PELOPIDAS

Cato Major, hearing some commend one that was rash, and inconsiderately

daring in a battle, said, "There is a difference between a man's prizing

valor at a great rate, and valuing life at little;" a very just remark.

Antigonus, we know, at least, had a soldier, a venturous fellow, but of

wretched health and constitution; the reason of whose ill looks he took

the trouble to inquire into; and, on understanding from him that it was a

disease, commanded his physicians to employ their utmost skill, and if

possible recover him; which brave hero, when once cured, never afterwards

sought danger or showed himself venturous in battle; and, when Antigonus

wondered and upbraided him with his change, made no secret of the reason,

and said, "Sir, you are the cause of my cowardice, by freeing me from

those miseries which made me care little for life." With the same

feeling, the Sybarite seems to have said of the Spartans, that it was no

commendable thing in them to be so ready to die in the wars, since by

that they were freed from such hard labor, and miserable living. In

truth, the Sybarites, a soft and dissolute people, might very well

imagine they hated life, because in their eager pursuit of virtue and

glory, they were not afraid to die: but, in fact, the Lacedaemonians

found their virtue secured them happiness alike in living or in dying; as

we see in the epitaph that says:

They died, but not as lavish of their blood,

Or thinking death itself was simply good;

Their wishes neither were to live nor die,

But to do both alike commendably.

An endeavor to avoid death is not blamable, if we do not basely desire to

live; nor a willingness to die good and virtuous, if it proceeds from a

contempt of life. And therefore Homer always takes care to bring his

bravest and most daring heroes well armed into battle; and the Greek

lawgivers punished those that threw away their shields, but not him that

lost his sword or spear; intimating that self-defense is more a man's

business than offense. This is especially true of a governor of a city,

or a general; for if, as Iphicrates divides it out, the light-armed are

the hands; the horse the feet; the infantry the breast; and the general

the head; he, when he puts himself upon danger, not only ventures his own

person, but all those whose safety depends on his; and so on the

contrary. Callicratidas, therefore, though otherwise a great man, was

wrong in his answer to the augur who advised him, the sacrifice being

unlucky, to be careful of his life; "Sparta," said he, "will not miss one

man." It was true, Callicratidas, when simply serving in any engagement

either at sea or land, was but a single person, but as general, he united

in his life the lives of all, and could hardly be called one, when his

death involved the ruin of so many. The saying of old Antigonus was

better, who, when he was to fight at Andros, and one told him, "The

enemy's ships are more than ours;" replied, "For how many then wilt thou

reckon me?" intimating that a brave and experienced commander is to be

highly valued, one of the first duties of whose office indeed it is to

save him on whose safety depends that of others. And therefore I applaud

Timotheus, who, when Chares showed the wounds he had received, and his

shield pierced by a dart, told him, "Yet how ashamed I was, at the siege

of Samos, when a dart fell near me, for exposing myself, more like a boy

than like a general in command of a large army. "Indeed, where the

general's hazarding himself will go far to decide the result, there he

must fight and venture his person, and not mind their maxims, who would

have a general die, if not of, at least in old age; but when the

advantage will be but small if he gets the better, and the loss

considerable if he falls, who then would desire, at the risk of the

commander's life, a piece of success which a common soldier might obtain?

This I thought fit to premise before the lives of Pelopidas and

Marcellus, who were both great men, but who both fell by their own

rashness. For, being gallant men, and having gained their respective

countries great glory and reputation by their conduct in war against

terrible enemies, the one, as history relates, overthrowing Hannibal, who

was till then invincible; the other, in a set battle beating the

Lacedaemonians, then supreme both at sea and land; they ventured at last

too far, and were heedlessly prodigal of their lives, when there was the

greatest need of men and commanders such as they. And this agreement in

their characters and their deaths, is the reason why I compare their

lives.

Pelopidas, the son of Hippoclus, was descended, as likewise Epaminondas

was, from an honorable family in Thebes; and, being brought up to

opulence, and having a fair estate left him whilst he was young, he made

it his business to relieve the good and deserving amongst the poor, that

he might show himself lord and not slave of his estate. For amongst men,

as Aristotle observes, some are too narrow-minded to use their wealth,

and some are loose and abuse it; and these live perpetual slaves to their

pleasures, as the others to their gain. Others permitted themselves to

be obliged by Pelopidas, and thankfully made use of his liberality and

kindness; but amongst all his friends, he could never persuade

Epaminondas to be a sharer in his wealth. He, however, stepped down into

his poverty, and took pleasure in the same poor attire, spare diet,

unwearied endurance of hardships, and unshrinking boldness in war: like

Capaneus in Euripides, who had

Abundant wealth and in that wealth no pride;

he was ashamed any one should think that he spent more upon his person

than the meanest Theban. Epaminondas made his familiar and hereditary

poverty more light and easy, by his philosophy and single life; but

Pelopidas married a woman of good family, and had children; yet still

thinking little of his private interests, and devoting all his time to

the public, he ruined his estate: and, when his friends admonished and

told him how necessary that money which he neglected was; "Yes," he

replied, "necessary to Nicodemus," pointing to a blind cripple.

Both seemed equally fitted by nature for all sorts of excellence; but

bodily exercises chiefly delighted Pelopidas, learning Epaminondas; and

the one spent his spare hours in hunting, and the Palaestra, the other in

hearing lectures or philosophizing. And, amongst a thousand points for

praise in both, the judicious esteem nothing equal to that constant

benevolence and friendship, which they inviolably preserved in all their

expeditions, public actions, and administration of the commonwealth. For

if any one looks on the administrations of Aristides and Themistocles, of

Cimon and Pericles, of Nicias and Alcibiades, what confusion, what envy,

what mutual jealousy appears? And if he then casts his eye on the

kindness and reverence that Pelopidas showed Epaminondas, he must needs

confess, that these are more truly and more justly styled colleagues in

government and command than the others, who strove rather to overcome one

another, than their enemies The true cause of this was their virtue;

whence it came that they did not make their actions aim at wealth and

glory, an endeavor sure to lead to bitter and contentious jealousy; but

both from the beginning being inflamed with a divine desire of seeing

their country glorious by their exertions, they used to that end one

another's excellences as their own. Many, indeed, think this strict and

entire affection is to be dated from the battle at Mantinea, where they

both fought, being part of the succors that were sent from Thebes to the

Lacedaemonians, their then friends and allies. For, being placed

together amongst the infantry, and engaging the Arcadians, when the

Lacedaemonian wing, in which they fought, gave ground, and many fled,

they closed their shields together and resisted the assailants.

Pelopidas, having received seven wounds in the forepart of his body, fell

upon a heap of slain friends and enemies; but Epaminondas, though he

thought him past recovery, advanced to defend his arms and body, and

singly fought a multitude, resolving rather to die than forsake his

helpless Pelopidas. And now, he being much distressed, being wounded in

the breast by a spear, and in the arm by a sword, Agesipolis, the king of

the Spartans, came to his succor from the other wing, and beyond hope

delivered both.

After this the Lacedaemonians pretended to be friends to Thebes, but in

truth looked with jealous suspicions on the designs and power of the

city, and chiefly hated the party of Ismenias and Androclides, in which

Pelopidas also was an associate, as tending to liberty, and the

advancement of the commonalty. Therefore Archias, Leontidas, and Philip,

all rich men, and of oligarchical principles, and immoderately ambitious,

urged Phoebidas the Spartan, as he was on his way past the city with a

considerable force, to surprise the Cadmea, and, banishing the contrary

faction, to establish an oligarchy, and by that means subject the city to

the supremacy of the Spartans. He, accepting the proposal, at the

festival of Ceres unexpectedly fell on the Thebans, and made himself

master of the citadel. Ismenias was taken, carried to Sparta, and in a

short time murdered; but Pelopidas, Pherenicus, Androclides, and many

more that fled were publicly proclaimed outlaws. Epaminondas stayed at

home, being not much looked after, as one whom philosophy had made

inactive, and poverty incapable.

The Lacedaemonians cashiered Phoebidas, and fined him one hundred

thousand drachmas, yet still kept a garrison in the Cadmea; which made

all Greece wonder at their inconsistency, since they punished the doer,

but approved the deed. And though the Thebans, having lost their polity,

and being enslaved by Archias and Leontidas, had no hopes to get free

from this tyranny, which they saw guarded by the whole military power of

the Spartans, and had no means to break the yoke, unless these could be

deposed from their command of sea and land; yet Leontidas and his

associates, understanding that the exiles lived at Athens in favor with

the people, and with honor from all the good and virtuous, formed secret

designs against their lives, and, suborning some unknown fellows,

dispatched Androclides, but were not successful on the rest. Letters,

besides, were sent from Sparta to the Athenians, warning them neither to

receive nor countenance the exiles, but expel them as declared common

enemies of the confederacy. But the Athenians, from their natural

hereditary inclination to be kind, and also to make a grateful return to

the Thebans, who had very much assisted them in restoring their

democracy, and had publicly enacted, that if any Athenian would march

armed through Boeotia against the tyrants, that no Boeotian should either

see or hear it, did the Thebans no harm.

Pelopidas, though one of the youngest, was active in privately exciting

each single exile; and often told them at their meetings, that it was

both dishonorable and impious to neglect their enslaved and engarrisoned

country, and, lazily contented with their own lives and safety, depend on

the decrees of the Athenians, and through fear fawn on every

smooth-tongued orator that was able to work upon the people: now they

must venture for this great prize, taking Thrasybulus' bold courage for

example, and as he advanced from Thebes and broke the power of the

Athenian tyrants, so they should march from Athens and free Thebes. When

by this method he had persuaded them, they privately dispatched some

persons to those friends they had left at Thebes, and acquainted them

with their designs. Their plans being approved, Charon, a man of the

greatest distinction, offered his house for their reception; Phillidas

contrived to get himself made secretary to Archias and Philip, who then

held the office of polemarch or chief captain; and Epaminondas had

already inflamed the youth. For, in their exercises, he had encouraged

them to challenge and wrestle with the Spartans, and again, when he saw

them puffed up with victory and success, sharply told them, it was the

greater shame to be such cowards as to serve those whom in strength they

so much excelled.

The day for action being fixed, it was agreed upon by the exiles, that

Pherenicus with the rest should stay in the Thriasian plain, while some

few of the younger men tried the first danger, by endeavoring to get into

the city; and, if they were surprised by their enemies, the others should

take care to provide for their children and parents. Pelopidas first

offered to undertake the business; then Melon, Damoclides, and

Theopompus, men of noble families, who, in other things loving and

faithful to one another, were constant rivals only in glory and

courageous exploits. They were twelve in all, and having taken leave of

those that stayed behind, and sent a messenger to Charon, they went

forward, clad in short coats, and carrying hounds and hunting poles with

them, that they might be taken for hunters beating over the fields, and

prevent all suspicion in those that met them on the way. When the

messenger came to Charon, and told him they were approaching, he did not

change his resolution at the sight of danger, but, being a man of his

word, offered them his house. But one Hipposthenidas, a man of no ill

principles, a lover of his country, and a friend to the exiles, but not

of as much resolution as the shortness of time and the character of the

action required, being as it were dizzied at the greatness of the

approaching enterprise; and beginning now for the first time to

comprehend that, relying on that weak assistance which could be expected

from the exiles, they were undertaking no less a task than to shake the

government, and overthrow the whole power of Sparta; went privately to

his house, and sent a friend to Melon and Pelopidas, desiring them to

forbear for the present, to return to Athens and expect a better

opportunity. The messenger's name was Chlidon, who, going home in haste

and bringing out his horse, asked for the bridle; but, his wife not

knowing where it was, and, when it could not be found, telling him she

had lent it to a friend, first they began to chide, then to curse one

another, and his wife wished the journey might prove ill to him, and

those that sent him; insomuch that Chlidon's passion made him waste a

great part of the day in this quarreling, and then, looking on this

chance as an omen, he laid aside all thoughts of his journey, and went

away to some other business. So nearly had these great and glorious

designs, even in their very birth, lost their opportunity.

But Pelopidas and his companions, dressing themselves like countrymen,

divided, and, whilst it was yet day, entered at different quarters of the

city. It was, besides, a windy day, and it now just began to snow, which

contributed much to their concealment, because most people were gone in

doors to avoid the weather. Those, however, that were concerned in the

design, received them as they came, and conducted them to Charon's house,

where the exiles and the others made up forty-eight in number. The

tyrants' affairs stood thus: the secretary, Phillidas, as I have already

observed, was an accomplice in, and privy to all the contrivance of the

exiles, and he a while before had invited Archias, with others, to an

entertainment on that day, to drink freely, and meet some women of the

town, on purpose that when they were drunk, and given up to their

pleasures, he might deliver them over to the conspirators. But before

Archias was thoroughly heated, notice was given him that the exiles were

privately in the town; a true report indeed, but obscure, and not well

confirmed: nevertheless, though Phillidas endeavored to divert the

discourse, Archias sent one of his guard to Charon, and commanded him to

attend immediately. It was evening, and Pelopidas and his friends with

him in the house, were putting themselves into a fit posture for action,

having their breastplates on already, and their swords girt: but at the

sudden knocking at the door, one stepping forth to inquire the matter,

and learning from the officer that Charon was sent for by the polemarchs,

returned in great confusion and acquainted those within; and all

immediately conjectured that the whole plot was discovered, and they

should be cut in pieces, before so much as achieving any action to do

credit to their bravery; yet all agreed that Charon should obey, and

attend the polemarchs, to prevent suspicion. Charon was, indeed, a man

of courage and resolution in all dangers, yet in this case he was

extremely concerned, lest any should suspect that he was the traitor, and

the death of so many brave citizens be laid on him. And, therefore, when

he was ready to depart, he brought his son out of the women's

apartment, a little boy as yet, but one of the best looking and strongest

of all those of his age, and delivered him to Pelopidas with these words:

"If you find me a traitor, treat this boy as an enemy without any mercy."

The concern which Charon showed, drew tears from many; but all protested

vehemently against his supposing any one of them so mean-spirited and

base, at the appearance of approaching danger, as to suspect or blame

him; and therefore, desired him not to involve his son, but to set him

out of harm's way; that so he, perhaps, escaping the tyrant's power,

might live to revenge the city and his friends. Charon, however, refused

to remove him, and asked, "What life, what safety could be more

honorable, than to die bravely with his father, and such generous

companions?" Thus, imploring the protection of the gods, and saluting

and encouraging them all, he departed, considering with himself, and

composing his voice and countenance, that he might look as little like as

possible to what in fact he really was.

When he was come to the door, Archias with Phillidas came out to him, and

said, "I have heard, Charon, that there are some men just come, and

lurking in the town, and that some of the citizens are resorting to

them." Charon was at first disturbed, but asking, "Who are they? and who

conceals them?" and finding Archias did not thoroughly understand the

matter, he concluded that none of those privy to the design had given

this information, and replied, "Do not disturb yourselves for an empty

rumor: I will look into it, however, for no report in such a case is to

be neglected." Phillidas, who stood by, commended him, and leading back

Archias, got him deep in drink, still prolonging the entertainment with

the hopes of the women's company at last. But when Charon returned, and

found the men prepared, not as if they hoped for safety and success, but

to die bravely and with the slaughter of their enemies, he told Pelopidas

and his friends the truth, but pretended to others in the house that

Archias talked to him about something else, inventing a story for the

occasion. This storm was just blowing over, when fortune brought

another; for a messenger came with a letter from one Archias, the

Hierophant at Athens, to his namesake Archias, who was his friend and

guest. This did not merely contain a vague conjectural suspicion, but,

as appeared afterwards, disclosed every particular of the design. The

messenger being brought in to Archias, who was now pretty well drunk, and

delivering the letter, said to him, "The writer of this desired it might

be read at once; it is on urgent business." Archias, with a smile,

replied, "Urgent business tomorrow," and so receiving the letter, he put

it under his pillow, and returned to what he had been speaking of with

Phillidas; and these words of his are a proverb to this day amongst the

Greeks.

Now when the opportunity seemed convenient for action, they set out in

two companies; Pelopidas and Damoclides with their party went against

Leontidas and Hypates, that lived near together; Charon and Melon against

Archias and Philip, having put on women's apparel over their

breastplates, and thick garlands of fir and pine to shade their faces;

and so, as soon as they came to the door, the guests clapped and gave a

huzza, supposing them to be the women they expected. But when the

conspirators had looked about the room, and carefully marked all that

were at the entertainment, they drew their swords, and making at Archias

and Philip amongst the tables, disclosed who they were. Phillidas

persuaded some few of his guests to sit still, and those that got up and

endeavored to assist the polemarchs, being drunk were easily dispatched.

But Pelopidas and his party met with a harder task; as they attempted

Leontidas, a sober and formidable man, and when they came to his house

found his doors shut, he being already gone to bed. They knocked a long

time before any one would answer, but, at last, a servant that heard

them, coming out and unbarring the door, as soon as the gate gave way,

they rushed in, and, overturning the man, made all haste to Leontidas's

chamber. But Leontidas, guessing at the matter by the noise and running,

leaped from his bed and drew his dagger, but forgot to put out the

lights, and by that means make them fall foul on one another in the dark.

As it was, being easily seen by reason of the light, he received them at

his chamber door, and stabbed Cephisodorus, the first man that entered:

on his falling, the next that he engaged was Pelopidas; and the passage

being narrow and Cephisodorus's body lying in the way, there was a fierce

and dangerous conflict. At last Pelopidas prevailed, and having killed

Leontidas, he and his companions went in pursuit of Hypates, and after

the same manner broke into his house. He perceived the design, and fled

to his neighbors; but they closely followed, and caught and killed him.

This done they joined Melon, and sent to hasten the exiles they had left

in Attica: and called upon the citizens to maintain their liberty, and

taking down the spoils from the porches, and breaking open all the

armorers' shops that were near, equipped those that came to their

assistance. Epaminondas and Gorgidas came in already armed, with a

gallant train of young men, and the best of the old. Now the city was in

a great excitement and confusion, a great noise and hurry, lights set up

in every house, men running here and there; however, the people did not

as yet gather into a body, but, amazed at the proceedings, and not

clearly understanding the matter waited for the day. And, therefore, the

Spartan officers were thought to have been in fault for not falling on at

once, since their garrison consisted of about fifteen hundred men, and

many of the citizens ran to them; but, alarmed with the noise, the fires,

and the confused running of the people, they kept quietly within the

Cadmea. As soon as day appeared, the exiles from Attica came in armed,

and there was a general assembly of the people. Epaminondas and Gorgidas

brought forth Pelopidas and his party, encompassed by the priests, who

held out garlands, and exhorted the people to fight for their country and

their gods. The assembly, at their appearance, rose up in a body, and

with shouts and acclamations received the men as their deliverers and

benefactors.

Then Pelopidas, being chosen chief captain of Boeotia, together with

Melon and Charon, proceeded at once to blockade the citadel, and stormed

it on all sides, being extremely desirous to expel the Lacedaemonians,

and free the Cadmea, before an army could come from Sparta to their

relief. And he just so narrowly succeeded, that they, having surrendered

on terms and departed, on their way home met Cleombrotus at Megara

marching towards Thebes with a considerable force. The Spartans

condemned and executed Herippidas and Arcissus, two of their governors@

at Thebes, and Lysanoridas the third being severely fined, fled

Peloponnesus. This action so closely resembling that of Thrasybulus, in

the courage of the actors, the danger, the encounters, and equally

crowned with success, was called the sister of it by the Greeks. For we

can scarcely find any other examples where so small and weak a party of

men by bold courage overcame such numerous and powerful enemies, or

brought greater blessings to their country by so doing. But the

subsequent change of affairs made this action the more famous; for the

war which forever ruined the pretensions of Sparta to command, and put an

end to the supremacy she then exercised alike by sea and by land,

proceeded from that night, in which Pelopidas not surprising any fort, or

castle, or citadel, but coming, the twelfth man, to a private house,

loosed and broke, if we may speak truth in metaphor, the chains of the

Spartan sway, which before seemed of adamant and indissoluble.

But now the Lacedaemonians invading Boeotia with a great army, the

Athenians, affrighted at the danger, declared themselves no allies to

Thebes, and prosecuting those that stood for the Boeotian interest,

executed some, and banished and fined others: and the cause of Thebes,

destitute of allies, seemed in a desperate condition. But Pelopidas and

Gorgidas, holding the office of captains of Boeotia, designing to breed a

quarrel between the Lacedaemonians and Athenians, made this contrivance.

One Sphodrias, a Spartan, a man famous indeed for courage in battle, but

of no sound judgment, full of ungrounded hopes and foolish ambition, was

left with an army at Thespiae, to receive and succor the Theban

renegades. To him Pelopidas and his colleagues privately sent a

merchant, one of their friends, with money, and, what proved more

efficient, advice, -- that it more became a man of his worth to set upon

some great enterprise, and that he should, making a sudden incursion on

the unprotected Athenians, surprise the Piraeus; since nothing could be

so grateful to Sparta, as to take Athens; and the Thebans, of course,

would not stir to the assistance of men whom they now hated and looked

upon as traitors. Sphodrias, being at last wrought upon, marched into

Attica by night with his army, and advanced as far as Eleusis; but there

his soldiers' hearts failing, after exposing his project and involving

the Spartans in a dangerous war, he retreated to Thespiae. After this,

the Athenians zealously sent supplies to Thebes, and putting to sea,

sailed to many places, and offered support and protection to all those of

the Greeks who were willing to revolt.

The Thebans, meantime, singly, having many skirmishes with the Spartans

in Boeotia, and fighting some battles, not great indeed, but important as

training and instructing them, thus had their minds raised, and their

bodies inured to labor, and gained both experience and courage by these

frequent encounters; insomuch that we have it related that Antalcidas,

the Spartan, said to Agesilaus, returning wounded from Boeotia, "Indeed,

the Thebans have paid you handsomely for instructing them in the art of

war, against their wills." In real truth, however, Agesilaus was not

their master in this, but those that prudently and opportunely, as men do

young dogs, set them on their enemies, and brought them safely off after

they had tasted the sweets of victory and resolution. Of all those

leaders, Pelopidas deserves the most honor: as after they had once

chosen him general, he was every year in command as long as he lived;

either captain of the sacred band, or, what was most frequent, chief

captain of Boeotia. About Plataea and Thespiae the Spartans were

routed and put to flight, and Phoebidas, that surprised the Cadmea,

slain; and at Tanagra a considerable force was worsted, and the leader

Panthoides killed. But these encounters, though they raised the victor's

spirits, did not thoroughly dishearten the unsuccessful; for there was no

set battle, or regular fighting, but mere incursions on advantage, in

which, according to occasion, they charged, retired again, or pursued.

But the battle at Tegyrae, which seemed a prelude to Leuctra, won

Pelopidas a great reputation; for none of the other commanders could

claim any hand in the design, nor the enemies any show of victory. The

city of the Orchomenians siding with the Spartans, and having received

two companies for its guard, he kept a constant eye upon it, and

watched his opportunity. Hearing that the garrison had moved into

Locris, and hoping to find Orchomenus defenseless, he marched with his

sacred band, and some few horsemen. But when he approached the city, and

found that a reinforcement of the garrison was on its march from Sparta,

he made a circuit round the foot of the mountains, and retreated with his

little army through Tegyrae, that being the only way he could pass. For

the river Melas, almost as soon as it rises, spreads itself into marshes

and navigable pools, and makes all the plain between impassable. A

little below the marshes stands the temple and oracle of Apollo

Tegyraeus, forsaken not long before that time, having flourished till the

Median wars, Echecrates then being priest. Here they profess that the god

was born; the neighboring mountain is called Delos, and there the river

Melas comes again into a channel; behind the temple rise two springs,

admirable for the sweetness, abundance, and coolness of the streams; one

they call Phoenix, the other Elaea, even to the present time, as if

Lucina had not been delivered between two trees, but fountains. A place

hard by, called Ptoum, is shown, where they say she was affrighted by the

appearance of a boar; and the stories of the Python and Tityus are in

like manner appropriated by these localities. I omit many of the points

that are used as arguments. For our tradition does not rank this god

amongst those that were born, and then made immortal, as Hercules and

Bacchus, whom their virtue raised above a mortal and passable condition;

but Apollo is one of the eternal unbegotten deities, if we may collect

any certainty concerning these things, from the statements of the oldest

and wisest in such subjects.

As Thebans were retreating from Orchomenus towards Tegyrae, the

Spartans, at the same time marching from Locris, met them. As soon as

they came in view, advancing through the straits, one told Pelopidas, "We

are fallen into our enemy's hands;" he replied, "And why not they into

ours?" and immediately commanded his horse to come up from the rear and

charge, while he himself drew his infantry, being three hundred in

number, into a close body, hoping by that means, at whatsoever point he

made the attack, to break his way through his more numerous enemies. The

Spartans had two companies, (the company consisting, as Ephorus states,

of five hundred; Callisthenes says seven hundred; others, as Polybius,

nine hundred) and their leaders, Gorgoleon and Theopompus, confident of

success, advanced upon the Thebans. The charge being made with much

fury, chiefly where the commanders were posted, the Spartan captains that

engaged Pelopidas were first killed; and those immediately around them

suffering severely, the whole army was thus disheartened, and opened a

lane for the Thebans, as if they desired to pass through and escape. But

when Pelopidas entered, and turning against those that stood their

ground, still went on with a bloody slaughter, an open fight ensued

amongst the Spartans. The pursuit was carried but a little way, because

they feared the neighboring Orchomenians, and the reinforcement from

Lacedaemon; they had succeeded, however, in fighting a way through their

enemies, and overpowering their whole force; and, therefore, erecting a

trophy, and spoiling the slain, they returned home extremely encouraged

with their achievements. For in all the great wars there had ever been

against Greeks or barbarians, the Spartans were never before beaten by a

smaller company than their own; nor, indeed, in a set battle, when their

number was equal. Hence their courage was thought irresistible, and

their high repute before the battle made a conquest already of enemies,

who thought themselves no match for the men of Sparta even on equal

terms. But this battle first taught the other Greeks, that not only

Eurotas, or the country between Babyce and Cnacion, breeds men of courage

and resolution; but that where the youth are ashamed of baseness, and

ready to venture in a good cause, where they fly disgrace more than

danger, there, wherever it be, are found the bravest and most formidable

opponents.

Gorgidas, according to some, first formed the Sacred Band of three

hundred chosen men, to whom, as being a guard for the citadel, the State

allowed provision, and all things necessary for exercise: and hence they

were called the city band, as citadels of old were usually called cities.

Others say that it was composed of young men attached to each other by

personal affection, and a pleasant saying of Pammenes is current, that

Homer's Nestor was not well skilled in ordering an army, when he advised

the Greeks to rank tribe and tribe, and family and family together, that

So tribe might tribe, and kinsmen kinsmen aid,

but that he should have joined lovers and their beloved. For men of the

same tribe or family little value one another when dangers press; but a

band cemented by friendship grounded upon love, is never to be broken,

and invincible; since the lovers, ashamed to be base in sight of their

beloved, and the beloved before their lovers, willingly rush into danger

for the relief of one another. Nor can that be wondered at; since they

have more regard for their absent lovers than for others present; as in

the instance of the man, who, when his enemy was going to kill him,

earnestly requested him to run him through the breast, that his lover

might not blush to see him wounded in the back. It is a tradition

likewise, that Iolaus, who assisted Hercules in his labors and fought at

his side, was beloved of him; and Aristotle observes, that even in his

time, lovers plighted their faith at Iolaus's tomb. It is likely,

therefore, that this band was called sacred on this account; as Plato

calls a lover a divine friend. It is stated that it was never beaten

till the battle at Chaeronea: and when Philip, after the fight, took a

view of the slain, and came to the place where the three hundred that

fought his phalanx lay dead together, he wondered, and understanding that

it was the band of lovers, he shed tears and said, "Perish any man who

suspects that these men either did or suffered anything that was base."

It was not the disaster of Laius, as the poets imagine, that first gave

rise to this form of attachment amongst the Thebans, but their

law-givers, designing to soften, whilst they were young, their natural

fierceness, brought, for example, the pipe into great esteem, both in

serious and sportive occasions, and gave great encouragement to these

friendships in the Palaestra, to temper the manners and characters of the

youth. With a view to this they did well, again, to make Harmony, the

daughter of Mars and Venus, their tutelar deity; since, where force and

courage is joined with gracefulness and winning behavior a harmony ensues

that combines all the elements of society in perfect consonance and

order. -- Gorgidas distributed this Sacred Band all through the front

ranks of the infantry and thus made their gallantry less conspicuous; not

being united in one body, but mingled with so many others of inferior

resolution, they had no fair opportunity of showing what they could do.

But Pelopidas, having sufficiently tried their bravery at Tegyrae, where

they had fought alone, and around his own person, never afterward

divided them, but keeping them entire, and as one man, gave them the

first duty in the greatest battles. For as horses run brisker in a

chariot than singly, not that their joint force divides the air with

greater ease, but because being matched one against the other, emulation

kindles and inflames their courage; thus he thought, brave men, provoking

one another to noble actions, would prove most serviceable and most

resolute, where all were united together.

Now when the Lacedaemonians had made peace with the other Greeks, and

united all their strength against the Thebans only, and their king,

Cleombrotus, had passed the frontier with ten thousand foot and one

thousand horse, and not only subjection, as heretofore, but total

dispersion and annihilation threatened, and Boeotia was in a greater fear

than ever, -- Pelopidas, leaving his house, when his wife followed him on

his way, and with tears begged him to be careful of his life, made

answer, "Private men, my wife, should be advised to look to themselves,

generals to save others." And when he came to the camp, and found the

chief captains disagreeing, he, first, joined the side of Epaminondas,

who advised to fight the enemy; though Pelopidas himself was not then in

office as chief captain of Boeotia, but in command of the Sacred Band,

and trusted as it was fit a man should be, who had given his country such

proofs of his zeal for its freedom. And so, when a battle was agreed on,

and they encamped in front of the Spartans at Leuctra, Pelopidas saw a

vision, which much discomposed him. In that plain lie the bodies of the

daughters of one Scedasus, called from the place Leuctridae, having been

buried there, after having been ravished by some Spartan strangers. When

this base and lawless deed was done, and their father could get no

satisfaction at Lacedaemon, with bitter imprecations on the Spartans, he

killed himself at his daughters' tombs: and, from that time, the

prophecies and oracles still warned them to have a great care of the

divine vengeance at Leuctra. Many, however, did not understand the

meaning, being uncertain about the place, because there was a little

maritime town of Laconia called Leuctron, and near Megalopolis in Arcadia

a place of the same name; and the villainy was committed long before this

battle.

Now Pelopidas, being asleep in the camp, thought he saw the maidens

weeping about their tombs, and cursing the Spartans, and Scedasus

commanding, if they desired the victory, to sacrifice a virgin with

chestnut hair to his daughters. Pelopidas looked on this as an harsh and

impious injunction, but rose and told it to the prophets and commanders

of the army, some of whom contended, that it was fit to obey, and adduced

as examples from the ancients, Menoeceus, son of Creon; Macaria, daughter

of Hercules; and from later times, Pherecydes the philosopher, slain by

the Lacedaemonians, and his skin, as the oracles advised, still kept by

their kings. Leonidas, again, warned by the oracle, did as it were

sacrifice himself for the good of Greece; Themistocles offered human

victims to Bacchus Omestes, before the engagement at Salamis; and success

showed their actions to be good. On the contrary, Agesilaus going from

the same place, and against the same enemies that Agamemnon did, and,

being commanded in a dream at Aulis to sacrifice his daughter, was so

weak as to disobey; the consequence of which was, that his expedition was

unsuccessful and inglorious. But some on the other side urged, that such

a barbarous and impious oblation could not be pleasing to any Superior

Beings: that typhons and giants did not preside over the world, but the

general father of gods and men; that it was absurd to imagine any

divinities or powers delighted in slaughter and sacrifices of men; or, if

there were an, such, they were to be neglected, as weak and unable to

assist; such unreasonable and cruel desires could only proceed from, and

live in weak and depraved minds.

The commanders thus disputing, and Pelopidas being in a great perplexity,

a mare colt, breaking from the herd, ran through the camp, and when she

came to the place where they were, stood still; and whilst some admired

her bright chestnut color, others her mettle, or the strength and fury of

her neighing, Theocritus, the augur, took thought, and cried out to

Pelopidas, "O good friend! look, the sacrifice is come; expect no other

virgin, but use that which the gods have sent thee." With that they took

the colt, and, leading her to the maidens' sepulchres, with the usual

solemnity and prayers, offered her with joy, and spread through the whole

army the account of Pelopidas's dream, and how they had given the

required sacrifice.

In the battle, Epaminondas, bending his phalanx to the left, that, as

much as possible, he might divide the right wing, composed of Spartans,

from the other Greeks, and distress Cleombrotus, by a fierce charge in

column on that wing, the enemies perceived the design, and began to

change their order, to open and extend their right wing, and, as they far

exceeded him in number, to encompass Epaminondas. But Pelopidas with the

three hundred came rapidly up, before Cleombrotus could extend his line,

and close up his divisions, and so fell upon the Spartans while in

disorder; though the Lacedaemonians, the expertest and most practiced

soldiers of all mankind, used to train and accustom themselves to nothing

so much as to keep themselves from confusion upon any change of position,

and to follow any leader, or right hand man, and form in order, and fight

on what part soever dangers press. In this battle, however, Epaminondas

with his phalanx, neglecting the other Greeks, and charging them alone,

and Pelopidas coming up with such incredible speed and fury, so broke

their courage, and baffled their art, that there began such a flight and

slaughter amongst the Spartans, as was never before known. And so

Pelopidas, though in no high office, but only captain of a small band,

got as much reputation by the victory, as Epaminondas, who was general

and chief captain of Boeotia.

Into Peloponnesus, however, they both advanced together as colleagues in

supreme command, and gained the greater part of the nations there from

the Spartan confederacy; Elis, Argo, all Arcadia, and much of Laconia

itself. It was the dead of winter, and but few of the last days of the

month remained, and, in the beginning of the next, new officers were to

succeed, and whoever failed to deliver up his charge, forfeited his head.

Therefore, the other chief captains fearing the law, and to avoid the

sharpness of the winter, advised a retreat. But Pelopidas joined with

Epaminondas, and, encouraging his countrymen, led them against Sparta,

and, passing the Eurotas, took many of the towns, and wasted the country

as far as the sea. This army consisted of seventy thousand Greeks, of

which number the Thebans could not make the twelfth part; but the

reputation of the men made all their allies contented to follow them as

leaders, though no articles to that effect had been made. For, indeed,

it seems the first and paramount law, that he that wants a defender, is

naturally a subject to him that is able to defend: as mariners, though

in a calm or in the port they grow insolent, and brave the pilot, yet

when a storm comes, and danger is at hand, they all attend, and put their

hopes in him. So the Argives, Eleans, and Arcadians, in their

congresses, would contend with the Thebans for superiority in command,

yet in a battle, or any hazardous undertaking, of their own will followed

their Theban captains. In this expedition, they united all Arcadia into

one body, and, expelling the Spartans that inhabited Messenia, they

called back the old Messenians, and established them in Ithome in one

body; -- and, returning through Cenchreae, they dispersed the Athenians, who

designed to set upon them in the straits, and hinder their march.

For these exploits, all the other Greeks loved their courage, and admired

their success; but among their own citizens, envy, still increasing with

their glory, prepared them no pleasing nor agreeable reception. Both

were tried for their lives, because they did not deliver up their command

in the first month, Bucatius, as the law required, but kept it four

months longer, in which time they did these memorable actions in

Messenia, Arcadia, and Laconia. Pelopidas was first tried, and therefore

in greatest danger, but both were acquitted. Epaminondas bore the

accusation and trial very patiently, esteeming it a great and essential

part of courage and generosity, not to resent injuries in political life.

But Pelopidas, being a man of a fiercer temper, and stirred on by his

friends to revenge the affront, took the following occasion. Meneclidas,

the orator, was one of those that had met with Melon and Pelopidas at

Charon's house; but not receiving equal honor, and being powerful in his

speech, but loose in his manners, and ill-natured, he abused his natural

endowments, even after this trial, to accuse and calumniate his betters.

He excluded Epaminondas from the chief captaincy, and for a long time

kept the upper hand of him; but he was not powerful enough to bring

Pelopidas out of the people's favor, and therefore endeavored to raise a

quarrel between him and Charon. And since it is some comfort to the

envious, to make those men, whom themselves cannot excel, appear worse

than others, he studiously enlarged upon Charon's actions in his speeches

to the people, and made panegyrics on his expeditions and victories; and,

of the victory which the horsemen won at Plataea, before the battle at

Leuctra, under Charon's command, he endeavored to make the following

sacred memorial. Androcydes, the Cyzicenian, had undertaken to paint a

previous battle for the city, and was at work in Thebes; and when the

revolt began, and the war came on, the Thebans kept the picture that was

then almost finished. This picture Meneclidas persuaded them to

dedicate, inscribed with Charon's name, designing by that means to

obscure the glory of Epaminondas and Pelopidas. This was a ludicrous

piece of pretension; to set a single victory, where only one Gerandas, an

obscure Spartan, and forty more were slain, above such numerous and

important battles. This motion Pelopidas opposed, as contrary to law,

alleging that it was not the custom of the Thebans to honor any single

man, but to attribute the victory to their country; yet in all the

contest, he extremely commended Charon, and confined himself to showing

Meneclidas to be a troublesome and envious fellow, asking the Thebans, if

they had done nothing that was excellent, .... insomuch that

Meneclidas was severely fined; and he, being unable to pay, endeavored

afterwards to disturb the government. These things give us some light

into Pelopidas's life.

Now when Alexander, the tyrant of Pherae, made open war against some of

the Thessalians, and had designs against all, the cities sent an embassy

to Thebes, to desire succors and a general; and Pelopidas, knowing that

Epaminondas was detained by the Peloponnesian affairs, offered himself to

lead the Thessalians, being unwilling to let his courage and skill lie

idle, and thinking it unfit that Epaminondas should be withdrawn from his

present duties. When he came into Thessaly with his army, he presently

took Larissa, and endeavored to reclaim Alexander, who submitted, and

bring him, from being a tyrant, to govern gently, and according to law;

but finding him untractable and brutish, and hearing great complaints of

his lust and cruelty, Pelopidas began to be severe, and used him roughly,

insomuch that the tyrant stole away privately with his guard. But

Pelopidas, leaving the Thessalians fearless of the tyrant, and friends

amongst themselves, marched into Macedonia, where Ptolemy was then at war

with Alexander, the king of Macedon; both parties having sent for him to

hear and determine their differences, and assist the one that appeared

injured. When he came, he reconciled them, called back the exiles, and,

receiving for hostages Philip the king's brother, and thirty children of

the nobles, he brought them to Thebes; showing the other Greeks how wide

a reputation the Thebans had gained for honesty and courage. This was

that Philip who afterward endeavored to enslave the Greeks: then he was

a boy, and lived with Pammenes in Thebes; and hence some conjecture, that

he took Epaminondas's actions for the rule of his own; and perhaps,

indeed, he did take example from his activity and skill in war, which,

however, was but a small portion of his virtues; of his temperance,

justice, generosity, and mildness, in which he was truly great, Philip

enjoyed no share, either by nature or imitation.

After this, upon a second complaint of the Thessalians against Alexander

of Pherae, as a disturber of the cities, Pelopidas was joined with

Ismenias, in an embassy to him; but led no forces from Thebes, not

expecting any war, and therefore was necessitated to make use of the

Thessalians upon the emergency. At the same time, also, Macedon was in

confusion again, as Ptolemy had murdered the king, and seized the

government: but the king's friends sent for Pelopidas, and he, being

willing to interpose in the matter, but having no soldiers of his own,

enlisted some mercenaries in the country, and with them marched against

Ptolemy. When they faced one another, Ptolemy corrupted these

mercenaries with a sum of money, and persuaded them to revolt to him; but

yet, fearing the very name and reputation of Pelopidas, he came to him as

his superior, submitted, begged his pardon, and protested that he kept

the government only for the brothers of the dead king, and would prove a

friend to the friends, and an enemy to the enemies of Thebes; and, to

confirm this, he gave his son, Philoxenus, and fifty of his companions,

for hostages. These Pelopidas sent to Thebes; but he himself, being

vexed at the treachery of the mercenaries, and understanding that most of

their goods, their wives and children, lay at Pharsalus, so that if he

could take them, the injury would be sufficiently revenged, got together

some of the Thessalians, and marched to Pharsalus. When he had just

entered the city, Alexander, the tyrant, appeared before it with an army;

but Pelopidas and his friends, thinking that he came to clear himself

from those crimes that were laid to his charge, went to him; and though

they knew very well that he was profligate and cruel, yet they imagined

that the authority of Thebes, and their own dignity and reputation, would

secure them from violence. But the tyrant, seeing them come unarmed and

alone, seized them, and made himself master of Pharsalus. Upon this his

subjects were much intimidated, thinking that after so great and so bold

an iniquity, he would spare none, but behave himself toward all, and in

all matters, as one despairing of his life. The Thebans, when they heard

of this, were very much enraged, and dispatched an army, Epaminondas

being then in disgrace, under the command of other leaders. When the

tyrant brought Pelopidas to Pherae, at first he permitted those that

desired it to speak with him, imagining that this disaster would break

his spirit, and make him appear contemptible. But when Pelopidas advised

the complaining Pheraeans to be comforted, as if the tyrant was now

certain in a short time to smart for his injuries, and sent to tell him,

"That it was absurd daily to torment and murder his wretched innocent

subjects, and yet spare him, who, he well knew, if ever he got his

liberty, would be bitterly revenged;" the tyrant, wondering at his

boldness and freedom of speech, replied, "And why is Pelopidas in haste

to die?" He, hearing of it, rejoined, "That you may be the sooner

ruined, being then more hated by the gods than now." From that time he

forbade any to converse with him; but Thebe, the daughter of Jason and

wife to Alexander, hearing from the keepers of the bravery and noble

behavior of Pelopidas, had a great desire to see and speak with him. Now

when she came into the prison, and, as a woman, could not at once discern

his greatness in his calamity, only, judging by the meanness of his

attire and general appearance, that he was used basely and not befitting

a man of his reputation, she wept. Pelopidas, at first not knowing who

she was, stood amazed; but when he understood, saluted her by her

father's name -- Jason and he having been friends and familiars -- and

she saying, "I pity your wife, Sir," he replied, "And I you, that though

not in chains, can endure Alexander." This touched the woman, who

already hated Alexander for his cruelty and injustice, for his general

debaucheries, and for his abuse of her youngest brother. She, therefore,

often went to Pelopidas, and, speaking freely of the indignities she

suffered, grew more enraged, and more exasperated against Alexander.

The Theban generals that were sent into Thessaly did nothing, but, being

either unskillful or unfortunate, made a dishonorable retreat, for which

the city fined each of them ten thousand drachmas, and sent Epaminondas

with their forces. The Thessalians, inspirited by the fame of this

general, at once began to stir, and the tyrant's affairs were at the

verge of destruction; so great was the fear that possessed his captains

and his friends, and so eager the desire of his subjects to revolt, in

hope of his speedy punishment. But Epaminondas, more solicitous for the

safety of Pelopidas than his own glory, and fearing that if things came

to extremity, Alexander would grow desperate, and, like a wild beast,

turn and worry him, did not prosecute the war to the utmost; but,

hovering still over him with his army, he so handled the tyrant as not to

leave him any confidence, and yet not to drive him to despair and fury.

He was aware of his savageness, and the little value he had for right and

justice, insomuch that sometimes he buried men alive, and sometimes

dressed them in bear's and boar's skins, and then baited them with dogs,

or shot at them for his divertisement. At Meliboea and Scotussa, two

cities, his allies, he called all the inhabitants to an assembly, and

then surrounded them and cut them to pieces with his guards. He

consecrated the spear with which he killed his uncle Polyphron, and,

crowning it with garlands, sacrificed to it as a god, and called it

Tychon. And once seeing a tragedian act Euripides's Troades, he left the

theater; but sending for the actor, bade him not to be concerned at his

departure, but act as he had been used to do, as it was not in contempt

of him that he departed, but because he was ashamed that his citizens

should see him, who never pitied any man that he murdered, weep at the

sufferings of Hecuba and Andromache. This tyrant, however, alarmed at

the very name, report, and appearance of an expedition under the conduct

of Epaminondas, presently

Dropped like a craven cock his conquered wing,

and sent an embassy to entreat and offer satisfaction. Epaminondas

refused to admit such a man as an ally to the Thebans, but granted him a

truce of thirty days, and, Pelopidas and Ismenias being delivered up,

returned home.

Now the Thebans, understanding that the Spartans and Athenians had sent

an embassy to the Persians for assistance, themselves, likewise, sent

Pelopidas; an excellent design to increase his glory, no man having ever

before passed through the dominions of the king with greater fame and

reputation. For the glory that he won against the Spartans, did not

creep slowly or obscurely; but, after the fame of the first battle at

Leuctra was gone abroad, the report of new victories continually

following, exceedingly increased, and spread his celebrity far and near.

Whatever satraps or generals or commanders he met, he was the object of

their wonder and discourse; "This is the man," they said, "who hath

beaten the Lacedaemonians from sea and land, and confined that Sparta

within Taygetus and Eurotas, which, but a little before, under the

conduct of Agesilaus, was entering upon a war with the great king about

Susa and Ecbatana." This pleased Artaxerxes, and he was the more

inclined to show Pelopidas attention and honor, being desirous to seem

reverenced, and attended by the greatest. But when he saw him and heard

his discourse, more solid than the Athenians, and not so haughty as the

Spartans, his regard was heightened, and, truly acting like a king, he

openly showed the respect that he felt for him; and this the other

ambassadors perceived. Of all other Greeks he had been thought to have

done Antalcidas, the Spartan, the greatest honor, by sending him that

garland dipped in an unguent, which he himself had worn at an

entertainment. Indeed, he did not deal so delicately with Pelopidas,

but, according to the custom, gave him the most splendid and considerable

presents, and granted him his desires, that the Grecians should be free,

Messenia inhabited, and the Thebans accounted the king's hereditary

friends. With these answers, but not accepting one of the presents,

except what was a pledge of kindness and good-will, he returned. This

behavior of Pelopidas ruined the other ambassadors: the Athenians

condemned and executed their Timagoras, and, indeed, if they did it for

receiving so many presents from the king, their sentence was just and

good; as he not only took gold and silver, but a rich bed, and slaves to

make it, as if the Greeks were unskillful in that art; besides eighty

cows and herdsmen, professing he needed cow's milk for some distemper;

and, lastly, he was carried in a litter to the seaside, with a present of

four talents for his attendants. But the Athenians, perhaps, were not so

much irritated at his greediness for the presents. For Epicrates the

baggage-carrier not only confessed to the people that he had received

gifts from the king, but made a motion, that instead of nine archons,

they should yearly choose nine poor citizens to be sent ambassadors to

the king, and enriched by his presents, and the people only laughed at

the joke. But they were vexed that the Thebans obtained their desires,

never considering that Pelopidas's fame was more powerful than all their

rhetorical discourse, with a man who still inclined to the victorious in

arms. This embassy, having obtained the restitution of Messenia, and the

freedom of the other Greeks, got Pelopidas a great deal of good-will at

his return.

At this time, Alexander the Pheraean falling back to his old nature, and

having seized many of the Thessalian cities, and put garrisons upon the

Achaeans of Phthiotis, and the Magnesians, the cities, hearing that

Pelopidas was returned, sent an embassy to Thebes, requesting succors,

and him for their leader. The Thebans willingly granted their desire;

and now when all things were prepared, and the general beginning to

march, the sun was eclipsed, and darkness spread over the city at

noonday. Now when Pelopidas saw them startled at the prodigy, he did not

think it fit to force on men who were afraid and out of heart, nor to

hazard seven thousand of his citizens; and therefore with only three

hundred horse volunteers, set forward himself to Thessaly, much against

the will of the augurs and his fellow-citizens in general, who all

imagined this marked portent to have reference to this great man. But he

was heated against Alexander for the injuries he had received, and hoped

likewise, from the discourse which formerly he had with Thebe, that his

family by this time was divided and in disorder. But the glory of the

expedition chiefly excited him; for he was extremely desirous at this

time, when the Lacedaemonians were sending out military officers to

assist Dionysius the Sicilian tyrant, and the Athenians took Alexander's

pay, and honored him with a brazen statue as a benefactor, that the

Thebans should be seen, alone, of all the Greeks, undertaking the cause

of those who were oppressed by tyrants, and destroying the violent and

illegal forms of government in Greece.

When Pelopidas was come to Pharsalus, he formed an army, and presently

marched against Alexander; and Alexander understanding that Pelopidas had

few Thebans with him, and that his own infantry was double the number of

the Thessalians, faced him at Thetidium. Some one told Pelopidas, "The

tyrant meets us with a great army;" "So much the better," he replied,

"for then we shall overcome the more." Between the two armies lay some

steep high hills about Cynoscephalae, which both parties endeavored to

take by their foot. Pelopidas commanded his horse, which were good and

many, to charge that of the enemies; they routed and pursued them through

the plain. But Alexander, meantime, took the hills, and charging the

Thessalian foot that came up later, and strove to climb the steep and

craggy ascent, killed the foremost, and the others, much distressed,

could do the enemies no harm. Pelopidas, observing this, sounded a

retreat to his horse, and gave orders that they should charge the enemies

that kept their ground; and he himself, taking his shield, quickly

joined those that fought about the hills, and, advancing to the front,

filled his men with such courage and alacrity, that the enemies imagined

they came with other spirits and other bodies to the onset. They stood

two or three charges, but finding these come on stoutly, and the horse,

also, returning from the pursuit, gave ground, and retreated in order.

Pelopidas now perceiving, from the rising ground, that the enemy's army

was, though not yet routed, full of disorder and confusion, stood and

looked about for Alexander; and when he saw him in the right wing,

encouraging and ordering his mercenaries, he could not moderate his

anger, but inflamed at the sight, and blindly following his passion,

regardless alike of his own life and his command, advanced far before his

soldiers, crying out and challenging the tyrant who did not dare to

receive him, but retreating, hid himself amongst his guard. The foremost

of the mercenaries that came hand to hand were driven back by Pelopidas,

and some killed; but many at a distance shot through his armor and

wounded him, till the Thessalians, in anxiety for the result, ran down

from the hill to his relief, but found him already slain. The horse came

up, also, and routed the phalanx, and, following the pursuit a great way,

filled the whole country with the slain, which were above three thousand.

No one can wonder that the Thebans then present, should show great grief

at the death of Pelopidas, calling him their father, deliverer, and

instructor in all that was good and commendable. But the Thessalians and

the allies out-doing in their public edicts all the just honors that

could be paid to human courage, gave, in their display of feeling, yet

stronger demonstrations of the kindness they had for him. It is stated,

that none of the soldiers, when they heard of his death, would put off

their armor, unbridle their horses, or dress their wounds, but, still hot

and with their arms on, ran to the corpse, and, as if he had been yet

alive and could see what they did, heaped up spoils about his body. They

cut off their horses' manes and their own hair, many kindled no fire in

their tents, took no supper, and silence and sadness was spread over all

the army; as if they had not gained the greatest and most glorious

victory, but were overcome by the tyrant, and enslaved. As soon as it

was known in the cities, the magistrates, youths, children, and priests,

came out to meet the body, and brought trophies, crowns, and suits of

golden armor; and, when he was to be interred, the elders of the

Thessalians came and begged the Thebans, that they might give the

funeral; and one of them said, "Friends, we ask a favor of you, that will

prove both an honor and comfort to us in this our great misfortune. The

Thessalians shall never again wait on the living Pelopidas, never give

honors, of which he can be sensible, but if we may have his body, adorn

his funeral, and inter him, we shall hope to show that we esteem his

death a greater loss to the Thessalians than to the Thebans. You have

lost only a good general, we both a general and our liberty. For how

shall we dare to desire from you another captain, since we cannot restore

Pelopidas?"

The Thebans granted their request, and there was never a more splendid

funeral in the opinion of those, who do not think the glory of such

solemnities consists only in gold, ivory, and purple; as Philistus did,

who extravagantly celebrates the funeral of Dionysius, in which his

tyranny concluded like the pompous exit of some great tragedy. Alexander

the Great, at the death of Hephaestion, not only cut off the manes of his

horses and his mules, but took down the battlements from the city walls,

that even the towns might seem mourners, and, instead of their former

beauteous appearance, look bald at his funeral. But such honors, being

commanded and forced from the mourners, attended with feelings of

jealousy towards those who received them, and of hatred towards those who

exacted them, were no testimonies of love and respect, but of the

barbaric pride, luxury, and insolence of those who lavished their wealth

in these vain and undesirable displays. But that a man of common rank,

dying in a strange country, neither his wife, children, nor kinsmen

present, none either asking or compelling it, should be attended, buried,

and crowned by so many cities that strove to exceed one another in the

demonstrations of their love, seems to be the sum and completion of happy

fortune. For the death of happy men is not, as Aesop observes, most

grievous, but most blessed, since it secures their felicity, and puts it

out of fortune's power. And that Spartan advised well, who, embracing

Diagoras, that had himself been crowned in the Olympic Games, and saw his

sons and grandchildren victors, said, "Die, Diagoras, for thou canst not

be a god." And yet who would compare all the victories in the Pythian

and Olympian Games put together, with one of those enterprises of

Pelopidas, of which he successfully performed so many? Having spent his

life in brave and glorious actions, he died at last in the chief command,

for the thirteenth time, of the Boeotians, fighting bravely and in the

act of slaying a tyrant, in defense of the liberty of the Thessalians.

His death, as it brought grief, so likewise it produced advantage to the

allies; for the Thebans, as soon as they heard of his fall, delayed not

their revenge, but presently sent seven thousand foot and seven hundred

horse, under the command of Malcitas and Diogiton. And they, finding

Alexander weak and without forces, compelled him to restore the cities he

had taken, to withdraw his garrisons from the Magnesians and Achaeans of

Phthiotis, and swear to assist the Thebans against whatsoever enemies

they should require. This contented the Thebans, but punishment overtook

the tyrant for his wickedness, and the death of Pelopidas was revenged by

Heaven in the following manner. Pelopidas, as I have already mentioned,

had taught his wife Thebe not to fear the outward splendor and show of

the tyrant's defenses, since she was admitted within them. She, of

herself, too, dreaded his inconstancy, and hated his cruelty; and,

therefore, conspiring with her three brothers, Tisiphonus, Pytholaus, and

Lycophron, made the following attempt upon him. All the other apartments

were full of the tyrant's night guards, but their bed-chamber was an

upper room, and before the door lay a chained dog to guard it, which

would fly at all but the tyrant and his wife and one servant that fed

him. When Thebe, therefore, designed to kill her husband, she hid her

brothers all day in a room hard by, and she, going in alone, according to

her usual custom, to Alexander who was asleep already, in a little time

came out again, and commanded the servant to lead away the dog, for

Alexander wished to rest quietly. She covered the stairs with wool, that

the young men might make no noise as they came up; and then, bringing up

her brothers with their weapons, and leaving them at the chamber door,

she went in, and brought away the tyrant's sword that hung over his head

and showed it them for a confirmation that he was fast asleep. The young

men appearing fearful, and unwilling to do the murder, she chid them, and

angrily vowed she would wake Alexander, and discover the conspiracy; and

so, with a lamp in her hand, she conducted them in, they being both

ashamed and afraid, and brought them to the bed; when one of them caught

him by the feet, the other pulled him backward by the hair, and the third

ran him through. The death was more speedy, perhaps, than was fit; but,

in that he was the first tyrant that was killed by the contrivance of his

wife, and as his corpse was abused, thrown out, and trodden under foot by

the Pheraeans, he seems to have suffered what his villainies deserved.