For as those that are not near the persons of kings or commanders
understand their minds by fire-signals, proclamation, sound of trumpet,
or the like, but their favorites receive it from their own mouth; so
the Deity converses immediately but with very few, and very seldom; but
to most he gives signs, from which the art of divination is gathered.
So that the Gods direct the lives of very few, and of such only whom
they intend to raise to the highest degree of perfection and happiness.
Those souls (as Hesiod sings) that are not to be put into another body,
but are freed from all union with flesh, turn guardian Daemons and
preside over others. For as wrestlers, when old age makes them unfit
for exercise, have some love for it still left, delight to see others
wrestle, and encourage them; so souls that have passed all the stages
of life, and by their virtue are exalted into Daemons, do not slight
the endeavors of man, but being kind to those that strive for the same
attainments, and in some sort banding and siding with them, encourage
and help them on, when they see them near their hope and ready to
catch the desired prize. For the Daemon doth not go along with every
one; but as in a shipwreck, those that are far from land their friends
standing on the shore only look upon and pity, but those that are near
they encourage and wade in to save; so the Daemon deals with mankind.
Whilst we are immersed in worldly affairs, and are changing bodies, as
fit vehicles for our conveyance, he lets us alone to try our strength,
patiently to stem the tide and get into the haven by ourselves; but
if a soul hath gone through the trials of a thousand generations, and
now, when her course is almost finished, strives bravely, and with a
great deal of labor endeavors to ascend, the Deity permits her proper
Genius to aid her, and even gives leave to any other that is willing to
assist. The Daemon, thus permitted, presently sets about the work; and
upon his approach, if the soul obeys and hearkens to his directions,
she is saved; if not, the Daemon leaves her, and she lies in a
miserable condition.
25. This discourse was just ended, when Epaminondas looking upon me,
said: Caphisias, it is time for you to be at the ring, your usual
company will expect you; we, as soon as we break company, will take
care of Theanor. And I replied: Sir, I’ll go presently, but I think
Theocritus here hath something to say to you and me and Galaxidorus.
Let’s hear it in God’s name, said he; and rising up, he led us into a
corner of the porch. When we had him in the midst of us, we all began
to desire him to make one in the conspiracy. He replied that he knew
the day appointed for the exiles’ return, and that he and Gorgidas had
their friends ready upon occasion; but that he was not for killing any
of the citizens without due process of law, unless some grave necessity
seemed to warrant the execution. Besides, it was requisite that there
should be some unconcerned in the design; for such the multitude would
not be jealous of, but would think what they advised was for the good
of the commonwealth, that their counsels proceeded from the love they
had for their country, and not from any design of procuring their own
safety. This motion we liked; he returned to Simmias and his company,
and we went to the ring, where we met our friends, and as we wrestled
together, communicated our thoughts to one another, and put things in
order for action. There we saw Philip and Archias very spruce, anointed
and perfumed, going away to the prepared feast; for Phyllidas, fearing
they would execute Amphitheus before supper, as soon as he had brought
Lysanoridas going, went to Archias, and putting him in hopes of the
woman’s company he desired, and assuring him she would be at the place
appointed, soon trepanned him into stupid carelessness and sensuality
with his fellow-wantons.
26. About the night, the wind rising, the sharpness of the weather
increased, and that forced most to keep within doors; we meeting with
Damoclides, Pelopidas, and Theopompus received them, and others met
other of the exiles; for as soon as they were come over Cithaeron,
they separated, and the stormy weather obliged them to walk with their
faces covered, so that without any fear or danger they passed through
the city. Some as they entered had a flash of lightning on their
right-hand, without a clap of thunder, and that portended safety and
glory; intimating that their actions should be splendid and without
danger.
27. When we were all together in the house (eight and forty in number),
and Theocritus in a little room by himself offering sacrifice, there
was heard on a sudden a loud knocking at the gate; and presently one
came and told us that two of Archias’s guard, who had some earnest
business with Charon, knocked at the gate, demanding entrance, and
were very angry that they were not admitted sooner. Charon surprised
commanded the doors to be opened presently, and going to meet them
with a garland on his head, as if he had been sacrificing or making
merry, asked their business. One of them replied, Philip and Archias
sent us to tell you that you must come before them presently. And
Charon demanding why they sent for him in such haste, and if all was
well; We know nothing more, the messenger returned, but what answer
shall we carry back? That, replied Charon, putting off his garland and
putting on his cloak, I follow you; for should I go along with you, my
friends would be concerned, imagining that I am taken into custody. Do
so, said they, for we must go and carry the governor’s orders to the
city guard. With this they departed, but Charon coming in and telling
us the story, we were all very much surprised, imagining the design
had been discovered; and most suspected Hipposthenides, and thought
that he, having endeavored to hinder their coming through Chido and
failed, now the time for the dangerous attempt unavoidably approached,
grew faint-hearted and made a discovery of the plot. And this seemed
probable, for he did not appear at Charon’s house with the rest,
and so was looked upon by every one to be a rascal and a turncoat;
yet we all were of opinion that Charon ought to obey the governor’s
orders and go to them. Then he, commanding his son to be brought to
him,—the prettiest youth, Archidamus, in all Thebes, skilled in most
exercises, scarce fifteen years old, but very strong and lusty for his
age,—thus said: Friends, this is my only and my beloved son, and him I
put into your hands, conjuring you by all that’s good, if you find me
treacherous, to kill him and have no mercy upon him for my sake; but
as for your parts, sirs, be provided against the worst that can come;
do not yield your bodies tamely to be butchered by base fellows, but
behave yourselves bravely, and preserve your souls invincible for the
good and glory of your country. When Charon had ended, we admired the
honesty and bravery of the man, but were angry at his suspicion, and
bade him take away his son. Charon, said Pelopidas, we should have
taken it more kindly, if you had removed your son into another house,
for why should he suffer for being in our company? Nay, let us send him
away now, that, if we fall, he may live, and grow up to punish the
tyrants and be a brave revenger of our deaths. By no means, replied
Charon, he shall stay here, and run the same danger with you all, for
it is not best that he should fall into the power of his enemies; and
you, my boy, be daring above thy age, and with these brave citizens
venture upon necessary dangers for the defence of liberty and virtue;
for we have good hopes still left, and perhaps some God will protect us
in this just and generous undertaking.
28. These words of his, Archidamus, drew tears from many; but he not
shedding so much as one, and delivering his son to Pelopidas, went
out of the door, saluting and encouraging every one as he went. But
you would have been exceedingly surprised at the serene and fearless
temper of the boy, with a soul as great as that of Achilles’s son;
for he did not change color or seem concerned, but drew out and tried
the goodness of Pelopidas’s sword. In the mean time Diotonus, one of
Cephisodorus’s friends, came to us with his sword girt and breastplate
on; and understanding that Archias had sent for Charon, he chid our
delay, and urged us to go and set upon the house presently; for so we
should be too quick for them, and take them unprovided. Or, if we did
not like that proposal, he said, it was better to go out and fall upon
them while they were scattered and in confusion, than to coop ourselves
up altogether in one room, and like a hive of bees be taken off by our
enemies. Theocritus likewise pressed us to go on, affirming that the
sacrifices were lucky, and promised safety and success.
29. Upon this, whilst we were arming and setting ourselves in order,
Charon came in, looking very merrily and jocund, and with a smile
said: Courage, sirs, there is no danger, but the design goes on very
well; for Archias and Philip, as soon as they heard that according to
their order I was come, being very drunk and weakened in body and
understanding, with much ado came out to me; and Archias said, I hear
that the exiles are returned, and lurk privately in town. At this I
was very much surprised, but recovering myself asked, Who are they,
sir, and where? We don’t know, said Archias, and therefore sent for
you, to enquire whether you had heard any clear discovery; and I, as it
were surprised, considering a little with myself, imagined that what
they heard was only uncertain report, and that none of the associates
had made this discovery (for then they would have known the house),
but that it was a groundless suspicion and rumor about town that came
to their ears, and therefore said: I remember, whilst Androclidas was
alive, that a great many idle lying stories were spread abroad, to
trouble and amuse us; but, sir, I have not heard one word of this, yet
if you please, I will enquire what ground there is for it, and if I
find any thing considerable, I shall give you notice. Yes, pray, said
Phyllidas, examine this matter very narrowly; slight no particular,
be very diligent and careful, foresight is very commendable and safe.
When he had said this, he led back Archias into the room, where they
are now drinking. But, sirs, let us not delay, but begging the God’s
assistance, put ourselves presently upon action. Upon this, we went to
prayers, and encouraged one another.
30. It was now full supper-time, the wind was high, and snow and
small rain fell, so that the streets and narrow lanes we passed
were all empty. They that were to assault Leontidas and Hypates,
whose houses joined, went out in their usual clothes, having no arms
besides their swords; amongst those were Pelopidas, Democlides, and
Cephisodorus. Charon, Melon, and the rest that were to set upon
Archias, put on breastplates, and shady fir or pine garlands upon
their heads; some dressed themselves in women’s clothes, so that they
looked like a drunken company of mummers. But our enemies’ unlucky
Fortune, Archidamus, resolving to make their folly and carelessness as
conspicuous as our eagerness and courage, and having, as in a play,
intermixed a great many dangerous underplots into our plan, now, at
the very point of its execution, presented to us a most unexpected
and hazardous adventure. For whilst Charon, as soon as ever he parted
from Archias and Philip, was come back and was setting us forward to
execute the design, a letter from Archias, the chief-priest of Athens,
was sent to Archias our governor, which contained a full discovery of
the plot, in what house the exiles met, and who were the associates.
Archias being now dead drunk, and quite beside himself with expectation
of the desired women, took the letter; and the bearer saying, “Sir,
it contains matter of concern,” “Matters of concern to-morrow,” he
replied, and clapped it under his cushion; and calling for the glass,
he bade the servant fill a brimmer, and sent Phyllidas often to the
door to see if the women were coming.
31. The hopes of this company made them sit long; and we coming
opportunely quickly forced our way through the servants to the hall,
and stood a little at the door, to take notice of every one at table;
our shady garlands and apparel disguising our intentions, all sat
silent, in expectation of what would follow. But as soon as Melon,
laying his hand upon his sword, was making through the midst of them,
Cabirichus (who was the archon chosen by lot) catching him by the
arm cried out to Phyllidas, Is not this Melon? Melon loosed his hold
presently, and drawing out his sword, made at staggering Archias,
and laid him dead on the floor; Charon wounded Philip in the neck,
and whilst he endeavored to defend himself with the cups that were
about him, Lysitheus threw him off his seat, and ran him through. We
persuaded Cabirichus to be quiet, not to assist the tyrants, but to
join with us to free his country, for whose good he was consecrated
governor and devoted to the Gods. But when being drunk he would not
harken to reason, but grew high, began to bustle, and turned the
point of his spear upon us (for our governors always carry a spear
with them), I catching it in the midst, and raising it higher than my
head, desired him to let it go and consult his own safety, for else
he would be killed. But Theopompus, standing on his right side and
smiting him with his sword, said: Lie there, with those whose interest
you espoused; thou shalt not wear the garland in freed Thebes, nor
sacrifice to the Gods any more, by whom thou hast so often curst thy
country, by making prayers so many times for the prosperity of her
enemies. Cabirichus falling, Theocritus standing by snatched up the
sacred spear, and kept it from being stained; and some few of the
servants that dared to resist we presently despatched; the others that
were quiet we shut up in the hall, being very unwilling that they
should get abroad and make any discovery, till we knew whether the
other company had succeeded in their attempt.
32. They managed their business thus: Pelopidas and those with him went
softly and knocked at Leontidas’s gate; and a servant coming to demand
their business, they said, they came from Athens, and brought a letter
from Callistratus to Leontidas. The servant went and acquainted his
master, and was ordered to open the door; as soon as it was unbarred,
they all violently rushed in, and overturning the servant ran through
the hall directly to Leontidas’s chamber. He, presently suspecting what
was the matter, drew his dagger and stood upon his guard; an unjust
man, it is true, and a tyrant, but courageous and strong of his hands;
but he forgot to put out the candle and get amongst the invaders in the
dark, and so appearing in the light, as soon as they opened the door,
he ran Cephisodorus through the belly. Next he engaged Pelopidas,
and cried out to the servants to come and help; but those Samidas and
his men secured, nor did they dare to come to handy blows with the
strongest and most valiant of the citizens. There was a smart encounter
between Pelopidas and Leontidas, for the passage was very narrow, and
Cephisodorus falling and dying in the midst, nobody else could come to
strike one blow. At last Pelopidas, receiving a slight wound in the
head, with repeated thrusts overthrew Leontidas, and killed him upon
Cephisodorus, who was yet breathing; for he saw his enemy fall, and
shaking Pelopidas by the hand, and saluting all the rest, he died with
a smile upon his face. This done, they went to the house of Hypates,
and entering after the same manner, they pursued Hypates, flying over
the roof into a neighbor’s house, and caught and killed him.
33. From thence they marched directly to us, and we met in the piazza;
and having saluted and told one another our success, we went all to
the prison. And Phyllidas, calling out the keeper, said: Philip and
Archias command you to bring Amphitheus presently before them. But
he, considering the unseasonableness of the time, and that Phyllidas,
as being yet hot and out of breath, spoke with more than ordinary
concern, suspected the cheat, and replied to Phyllidas: Pray, sir, did
ever the governors send for a prisoner at such a time before? Or ever
by you? What warrant do you bring? As he was prating thus, Phyllidas
ran him through,—a base fellow, upon whose carcass the next day many
women spat and trampled. We, breaking open the prison door, first
called out Amphitheus by name, and then others, as every one had a
mind; they, knowing our voice, jocundly leaped out of their straw in
which they lay, with their chains upon their legs. The others that
were in the stocks held out their hands, and begged us not to leave
them behind. These being set free, many of the neighbors came in to
us, understanding and rejoicing for what was done. The women too, as
soon as they were acquainted with the flying report, unmindful of the
Boeotian strictness, ran out to one another, and enquired of every
one they met how things went. Those that found their fathers or their
husbands followed them; for the tears and prayers of the modest women
were a very great incitement to all they met.
34. Our affairs being in this condition, understanding that
Epaminondas, Gorgidas, and their friends were drawing into a body about
Minerva’s temple, I went to them. Many honest worthy citizens at first
joined, and their number continually increased. When I had informed
them in the particulars of what was done, and desired them to march
into the market-place to assist their friends, they proclaimed liberty;
and the multitude were furnished with, arms out of the piazzas, that
were stuffed with spoil, and the neighboring armorers’ shops. Then
Hipposthenides with his friends and servants appeared, having by chance
joined the trumpeters that were coming to Thebes, against the feast of
Hercules. Straight some gave the alarm in the market-place, others in
other parts of the city, distracting their enemies on all sides, as
if the whole city was in arms. Some, lighting smoky fire, concealed
themselves in the cloud and fled to the castle, drawing to them the
select band which used to keep guard about the castle all night. The
garrison of the castle, when these poured in among them scattered and
in disorder, though they saw us all in confusion, and knew we had
no standing compact body, yet would not venture to make a descent,
though they were above five thousand strong. They were really afraid,
but pretended they dared not move without Lysanoridas’s orders, who,
contrary to his usual custom, was absent from the castle that day. For
which neglect, the Spartans (as I was told), having got Lysanoridas
into their hands, fined him heavily; and having taken Hermippidas and
Arcesus at Corinth, they put them both to death without delay. And
surrendering the castle to us upon articles, they marched out with
their garrison.