DO not, replied EUTHYDEMUS; nor yet that our State would be no better than that of the Blind, were we deprived of it." " BUT becaufe we (land in Need of Reft after our Labour, they have likewife given to us the Night, as the more proper Time to re- pofein?"" " THF.Y have, replied EUTHYDEMUS ; and we ought to be moft thankful" " Bur, as the Sun, by its Light, not only renders each ObjecT: vilible; but points out the Hours of the Day to us ; 4b the Stars have been ordained, together with the Moon, to mark out the Time, throughout the Darknefs of the Night Seafon; whilft the laft is ftill of farther Ufe to us, in regulating the Months, and diftinguiflung the feveral Parts of them." IT is true, anfvvered EUTHYDEMUS." "AND IV.) SOCRATES. 283 " AND feeing that Nourifhment is fo necef- fary for the Snpport of Man-, obferve you not, EUTHYDEMUS, how the Earth hath been made to produce it for him ? The convenient Changings of the Seafons, all ferving to the fame Purpofe ? While fuch the Variety and Abundance beflowed upon us; as not only fecures from the Fear of Want\ but gives us wherewithal, to indulge even to Luxury ! " " UNDOUBTEDLY, cried EUTHYDEMUS, this Goodnefs of the Gods is a ftrong Proof of their Care for Man." " AND what think you, continued SOCRA- TES, of their having given to us Water; fo ufeful, and even neceflary for all the Affairs of Life ? By the Means of it, the Earth pro- duces its Fruits ; whilft the Dews from above carry them on to Perfection, It maketh of it- felf a Part of our Nourifhment; and is of Ufe in the dreffmg and 'preparing our Food-, ren- dering it not only more beneficial, but plea- fant: And, feeing our Wants of it ar,e evi- dently fo many -, how bountiful are the Gods who have f applied us with it in fuch Pro. fufion ? " M m 2 ^ A far- 284 MEMOIRS of (B. " A farther Proof, cried EUTHYDEMUS, of their great Regard for Man." " LIKEWISE what fhall we fay, continued SOCRATES, to their having provided us with Fire-, which fecures from the Cold ; difpels the Darknefs ; and is altogether fo necefTary for carrying on the Arts of Life, that Mankind can produce nothing ufeful without it ? The Sun too, EUTHYDEMUS, obferve you not how Winter being overj it turneth towards us; withering thofe Fruits whereof the Scafon is now pad, at the fame Time that it matures others, and brings them to Perfection ? This Service once done, it retires again, that its Heat may not annoy us ; but having reached that Point beyond which it cannot pafs with- out expofmg us to the Danger of perifhing from its Abfence-, it meafureth back its Steps to that Part of the Heavens in which its In- fluence may be of the moil Advantage. And becaufe we fhould be unable to bear the Ex- tream, whether of Heat or Cold, when coming upon us fuddenly^ how can it otherwife than excite our Admiration, when we confider thofe glmofl imperceptible Degrees, whereby it ad- vanccth IV.) SOCRATES. 285 vanceth to, and retireth from us : So that we can arrive at the higheft Point of either, with- out being, in a Manner, at all ienfible to the Change ? " " TRUELY, faid EUTHYDEMUS, thefe Things put me in fome Doubt, whether the Gods have any other Employment than taking Cafe of Man: Tbis however perplexes me-, I fee thefeGifts beftowed upon him only in common with other Animals ! " " AND fee you not, replied SOCRATES, that even all thefe themfelves, are produced and nou- rimed for the Service of Man ? For what Animal except himfelf, can turn to its Ufe, the Hog, the Goat, the Ox, and the Horfe, together with the reft that every where furround him ? So that it feemeth to me, that Man is not more indebted to the Earth itfelf, than to thefe, his Fellow-creatures, whether for the Convenien- cies or NecefTaries of Life ; fmce few of us live on the Fruits of the Earth, but on Milk, Cheefe, and the Flefhof other Animals ; while we break them for our Ufe, and tame them for our Service; and receive Afiiitance from them in War, as well as on other Occafions." " 1 own 286 MEMOIRS of (B. " I own it, anfvvered EUTHDYEMUS ; for although many of thefe are much ilronger than Man, yet is he able to make them fo fat fub- fervient to him, as to perform readily, what- ever he commands." " MARVELLOUS, likewife, muft we acknow- lege the Goodnefs of the Gods, and worthy of our Confideration \ inafmuch, as having given to Man an infinite Number of Things, all good in themfelves, yet ftill differing in their Nature ; they have therefore beflowed upon him a Variety of Senfes, each peculiarly form'd for the Enjoyment of its proper Object. They have likewife endued him with Reafon, and Underflanding ; by the Means of which, he examineth into thofe Things the Senfes have difcovered to him : He retaineth them in his Memory ; and findeth out their Ufe, whereby they are made to ferve many admirable Pur- pofes both for his Eafe, and Security from Danger. From the Gods likewife it is, that we have received the Gift of Speech, which enables us to give and receive Instruction and Pleafure \ unite into Societies ; promulgate Laws \ and govern Communities. And, for_ afmuch IV.) SOCRATES. 287 afmuch as we are not able to forefee what may happen hereafter -, or judge of ourfelves what may be the beft for us to do j they readily incline to fuch as feek to them for Afliftance ; declaring by their Oracles the Things that are to come , and inflruct us fo to ad as may be the moft for our Advantage." BUT, faid EUTHYDEMUS, interrupting him, " The Gods, my SOCRATES ! deal ftill more favourably with you; for they flay not to be confulted; but mew of themfelves, what Things you ought, or ought not to do." " BUT, that I fpake not againft the Truth in fo faying, you yourfelf mail know if you wait not, EUTHYDEMUS, 'till the Gods become vifible, but it fufficeth you to fee and adore them, in their Works-, fmce it is by thefe alone, they chufe to manifeft themfelves to Men : Even among all thofe Deities who fo liberally beftow on us good Things j not one of them maketh himfelf an Object of ourSight: And He,who raifed this v/hole Univerfe, and ftill upholds the mighty Frame j who per- fected every Part of it in Beauty, and in Good- nefs ; 288 MEMOIRS of (B. nefs ; fuffering none of thefe Parts to decay through Age, but renewing them daily with unfading Vigour, whereby they are able to execute, whatever he ordains, with that Readi- nefs and Precifion which furpafs Man's Imagi- nation : Even he, the fupreme GOD who performeth all thefe Wonders, ftill holds him- felf invifible ; and it is only in his Works, that we are capable of admiring him. For, confi- der, my EUTHYDEMUS ; the Sun, which feemeth as it were, fet forth to the View of all Men, yet fuffereth not itfelf to be too cu- rioufly examined ; punifhing thofe with Blind- nefs who too rafhly venture fo to do : And thofe Miniftcrs of the Gods, whom they em- ploy to execute their Bidding, remain to us invifible: For though the Thunder-bolt is (hot from on high, and breaketh in Pieces whatever it findeth in its Way , yet no one feeth it when it falls, when it ftrikes, or when it retires : Neither are the Winds difcoverable to our Sight, though we plainly behold the Ravages they every -where make ; and with Eafe perceive whatTime they are rifing. And, if there be any Thing in Man, my EUTHYDE- MUS, partaking of the Divine Nature; it muft IV.) SOCRATES. 289 muft furely be the Soulj which governs, and directs him , yet no one confiders this as an Object of his Sight. , Learn, therefore, not to defpife thofe Things which you cannot fee : Judge of the Greatnefs of the Power by the Effects which are produced, and REVERENCE THE DEITY." i " IT .is very fure, replied EUTHYDEMUS, I lhall never be wanting in my Acknowledg- ments to the Gods and it even troubleth me that we cannot make a fuitable Return for the Benefits they have conferred on us." " LET not this afflict you, replied SOCRATES. You know the Anfwer which is given by the Oracle at Delphos to thofe who enquire what tliey muft do to make their Sacrifices accepta- ble? Follow * faith the God, the Cuftom of your Country" Now this is the Cuftom which pre- vaileth every where ; that each one mould offer according to his Ability: And therefore, my EUTHYDEMUS, what better can we do to honour the Gods, and mew our Gratitude to- wards them, than by acting in fuch a Manner, as they themfelves have commanded ? Let us however beware, left we fall fhort of that N n Ability 290 MEMOIRS of (B. Ability wherewith the Gods have endued us -, fmce this would not be to honour, but exprefs our Contempt : But, having done all in our Power, there is no longer any Thing left us whereof to be afraid ; nothing, indeed, which we may not hope for. For, from whom can we reafonably expect the mod Good, but from thofe Beings who are poflefled of the greateft Power ? Either what better can we do, to fecure it to ourfelves, than conciliate their Fa- vour but, we befl conciliate their Favour when we obey their Commands/' IN this Manner did SOCRATES inftrudt his Followers in their Duty to the Gods : And forafmuch as all his Precepts were ever accom- panied with the Practice of the pureft Devo- tion ; he greatly advanced the Piety of hb Friends. CHAP- IV.) SOCRATES. 291 ^HjHHHiH^^ CHAP. IV. WITH Regard to Juftice , no one could doubt what were the Sentiments of SOCRATES concerning it; fince all his Ac- tions, both public and private, fufficiently de- clared them. He was always willing to afllft whoever wanted his Afiiftancc ; to obferve the Laws, and to obey the legal Com- mands of the Magiftrate-, fo that, whether in the City or the Camp, SOCRATES diftin- guimed himfelf above all others, for the Readirkfs and Exatnefs wherewith he exe- cuted every Order. When it came to his Turn to prefide in the public AlTemblies ; he would differ no Decree to pafs in them which appeared to him contrary to the Laws , but flood up alone in Defence of them j oppofing, on a Time, fo violent a Tumult of the People as, I think, none but himfelf could poflibly have withftood: And when the Thirty impofed upon him Things which were unjuft; he pai4 no Regard to their Injunctions, but continue,4 to difcourfe with- the young Men as ufual, N n *. afer 292 MEMOIRS of (B. after the Time they had ordered him other- wife , neither would obey, when they comman- ded him, and three others, to bring a certain Perfon to Execution, as knowing he had been condemned by them contrary to all Law. And, whereas, it was common for others when on their Trial, to talk much with their Judges ; to flatter, and fhamefully folicit their Favour, which oft-times they procured, in direct Op- pofition to the Laws-, SOCRATES would not avail himfelf of thefe Arts, however eafy it was to have brought himfelf off by any the fmallefl Compliance v/ith the Cuftomi but chofe rather, as he himfelf faid to thofe Friends who counfelled him otherwife, to die, continu- ing ftedfaft to the Lav/s, than fave his Life by fuch indirect Practices. Now, though SOCRATES talked to feveral on that Subject, yet I particularly remember a Converfation he once had with HIPPIAS, the Elean, concerning Juflicc. This Man, after having been a long Time abfent from Athens; happened, on his Return, to come accidentiy to a Place where SOCRATES was talking with fome Friends, and faying, " That if any one wanted to have a Perfon taught the Trade of a IV.) SOCRATES. 293 Carpenter, a Smith, or a Shoe-maker, he need not be at aLofs for fomebody to inftruct him : Or, if his Horfe was to be broke to the Bit, or his Ox to the Yoke ; many would be ready enough to undertake them : But, if he wanted to learn how he, himfelf, might become a good Man ; or have a Son, or any other of his Family made fo ; it was not an eafy Matter to find out whom to apply to." HIPPIAS having heard this, faid to him jeer- ingly, " What, SOCRATES, ftill faying the, fame Things we heard you fay before I left Athens ? " " I AM, replied SOCRATES; and, what is flill more wonderful on the fame Subject ; but you, HIPPIAS, being fo very learned, may perhaps do otherwife ? " " You are in the Right, faid HIPPIAS, f$r I always endeavour to fay fomething new." jeff t from A^/yesr, the Verb Aftive, fignifying to fepsrate and dijlinguijb, becaufe in Difcourfe Things were dijlin- guifhid according to ibe federal Kinds or Genera. For the Truth of this Aflertion we may refer (as we have already) to the Whole of this Work, and in particular to the Chapter fol- lowing, where, by the Help of this Diftin&i've or Dialectic Procefs, we may find the Nature and Eflence of many Bcipg* traced out and aicertaincd. Mr. HARRIS. IV.) SOCRATES. 315 But, as it would be difficult to relate the va- rious Subjects he endeavoured to explain ; I fhall mention no more, than what I think may be fufficient, to make his Method of Reafon- ing plainly appear: And, in the firft Place, he thus enquired into the Nature of Piety : " CAN you tell us, faid he, EUTHYDEMUS, what Piety is ? " u A MOST excellent Thing, replied the other." " AND what a pious Man ? " " ONE who ferveth the Gods, anfwered ElJTHYDEMUS." " BUT, may every one ferve them in what Manner he pleafeth ? " " NOT fo afluredly, faid EUTH YD EMUS, fince there are certain Laws ; and according to thefe Laws we ought to ferve them." " HE, then, who obferveth thefe Laws, faid SOCRATES, Hiall know in what Manner he ought to ferve the Gods ?" So I imaine. " But, 316 MEMOIRS of (B. " BUT he who knoweth the way of ferving them ; will he prefer any other to that he knowetb ?" " I SUPPOSE not." " WILL he not rather be careful, faid SO- CRATES, not to ferve them, contrary to what he knoweth" " HE will." " THE man then, EUTHYDEMUS, who knowetb the Laws, that are to regulate his conduit in ferving of the Gods ; will ferve them, according to thefe Laws ?" " No Doubt." ** AND he, who ferveth them, according to thefe Laws, will ferve them as he ought ? " HE will." * c BUT he, who ferveth them as he ought y is pious ?" " ASSUREDLY." tf THEN he, who knowetb how he ought to ferve IV.) SOCRATES. 317 ferve the Gods - 9 may rightly be defined, a PIOUS Man ? " (f) " So it feemeth." " BUT tell me, added SOCRATES, are we at Liberty to behave towards each other, in what Manner we pleafe ? " " NOT fo, anfwered EUTHVDEMUS : There are alfo certain Laws to be obferved by us, with Regard to Men." ' " AND do they who live together according to thefe Laws, live as they ought to do ? " " ONE (f) How fophiftical is this Way of Reafoningj and how pernicious the Notion it is endeavouring to eftablifh ! But I can no Way fo effectually (hew the ill Tendency of it, as in borrowing, for thePurpofe, the Words of One who will ever be, not only a Credit to her Sex, but an Honour to her Coun- try. " The moft ignorant Perfons, fays Mrs. CARTER, In one of her Notes on EPICTETUS, often practice what they know to be Evil : And they who voluntarily fuffer, as many do, their Inclinations to blind their Judgment, are not jufti- fied by following it. The Doctrine of EPICTETUS there- fore, here, and elfewhere, on this Head, contradicts theVoice of Reafon and Confcience : Nor is it lefs pernicious than ill- grounded. It deftroys all Gujlt and Merit 5 all Punifhment and Reward ; all Blame of ourfelves or others; all Senfe of Mifbehaviour towards our Fellow-creatures, or our Creator: No Wonder that fuch Philofophers did not teach Repentance towards GOD."" P, 62. 318 MEMOIRS of (B. " ONE can fuppofe no other." " AND he who lives as he ought to live, treats Mankind properly ? " HE does." " AND they who treat Mankind property, execute properly all human Affairs ? " CC ONE Ihould fuppofe fo.' " (s) BUT do you believe, EUTHYDEMUS, there are any who obey the Laws, without knowing what the Laws enjoin ? " " I DO not believe there are any." cc BUT when a Man knows what he ought to do, will he think he ought to aft other- wife ? " " I DO not imagine he will." " THEN fuch Men as know the Laws to be obferved by Mankind in their Dealings with each other will obferve them ? " " THEY (g) As the Greek Tort, in this Part, is fomewlnt car,- fufed, theTranflatioh follows Mr. C IV.) SOCRATES. 319 " THEY will." " AND thofe who obferve to do what the Laws command, do that which is juft ? " " THEY do," replied EUTHYDEMUS. " BUT thofe who a6t juftly, are juft ? '* " THERE are no other, faid EUTHYDEMUS, who can be fo." " MAY we not be faid then to make a right Definition, when we call them juft, who know the Laws which Mankind ought to obferve, in their Commerce with one another ? " " IT feems fo to me," faid EUTHYDEMUS. " AND what fhall we fay of Wifdom, EU- THYDEMUS ? Is it in Regard to Things they know, or do not know that Men are wife ? " " CERTAINLY, on the Account of what they do tow, faid EUTHYDEMUS; for how can any one be wife^ as to Things which he under- ftands not ? " . " THEN it is on Account of their Know- kge that Men are wife ? " " MOST 320 MEMOIRS of (B. " MOST certainly." cc BUT Wifdom is nothing elfe but the being wife." " IT is not." " CONSEQUENTLY, faid SOCRATES, Know- hge is Wifdom." " I grant it, faid EUTHYDEMUS." * c BUT do you think, continued SOCRATES, that any one Man is capable of knowing all Things ? " No ; nor the thoufandth Part," returned EUTHYDEMUS. " THEN it is impoffible for him to be wife in all Things ? " " IT is." cc IT mu ft follow then, that no one is wife, but in fuch Things as he knoweth ? " 44 CERTAINLY." " BUT can we, EUTHYDEMUS, difcover the Nature of Good ; by this, our prefent Method of trying and comparing Things ? " IV.) SOCRATES. 321 ' * WHAT do you mean ?" faid EUTHYDEMUS*. " Is one and the fame Thing ufeful for all Men ; and to every Purpofe ? " " No, certainly." " IT may then be ufeful to one Man, and hurtful to another ? " " IT may afluredly." " THEN, to constitute any Thing good, it muft be found ufeful ?" " IT muft." " CONSEQUENTLY, replied SOCRATES, that which is ufeful, is good for him to whom it is ufeful ? " " I OWN it." " AND beautiful, EUTHYDEMUS; may we not determine the fame concerning this ? for we cannot fay of a Body or Veffel, of what Kind foever, that it is beautiful with Regard to every Purpofe." t( cannot," R r "PERHAPS 322 MEMOIRS of /B. " PERHAPS you would fay then, continued SOCRATES, that it is beautiful with Refpedt to that particular Thing for which it is proper? " " I WOULD." " BUT that which is beautiful on the Ac- count of its being well fuited to one Thing ; js it alfo beautiful with Refpecl: to every other?" " NOT at all" " THEN, whatever is well-fuited, is beauti- ful, with regard to that Thing to which it is wcll-fuited ?" " IT is fo," faid EUTHYDEMUS. " ALSO, Courage, EUTHYDEMUS ; do you look upon Courage as any Thing excellent ?" " MOST excellent," anfwered EUTHYDEMUS. " Is it of much Ufe on Occafions of little Moment ?" " THE Advantage of it, faid EUTHYDE- MUS, is chiefly in Things of Importance." Is IV.) SOCRATES. 323 " Is it of Service to us, faid SOCRATES, not to fee our Danger ?" " I THINK not." " BUT not to be frighted, when we fee no Danger, is fcarcely being valiant ? " " IT is not, faid EUTHYDEMUS, for, other- *wife, there are Madmen, and even Cowards, who might be called Brave." " AND what are they, continued SOCRATES, who fear, where there is nothing to be feared?" " THESE, I Ihould think at a greater Dif- tance from Courage, than the other." " THEY, therefore, who mew themfelves brave, when fenfible of their Danger, are va- liant ; thofe who act otherwife, cowardly ? " " IT is true." f " BUT do you think, EUTHYDEMUS, any one can behave as he ought, if he knows- not in what Manner he ought to behave ? " I SHOULD imagine not. R r 2 324 MEMOIRS of (B. ^ AND, are not they, who behave ill, and they who know not how to behave, the fame People ?" " I BELIEVE they are." " DOTH not every Man behave as he thinks he ought to behave ?" cc CERTAINLY." cc CAN we fay, then, that he who behaves ill, knows in what Manner he ought to be-* have ?" "W* cannot." " BUT he who knows how to behave as he ought, doth behave as he ought ?*' " HE is the only Man, faid EUTHYDEMUS, who can do it." " WE will conclude then, our Difcourie, my EUTHYDEMUS, with faying, That he, who knows how to behave, properly, in all Cafes of Difficulty and Danger, is brave : He who know s it not, a Coward." " I agree with you entirely," replied EU- THYDEMUS. SOT IV.) SOCRATES. 325 SOCRATES ufcd to fay, " That a regal Go- vernment, and a Tyranny, were each of them of that Species of Dominion, which is called monarchical *, but differed in this Particular ; That the Submiflion of Men, under a regal Government, was altogether voluntary, and nothing could be done in it, which was not agreeable to the Laws : Whereas, under a Tyranny, the People were compelled to obey ; the Will of the Prince being the fole Standard of the Laws. As to the other Forms of Go- vernment, he would fay, and reftore Con- cord and Unanimity, mould beft mew the good Citizen ? " THIS likewife being granted and Applica- tion made of thefe feveral Particulars to the Point in Queftion ; the Truth fhone forth to the Acknowlegment of all ; even, of the very- Man, who, before had oppofed him. And it was ever his Manner, when he intended to examine any Thing thoroughly, to begin with fuch Proportions as were felf-evi- dent, and univerfally received , and faid, that herein confided the whole Strength of Reafon- ing. Nor have I ever yet known any Man who could fo readily bring others to admit the Truth of what he wiihed to prove, as SOCRATES : And he thought HOMER only gaye ULYSSES the Appellation of the irrejtftabk Ora- 328 MEMOIRS of (B. Oratour, bccaufe he would lead his Argument, Step by Step, through fuch Paths, as lay ob- vious to the Eyes of all Mankind." THUS have I, as it feemeth to me, made it fufficiently appear, with what Sincerity and Opennefs, SOCRATES converfed with his Fol- lowers, and (hewed them his Sentiments on every Occafion. CHAP. VII. NEITHER muft I omit to mention, how folicitous SOCRATES always fhewed himfelf to have his Friends become capable of performing their own Bufmefs ; that they might not ftand in need of others to per- form it for them. For this Reafon, he made it his Study, more than any Man I ever knew, to find out wherein any of his Fol- lowers were likely to excel in Things not unbecoming a wife and good Man : And in fuch Points as he himfelf could give them any Jnflruction, he did it , with the utmofl React IV.) SOCRATES. 329 Readinefs j and where he could not, was al- ways forward to carry them to fome more fkilful Matter. Yet was he very careful to fix the Bounds in every Science, beyond which, he would fay, no Perfon, properly inftructed, ought to pafs. And, therefore, in Geometry, for Example, he thought it fufficient if fo much of it was known, as would fecure a Man from being impofed upon in the buying and felling of Land; direct him in the properDiftributions of the feveral Portions of an Inheritance, and in meafuring out the Labourer's Work : All which, he faid, was fo eafy to be done, that he who applied him- felf to this Science, though almoft ever fo flightly, might foon find out in what Manner to meafure the whole Earth, and defcribe its Circumference. But to dive deep into fuch Things; and perplex the Mind with various, uncouth Figures , and hard to be underftood ; although he himfelf had much Knowlegc therein, he approved not of it, as feeing no Ufe in thefe nice Enquiries ; which confume all his Time, and engrofs the whole Man ; taking off his Thoughts from more profitable Studies. He alfo advifed his Friends to gain S s fuch jjo MEMOIRS of (B. fuch a Knowlege of Aftronomy as to be able to tell by the Stars the Hours of ihe Night v the Day of the Month \ and the Seafons of the Year ; that they fhould not be at a Lofs when to relieve theCentinel; begin a Journey or a Voyage ; or do any other Thing which depends on this Science : All which, he faid, was eafily to be learnt by converting with Sea- faring Men, or thofe whofe Cuilom it was to hunt in the Night : But, to go farther in or- der to ilnd out what Planets were in the fame Declenfion ;- explain their different Motions ^ tell their Diftances from the Earth j their Influences -, together with the Time necef- fary for the Performance of their refpective Revolutions: c Tbefe\ and Things like thefe^ he ftrongly diiPaaded his Followers from at- tempting : Not as being ignorant of them him- felf; but he judged of this Science, as he did of the former, That to examine deeply into the Nature of fuch Things, would rob us of all our Time -, divert our Thoughts from ufe- ful Studies ; and after all produce nothing that could turn to our Advantage. In fhort he would not that Men (hould too curioufly Search into that marvellous Art, where- with the IV.) SOCRATES. 331 the Maker of the Univerfe had difpofed the fe- veral Parts of it ; feeing it was a Subject in- comprehenfible to the Mind of Man ; neither yet pleating to the Gods to attempt to difcover the Things which they, in their Wifdom, had thought fit to conceal. He alfo faid, " that the Underflanding, unable to bear thefe tow- ering Speculations, oft-times loll itfelf in the Enquiry ; as was the Cafe with AN AXAGORUS, who gloried not a little in the Extent of his Knowlege : Yet this very Man aflerted, " that the Sun was the fame as Fire j" forgetful that the Eye can bear the Light of the Fire - 9 whereas the Luftre of the Sun is too dazzling for it to behold. Neither did he confider that the Rays of the Sun change the Skin, black ; which the Fire doth not : As alfo, that its Warmth produces, and brings to Perfection, Trees, and Flowers, and Fruits of the Earth ; while it is the Property of the Fire to wither, and confume them. He faid, moreover, " that the Sun was no other than a Stone thoroughly inflamed-," not perceiving, added SOCRATES, that the Stone fhineth not in the Fire -, nei- ther can remain there any long Time, without waiting ; whereas, the Sun abideth flill the S s 2 fame* 332 MEMOIRS of (B. fame; an inexhauftible Source of Light, and Warmth to us. SOCRATES alfo recommended the Study of Arithmetic to his Friends ; and afllfted them, as was his Cuftom, in tracing out the feveral Parts of it, as far as might be ufeful : But here, as elfewhere, fixed Bounds to their En- quiries , never fuffering them to run out into vain and trifling Difquifitions which could be of no Advantage, either to themfelves, or others. HE always earneftly exhorted his Friends to be careful of their Health : And to this End, not only advifed them to confult thofe who were fkilful therein , but of themfelves to be continually attentive to their Diet and Exer- cife \ always preferring what would keep them in the bed Health, fince they who did this would feldom, he faid, want a better Phyfician. And when he found any who could not fatisfy therqfelves with the Knowlege that lay within the Reach of human Wifdom , SOCRA- TES advifed that they ihould diligently apply to the Study of Divination : Aflerting, that who- IV.) SOCRATES. 333 whoever was acquainted with thofe Mediums which the Gods made Ufe of when they com- municated any Thing to Man, Jhould never be left deftitute of divine Counfel. xxxxxxxxxxxtxxxxxxxxxxx CHAP. VIII. AND now, if any one fhould be inclined to conclude, that SOCRATES afTerted a Falfhood, when he declared himfelf under the Guidance of a good Genius, feeing he afted, in fuch a Manner, as to incur the Sentence of Death ; let fuch a one, I fay, confider that he was now already fo far advanced in Age, that, if he died not then, he muft die foon af- ter; and that he only relinquifhed that Part of Life, which is held the moft painful; and when the Faculties of the Mind are greatly impaired : Whereas, he now manifeiled. to all the World the Strength andVigour of his Soul ; and gained to himfelf immortal Honour, by the Manner in which he fpake while before his Judges. And, indeed, no Man was ever known 334 MEMOIRS of (B. known to plead his own Caufe, with that Plain- nefs, Firmnefs, and fleady Regard to Truth ; at the fame Time, that he received his Con- demnation, with that Meeknefs and Magnani- mity, as altogether furpafled the Example of former Ages , it being, on all Hands, univer- fally acknowleged, that no Man ever met Death in like Manner as SOCRATES. AFTER his Sentence, he was obliged to live thirty Days in Prifon , the Laws forbidding any one to be put to Death until the Return of the facred Vefiel : ( b ) During which Time his Friends converged with him daily, and faw no Change in his Behaviour, for he ftill retained that Tranquility of Mind and pleafing Turn of Humour, which had made him fojuftly ad- mired by all Mankind. Now, who could give greater Proofs of Fortitude? Either, what Death could be attended with more Honour ? But, the Death which is the mod honoura- ble, is, likewife, the mod happy j and that which (b) The Ship which was fent every Year from Athens to Deles, in Memory of the Viftory obtained by THESEAUS over the Minotaus; when it was forbidden by the Laws, to put any Mm to Death during the Time of its being abfent. IV.) SOCRATES. 335 which is the molt happy, is beft pleafmg to the Gods. I SHALL farther relate, what I heard from HERMOGENES, the Son of HIPPONIUS, con- cerning SOCRATES. This Man being along with him, after the Time that MELITUS had accufed him ; and obfervmg that he rather chofe to difcourfe on any other Subject, than the Bufinefs of the Trial , afked, " Whether it was not neceffary to be preparing for his Juf- tification ? " " And what, anfwered SOCRA- TES, fuppofe you, my HERMOGENES! that I have not, throughout Life, been preparing for this very Thing?" HERMOGENES then defiring him to explain his Meaning , I have, (aid he, made it the Bulinefs of my whole Life, to examine what Things were juft, or un- juft ; and have as Iteadily perfifted in practif- ing the one, and refraining from the other; and, this I take to be the beft Way of prepar- ing for my Trial." " But know you not, re- plied HERMOGENES, that here, in Athens, the Judges oft-times condemn thofe to Death, who have no Way deferred it, only becaufe their Manner of Speaking was difpleafing; while, 336 MEMOIRS of (B. while, on the other Hand, they not lefs fre- quently acquit the Guilty ? " " I DO know it, anfwered SOCRATES; and, be allured, my HERMOGENES, that I did not neglect to take the Matter of my Defence un- der Confideration , but the Genius oppofed me." HERMOGENES replying, that he talked mar- velloufly, " But why, faid he, fhould it be marvellous, that GOD mould think Ms the very beft Time for me to die ? Know you not, that hitherto I have granted to no Man, that he hath lived either better, or even more pleafureably than I ; if, as I think it is, to be alone folicitous after the Attainment of Virtue be LIVING WELL ; and the Confciouf- nefs of making fbme Proficiency therein, PLEA- SANT : And, that I did make fome Proficien- cy therein I well perceived, by comparing my- felf with others, and from the Teftimony of my own Conicience \ my Friends alib faying the fame concerning me : Not for that they loved me : Since, if fo, every Friend would think the fame of him whom he was a Friend IV.) SOCRATES. 337 to ; but becaufe, as it feemed to them, they themfelves became better Men, from having much converted with me. But, if my Life Ihould be ftill prolonged, it can hardly be but the Infirmities of old Age will likewife come upon me : My Sight will fail ; my Hearing grow heavy; and my Underftanding much impaired ; fo that I fhall find it more difficult to learn, as lefs eafy to retain what I have learnt already : Deprived too of the Power of performing many of thofe Things, which, heretofore, I have excelled in. And if, after all, I fliould become infenfible to thefe Decays ; ftill, Life would not be Life r but a wearifome Burthen: And, if otherwife; if I, indeed, find, and feel them, how unpleafant, how afflicting, muft a State like this, prove ! If I die, wrong- fully, the Shame muft be theirs, who put me wrongfully to Death : Since, if Injuftice is lhameful ; fo, likewife, every Act of it ; but no Difgrace will it bring on me, that others have not feen that I was innocent. TheExam- pies drawn from former Ages fufficiently fhew ys, that thofe who commit wrong, and they whofufferity ftand not alike, in the Remem- brance of Men : And, I am perfuaded, that T t if 338 MEMOIRS of (B. if I now die, I (hall be held in far higher fti- mation by thofe who come after me, than any of my Judges , fmce Pofterity will not fail to teftify concerning me, that I neither wronged - 9 nor yet, by my Difcouffes, corrupted any Man; but, contrary-wife, drove throughout Life, to the ucmoft of my Power, to make all thofe, who converfed with me, HAPPY. IN this Manner did SOCRATES continue to difcourfe with HERMOGENES, and others: Nor are there any among thofe who knew him, if Lovers of Virtue,who do not daily regret the Lofs of his Converfation > convinced how much they might have been advantaged thereby. As tomyfelf; -knowing him, of a Truth, to be fuch a Man as I have defcribed ; fo pi- ous towards the Gods, as never to undertake any Thing without having firft confulted them : So juft towards Men, as never to do an Injury, even the very flighteft, to any one -, whilft many, and great, were the Benefits he conferred on all with whom he had any Deal- ings :- So temperate, and chafte, as not to in- dulge any Appetite, or Inclination, at the Ex- pence IV.) SOCRATES. 339 pence of whatever was modeft or becoming : So prudent, as never to err in judging of Good and Evil ; nor wanting the Afliftance of others* to difcriminate rightly concerning them : So able to difcourfe upon, and define with the greateft Accuracy, not only thofe Points of which we have been fpeaking, but likewife of every other , and looking, as it were, into the Minds of Men, difcover the very Mo- ment for reprehending Vice, or ftimulating to the Love of Virtue : -^-Experiencing, as I have done, all thefe Excellencies in SOCRATES; I can never ceafe confidering him as the moft vir- tuous, and the moil happy of all Mankind. But, if there is any one who is difpofed to think otherwife, Let him go, and compare SOCRATES with any other; and, afterwards, let him determine. FINIS. ( I ) THE Defence of Socrates^ Before his JUDGES. By XENOPHON. HAVE always confidered the Manner, A g J $ I & in which SOCRATES behaved after he O i* $&$$ had been fummoned to his Trial, as moil worthy of our Remembrance-, and that, not only with Refpect to the Defence he made for himfelf, when (landing before his Judges ; but the Sentiments he exprefs'd, concerning his Diflblution. For, although there be many who have written on this Subject, and all con- cur in fetting forth the wonderful Courage and Intrepidity where-with he fpake to the Af- femblyi fo that it remaineth inconteftible, that SOCRATES did thus fpeak ; yet, that it was A his ( *.-) his full Perfuafion, that Death was more eligi- ble for him, than Life, at fuch a Seafon, they have by no Means fo clearly manifefted -, whereby the Loftinefs of his Stile, and the Boldnefs of his Speech, may wear, at leaft, the Appearance, of being imprudent, and unbe- coming. BUT HERMOGENES, the Son of HIPPONIUS, was his intimate Friend-, and from him it is we have heard thofe Things of SOCRATES, as iufficiently prove the Sublimity of his Lan- guage, was only conformable to the Senti- ments of his Mind- For, having obferved him, as he tells us, chufing rather to difcourfe on any other Subject than the Bufinefs of his Trial j he afked him" If it was not neceflary to be preparing for his Defence ? " And " What! faid he, my HERMOGENES fuppofe you I have not fpent my whole Life in prepar- ing for this very Thing ? "HERMOGENES deliring he would explain himfelf : " I have, faid he, fteadily perfifted throughout Life, in -a diligent Endeavour to do nothing which is unjuft; and this I take to be the beft, and moft honourable Preparation," " BUT - - ( 3 ) " BUT fee you not, faidHERMOGENES, that oft-times here in Athens, the Judges, influ- enced by the Force of Oratory, condemn thofe to Death who no Way defer ve it ; and, not lefs frequently, acquit the Guilty, when foften'd into Compafiion by the moving Complaints, or the infinuating Eloquence of thofe who plead their Caufe before them ? " c< I KNOW it, replied SOCRATES; and, there- fore, twice have I attempted to take the Mat- ter of my Defence under Confideration : But THE GENIUS ( a ) always oppofed me." HER- (a) Various have been theOpinions concerning this Genius, or Demon of SOCRATES ; and too many for theTranflator to enumerate. What feems the moft probable and fatisfactory is. That the Genius of SOCRATES, fo differently fpoken-of, was nothing more than an uncommon Strength of Judgment, and Juftncfs of Thinking j which meafuring Events by the Rules of Prudence, afiifted by long Experience, and much Obfcr- vaticm : Unclouded, and unbiaifed by any Prejudices, or Paffions, rendered SOCRATES capable of looking, as it were, into Futurity, and foretelling what would be the Succefs of thofe Affairs about which he had been confulted by others, or was deliberating upon for himfelf. And, in Support of this Opinion, they urge his Cuitom offending hisFz'iends XENOPHON, for Example to confult the Oracle when any Thing too obfcure for human Reafon to pe-netrate, was pro- po&d to him ; To which might be added, as no mean Tef- timony ( 4) HF.RMOGENES having exprefied fomc Af- tonifhment at theie Words, SOCRATES pro- ceeded ; " DOTH it then appear marvellous to you, my HERMOGENES! that GOD fhould think this, the very beftTime for me to die ? Know you not, that hitherto I have yielded to no Man, that he hath lived more uprightly, or even more pleafurably than myfelf; pofTefled, as I was of that well-grounded Self-approba- tion, arifing from the Confcioufnefs of having done myDuty, both to the Gods, and Men : My timony, his own Practice on all fuch Occafions. But from whence this Notion arofe, of his being thus uncommonly af- fifted, is not eafy to determine. It might perhaps be from nothing more, as fome have imagined, than from his having cafually faid on fome Occafion " My GENIUS would not fuffer me :" Alluding to the Notion which prevailed with manyj that every one had a Genius to watch over, and di- reft him. And although nothing mere was at the firft either intended, or underftood by it, than when we fay, " My good Angel forbad me ;" or, faid fo and fo to me 5 yet, being verified by the Event, it came at length to be confidered, by a fuperftitious People, as fomething fupern^tural . And, as it added much Weight to his Counfel, and Inftruclions, neither SOCRATES, nor hisFriends were in Hafte to difcreditfuchan Opinion; not looking upon themfelves as obliged to it, by .anv one Duty whatfoever. ( 5 ) My Friends alfo bearing their Teftimony to the Integrity of my Converfation ! But now if my Life is prolonged, and I am fpared even to old Age-, what can hinder, my HER- MOGENES ! the Infirmities of old Age from falling upon me ? My Sight will grow dim -, my Hearing, heavy : Lefs capable of Learning, as more liable to forget what I have already learnt : And, if to all this, I become fenfible of my Decay, and bemoan myfelf on the Account of it; how can I fay that I ftill lived pleafantly ? It may be too, continued SOCRATES, that GOD, through his Goodnefs, hath appointed for me , not only that my Life ihould terminate at a Time which feems the moft feafonable \ but the Manner in which it will be terminated, fhall alfo be the moil eligi- ble : For if my Death is now refolved upon ; it muft needs be, that they who take Charge of this Matter, will permit me to chufe the Means, fuppofed the moft eafy ; free too from thofe lingering Circumftances which keep our Friends in anxious Sufpence for us \ and fill the Mind of the dying Man, with much Pain, and Perturbation. And when nothing offen- five nothing unbecoming is left on the Me- mory mory of thofe who are prefent ; but the Man is diflblved while the Body is yet found; and the Mind (till capable of exerting itfelf benevolently, who can fay, my HERMOCENES, that fo to die is not moil definable ? And with good Rea- fon, continued SOCRATES, did the Gods op- pofe themfelves at what Time we took the Af- fair of my Efcape under Deliberation; and determined, that every Means ihould be dili- gently fought after to effect it ; fince, if our Defigns had been carried into Execution, in- ftead of terminating my Life in the Manner I am now going - 9 I had only gained the unhappy Privilege of rinding it put an End to by the Torments of fome Difeafe, or the lingering Decays incident to old Age ; when all Things painful, flow in upon us together, deftitute of every Joy, which might ferve to foften, and allay them." " YET think not, my HERMOGENES, the Defire of Death lhall influence me beyond what is reafonable ; I will not- fet out with afking it at their Hands ; but if, when I fpeak my Opinion of myfelf ; and declare what I think I have deferved, both of Gods and Men, my ( 7 ) my Judges are difpleafed -, I will much fooner fubmi.t to it, than meanly intreat the Continu- ance of my Life, whereby I fhould only bring upon myfelf many, and far greater Evils, than any I had taken fuch unbecoming Pains to deprecate." IN this Manner SOCRATES replied to HER- MOGENES and others, and his Enemies having accufed him of " not believing in the Gods, whom the City heldfacred; but, as defigning to introduce ether and new Deities-, and, likewife, of his ha- ving corrupted the Youth :" HE RMOGENES far- ther told me, that SOCRATES, advancing to- wards the Tribunal, thus fpake : " WHAT I chiefly marvel at, O ye Judges! is this , whence MELITUS inferreth that I efteem not thofe as Gods, whom the City held facred. For, that I facrificed at the appointed, Feftivals, on our common Altars, was evident to all others ; and, might have been to I^ELI- TUS, had MELITUS been fo minded. Neither yet, doth it feem to be alTerted with greater Reafon , that, my Defign was, to introduce new Deities among us, becaufe I have often idj " That it is the Voice of GOD which giveth (8) giveth me Significations, of what is moft ex- pedient ," fince they themfelves who obferve the Chirping of Birds, or thofe ominous Words fpoken by Men, ground their Conclufions on -no other than Voices. For, who among you doubteth, whether Thunder fendeth forth a Voice ? or whether it be not the very greateft of all Auguries. The Pythian Prieftefs her- felf ; doth not me likewife, from the Tripod, declare, by a Voice^ the divine Oracles ? And, truely, that GOD foreknoweth the Future ; and alfo fheweth it to whomfoever he pleafeth, I am no Way fmgular, either in believing, or afierting ; fince all Mankind agree with me herein , this Difference only excepted ; that, whereas chey fay, " It is from Auguries, ( b ) Omens, Symbols, and Diviners, whence they have their Notices of the Future-, I, on the Contrary, impute all thofe Premonitions, where- with I am favoured, to a GENIUS ; and I think, that in fo doing, I have fpoken, not only more truely, but more pioufly, than they who attribute to Birds, the divine Privilege of declaring Things to come, and that I lied not againft (b) See the learned Mr. HARRISES Notes on thefe feveral Particulars, B.I. P. 2. of the Memoirs of SOCRATES. ( 9) againft GOD, I have this indifpu table Proof; that whereas I have often communicated to many of my Friends the divine Counfels ; yet hath no Man ever detected me of fpeaking falfly." No fooner was this heard, but a Murmuring arofe among his Judges ; fome difbelieving the Truth of what he had faid ; while others en- vied him for being, as they thought, more highly favoured of the Gods than they. But SOCRATES, ilill going on; "Mark! faid he, I pray -, and attend to what is yet more extra- ordinary, that fuch of you as are willing, may Hill the more difbciieve that I have been thus favoured of the Deity : CH^REPHON, enquir- ing of the Oracle at Delphos concerning me, was anfwered by APOLLO himfelf, in the Prefence of many People, " That he knew no Man more free, more juft, or more wife than ir ON hearing this the Tumult among them vifibly increafed ; but SOCRATES, flill going on, " And yet, LYCURGUS, the Lacedemonian Law- giver, had ftill greater Things declared B of ( of him: For, on his entering into the Tem- ple, the Deity thus accoiled him " I am confidering, faid he, whether I mall call thee a God, or a Man ! " Now APOLLO compared me not to a God. This, indeed, he faid, " That I by far excelled Man : " How-be-it, credit not too haftily what ye have heard, though Coming from an Oracle^ but let us thoroughly examine thofe Things, which the Deity fpake concerning me." " SAY then, where have you ever known any one lefs enflaved to fenfual Appetite; whom more free than the Man who fub- mits not to receive Gift, or Reward, from the Hands of any other ? Whom can you defer- vedly efteem more juft, than he who can fo well accommodate himfelf to what he hath al- ready in his own Pofieflion, as not even to de- fire what belongeth to another ? Or how can he fail of being accounted wife, who, from the Time he firft began to comprehend what was fpoken , never ceafed to feek, and fearch out, to the very beft of his Power, whatever was virtuous, and good for Man ? And, as a Proof, that in fo doing, ! havt not laboured in vain ; ( II ) vain ; ye, yourfelves, know, that many of our Citizens ; yea, and many Foreigners alfo, who made Virtue their Purfuit, always preferred, as their chief Pleafure, the converfing with me. Whence was it, I pray you, that when every one knew my Want of Power to return any Kind of pecuniary Favour, fo many fhould be ambitious to beftow them on me ? Why doth no Man call me his Debtor, yet many ac- knowlege they owe me much ? When the City is befieged, and every other Perfon be- moaning his Lofs, why do / appear as in no Refpeft the poorer, than while it remained in its moft profperous State ? And what is the Caufe that when others are under a Neceflity to procure their Delicacies from Abroad, at an exorbitant Rate, I can indulge in Pleafures far more exquifite, by recurring to the Reflections in my own Mind ? And, now, O ye Judges ! if, in whatfoever I have declared of myfelf, no one is able to confute me as a falfe Speaker ; who will fay, I merit not Approbation , and that not only from the Gods, but Men ! " Nevertheiefs, you, O MELITUS, have averted ; that I, diligently applying myfelf to the Contemplation, and Pra&ice, of what- ever ever is virtuous " corrupt the Youth :" And, indeed, we well know, what it is to corrupt them. But fhew us, if in your Power, whom of pious, I have made impious \ of modeft, fliamelefs ; >of frugal, profufc ? Who, from temperate is become drunken ; From labori- ous, idle, or effeminate, by afTociating with me ? Or, where is the Man who hath been enflaved, by my Means, to any vicious Plea- fure whatfoever ? " " NAY, verily! faidMELiTus, but I know of many, whom thou haft perfuaded to obey thee, rather than their Parents" " AND, with good Reafon, replied SOCRA- TES, when the Point in Queftion concerned Education-, fince no Man but knows that I made this my chief Study : And which of you, if fick, prefers not the Advice of the Phyfician to his Parents ? Even the whole Body of the Athenian People, when collected in the pub- lic A ffcmbly, do not they follow the Opinion of him whom they think the moft able, though he be not of their Kindred ? And, in the Choice of a General, do you not to your Fathers, Brothers, nay, even to yourfelves, prefer prefer the Man, whom ye think the bed fkil- led in Military Difcipline ? " " CERTAINLY, returned ME LITUS; neither can any one doubt of its being moft expe- dient." " How then could it efcape being regarded even by you, MELITUS, as a Thing deferving the higheft Admiration ; that, while in every other Inflance, the Man who excels in any Employment, is fuppofed not only entitled to a common Regard, but receives many, and thofe very diftinguifhing Marks of Honour; /, on the Contrary, am perfecuted even to Death, becaufe I am thought by many to have excelled in that Employment which is the moft noble ; and which hath for its Aim the greateft Good to Mankind; by inftrucYmg our Youth in the Knowlege of their Duty ; and planting in the Mind each virtuous Principle!" Now, doubtlefs, there were many other Things fpoken at the Trial, not only by SO- CRATES, but his Friends, who were moft zea- lous to fupport him> but I have not been careful careful to collect all that was fpokcn, yet think I have done enough to fhew, and that moft plainly, that the Defign of SOCRATES in Ipeaking at this Time, was no other than to exculpate himfelf from any Thing that might have the leaft Appearance of Impiety towards the Gods, or of Injuftice towards Men. For, with Regard to Death, he was no Way folici- tons to importune his Judges, as the Cuftom was with others : On the Contrary, he thought it the beft Time for him to die. And, that he had thus determined with himfelf, was ftill the more evident after his Condemnation : For when he was ordered to fix his own Penalty, ( c ) he refufed to do it, neither would he fuffer any other to do it for him: Saying, that to fix aPe- (c) In all Cafes where the Laws had fixed the Penalty, one fingleVerdict was thought fufficient ; but where the Laws \vere filent, a fecnd was neceffary, to declare the Punifhment the Offender had incurred. Before this fecond Sentence was pronounced, the Judges were ordered to 'value the Crime, as CICERO calls it 5 and the Offender hirafelf was afked, what Penalty he thought due to it; and the Merits of the Cafe being afterwards debated, the Valuation was admitted, or rejected, as the Judges faw Reafon : But SOCRATES incenfed them fo much with the Anfwer he made them, that they proceeded, without any Delay, to pafs the fecond, or Decretory Sentence againft him, and he was immediately condemned to fuffer Death. POT T . ( '5 ) a Penalty, implied a Confeflion of Guilt : And, afterwards, when his Friends would have withdrawn him privately, he would not con- fent; but afked them with a Smile, " If they knew of any Place beyond the Borders of Attica, where Death could not approach him ?** THE Trial being ended, SOCRATES, as it is related, fpake to his Judges in the following Manner : " IT is neceflary, O ye Judges ! that all they who inftructed the WitnefTes to bear, by Perjury, falfe Teftimony againft me; as well as all thofe, who too readily obeyed their Inftru&ions, ihould be confcious to themfelves of much Impiety and Injuftice : But that /, in any wife, fhould be more troubled and caft down, than before my Condemnation, I fee not, fince I ftand here, uncompleted, of any of the Crimes whereof I was accufed : For no one hath proved againft me, that I facrificed to any new Deity ; or by Oath appealed to, or even made Mention of the Names of any other than JUPITER, JUNO, and the reft of the Deities, which, together with thefe, our City holds fa- cred : Neither have they once fliewn, what were were the Means I made Ufe of to corrupt the Teutby at the very Time that I was enuring them to a Life of Patience and Frugality. As for thofe Crimes, to which our Laws have annexed Death, as the only proper Punifliment , Sacrilege, Man-ftealing , W undermining of Walls, or betraying of the City, my Ene- mies donoteven/zjy, that any of thefe Things were ever once practifed by me : Wherefore, I the rather marvel, that ye have now judged me worthy to die. " BUT it is not for me to be troubled on that Account : For if I die unjullly, the Shame muft be theirs who put me unjuftly to Death ; fince, if Injuftice is fhameful, fo like wile every Act of it; but no Difgrace can it bring on me, that others have not feen, that I was in- nocent. PALAMEDES likewife affords me this farther Confolation : For being like me, con- demned undefervedly, he furnilhes, to this very Day, more noble Subjects for Praife, than the Man who had iniquitoufly caufed his Deflruc- tion: (d) It was the Praftiee of many to fteal Slaves ; or Free- mens Children, in order to fell for Slaves, which wa roade Capital at Athens. POTTER. ( '7 ) tion :(') And, I am perfuaded, that /alfo mall have the Atteftation of the Time to come, as well as of that which is paft already - 9 that I never wronged any Man, or made him more depraved but, contrariwife, have fteadily en- deavoured, throughout Life, to benefit thofe who converfed with me : Teaching them, to the very utmoft of Power, and that without Rewared, whatever could make them WISE, and HAPPY." SAYING this he departed ; the Chearfulnefs of his Countenance, his Gefture and whole Deportment bearing Teftimony to the Truth of what he had juft declared. And, feeing fome of thofe, who accompanied him, weep- ing, he afked, " what it meant ? and why they were now afflicted ? Fot, knew ye not, C faid (e) When the Grecian Kings were to go to the Siege of Troy, ULYSSES, to fave himfelf from going, counterfeited Madnefs ; which PALAMTDES fufpe&ing, ordered they mould lay ULYSSES'S Son in the Furrow where the Father was ploughing with an Ox and an Afs, and fowing Salt. ULYS- SES immediately ftayed the Plough to fave his Child ; by which, being difcovered, he was compelled to" go to theWars. For this, and for other Reafons [fee Mem. of Soc. B. 4. P- *75] ULYSSES hated PALAMEDES j and artfully con- trived his Death. ( 18 ) faid he, long ago-, even by that whereof I was produced, that I was born mortal ? If, indeed, I had been taken away, when the Things which are moil defirable, flowed in upon me abundantly , with, good Reafon it might have been lamented-, and, by myfelf, as well as others : But if I am only to be re- moved, when Difficulties, of every Kind, are ready to break in upon me , we ought rather to rejoice, as though my Affairs went on the moil profperoufly." APPOLODORUS being prefent ; one who loved SOCRATES extremely, though other- wife a weak Man, he faid to him, " But it grieveth me, my SOCRATES ! to have you die fo unjuflly!" SOCRATES, with much Ten- dernefs laying his Hand upon his Head, an- fwered fmiling, " And what, my much-loved APPOLODORUS ! would'ft thou rather they had condemned me JUSTLY ?" It is likewife related, that on feeing ANG- LUS pals by, " There goes a Man, faid ne, not a little vain-glorious, on fuppofing he mall have atchieved fomething great and noble, in putting me to Death, becaufc I once faid," that fmce ( 19 ) fince he himfelf had been dignified with fame of the chief Offices in the City, it was wrong in him to breed up his Son to the Trade of a Tanner :" But he muft be a Fool, continued SOCRATES, who feeth not that He who at all Times performs Things ufeful, and excellent, is alone the HERO. And, truly, added SO- CRATES, as HOMER makes fome, who were near the Time of their Diffolution, look for- ward into Futurity ; /, likewife, have a Mind to fpeak fomewhat oraculoufly : Now it hap- pened, I was once, for a Ihort Time, with this fame Son of ANYTUS ; and plainly perceiv- ing he neither wanted Talents nor Activity, therefore I faid, it was not fitting that the young Man Ihould continue in fuch a Sta- tion : But, continuing as .he flill doth; deilitute at the fame Time of any virtuous Inftructor, to guide and reftrain him within the Bounds of Duty , he muft foon fall a Prey to fome evil Inclination, that will hurry him headlong into Vice, and Ruin." AND, in thus fpeaking, SOCRATES prophe- fied not untruly , for the young Man delighted fo much in Wine, that he ceafed not drink- ing, whether Night or Day , whereby he be- came ( 20 ) came perfe&ly ufelefs to his Country, to his Friends, and even to himfelf : The Memory of ANYTUS was likewife held in the higheft Deteflation : (J) And that not only on the Ac- count of his other Crimes ; but for the fcan- dalous Manner in which he had educated his Son. Now, it cannot be doubted, but SOCRATES, by fpeaking thus highly of himfelf, incurred the more Envy , and made his Judges ftill the more eager to condemn him : Yet, I think, indeed, he only obtained that Fate, which the Gods decree to thofe they moft love ; a Dif- charge from Life, when Life is become a Burthen , and that, by a Means, of all others,, the moll eafy. Yet here, as well as on every other Occafion, SOCRATES demonflrated the Firmnefs of his Soul. For although he was fully (f) The Athenians foon became fenfible of the Mifchief they had done, in putting SOCRATES to Death j and fo hated the Authors of it, that they would not fuffer any of them to light Fire at their Hearths : They would not anfvver them a Queftion : They would not bathe with them; and if they were feen to touch ever fo large a Vcffel of Water, they threw it away as impure; 'till, at bit, thefe Men, unable to bear this Ufage any longer, hanged themfelves. - PLA- fully perfuaded, that to die would be the beft for him ; yet did he not difcover any anxious Solicitude ; any womanifh Longings for the Hour of his DifTolution ; but waited its Ap- proach with the fame Heady Tranquility, and unaffected Complacency, with which he after* wards went out of Life. And, truly, when I confider the Wifdom, and Greatnefs of Soul, fo effential to this Man, I find it not more out of my Power to forget him, than to re- member, and not PRAISE him. And, if among thofe who are mod fludious to excel in Virtue, there be any who hath found a Per- ibn to converfe with, more proper than SO- CRATES, for promoting his Defign, verily, we may well pronounce him, THE MOST FORTUNATE OF ALL MANKIND. x/ GENERAL LIBRARY -U.C. BERKELEY B0008B8D23 X4 THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Jfe