e covetousness, and the bribes which they discovered that
he received when in command. And many writers had dwelt upon the wicked
and treacherous acts which Pharax the Spartan and Kallippus the Athenian
committed, when they were endeavouring to make themselves masters of
Sicily. Yet, what were they, and what resources had they, that they
conceived such great designs: the one being only a follower of Dionysius
when he was banished from Syracuse, the other a captain of mercenaries
under Dion? But Timoleon, who was sent to the Syracusans as
generalissimo at their own request and prayer, did not seek for command,
but had a right to it. Yet when he received his power as general and
ruler from them of their own free will, he voluntarily decided to hold
it only till he should have expelled from Sicily all those who were
reigning despotically. In Aemilius again we must admire this, that he
subdued so great an empire and yet did not enrich himself by one
drachma, and never even saw or touched the king's treasures, although he
distributed much of them in presents to others. And still, I do not say
that Timoleon is to be blamed for having received a fine house and
estate; for there is no disgrace in receiving it by such means, though
not to take it is better, and shows almost superhuman virtue, which
cares not to take what is lawfully within its reach. Yet, as the
strongest bodies are those which can equally well support the extremes
of heat and cold, so the noblest minds are those which prosperity does
not render insolent and overbearing, nor ill fortune depress: and here
Aemilius appears more nearly to approach absolute perfection, as, when
in great misfortune and grief for his children, he showed the same
dignity and firmness as after the greatest success. Whereas Timoleon,
though he acted towards his brother as became a noble nature, yet could
not support himself against his sorrow by reason, but was so crushed by
remorse and grief that for twenty years he could not appear or speak in
the public assembly. We ought indeed to shrink from and feel shame at
what is base; but the nature which is over-cautious to avoid blame may
be gentle and kindly, but cannot be great.

* * * * *

LONDON: PRINTED BY WM. CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED, STAMFORD STREET AND
CHARING CROSS.

***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PLUTARCH'S LIVES, VOLUME I (OF 4)***

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