rank, Socrates, who
desired to increase his thirst after glory of a noble kind, was the
first to give evidence for him, and pressed them to crown, and to decree
to him the complete suit of armor. Afterwards, in the battle of Delium,
when the Athenians were routed and Socrates with a few others was
retreating on foot, Alcibiades, who was on horseback, observed it,
and would not pass on, but stayed to shelter him from the danger, and
brought him safely off, though the enemy pressed hard upon them, and cut
off many.

He gave a box on the ear to Hipponicus, the father of Callias, whose
birth and wealth made him a person of great influence and repute. And
this he did unprovoked by any passion or quarrel between them, but only
because, in a frolic, he had agreed with his companions to do it. People
were justly offended at this insolence, when it became known through
the city; but early the next morning, Alcibiades went to his house and
knocked at the door, and, being admitted to him, took off his outer
garment, and presenting his naked body, desired him to scourge and
chastise him as he pleased. Upon this Hipponicus forgot all his
resentment, and not only pardoned him, but soon after gave him his
daughter Hipparete in marriage.

Alcibiades had a dog which cost him seventy minas, and was very large
and handsome. His tail, which was his principal ornament, he caused to
be cut off, and an acquaintance exclaiming at him for it, and telling
him that all Athens was sorry for the dog, and cried out against him
for this action, he laughed and said, "Just what I wanted has happened,
then, I wished the Athenians to talk about this, that they might not say
something worse of me."

It is said that the first time he came into the assembly was upon
occasion of a largess of money which he made to the people. This was not
done by design, but as he passed along he heard a shout, and inquired
the cause; and having learned that there was a gift-making to the
people, he went in among them and gave money also. The multitude
thereupon applauding him, and shouting, he was so transported at it,
that he forgot a quail which he had under his robe, and the bird, being
frightened at the noise, flew off; upon which the people made louder
acclamations than before, and many of them started up to pursue the
bird; and Antiochus, a pilot, caught it and restored it to him, for
which he was ever after a favorite with Alcibiades.

He had great advantages fo