FLAMINIUS AND PHILOPEMEN COMPARED. If we consider the extensive benefits which owing to superior excellence. He had to do Greece received from Flaminius, we shall find with two of the most warlike nations among that neither Philopamen, nor other Grecians the Greeks; the Crerans, who were the most more illustrious than Philopomen, will stand artful, and the Lacedæmonians, who were the the comparison with him. For the Greeks al- most valiant; and yet he mastered the former ways fought against Greeks; but Flaminius, by policy, and the latter by courage. Add to who was not of Greece, fought against that this, that Flaminius had his men ready armed country. And at a time when Philopomen, and disciplined to his hand: whereas Philopœunable to defend his fellow-citizens, who were men had the armour of his to alter, and to engaged in a dangerous war, passed over into new-model their discipline. So that the things Crete, Flaminius, having vanquished Philip in which contribute most to victory were the the heart of Greece, set cities and whole na-invention of the one, while the other only practions free. If we examine into their battles, it will appear, that Philopomen, while he commanded the Achæan forces, killed more Greeks, than Flaminius, in asserting the Grecian cause, killed Macedonians. tised what was already in use. Accordingly Philopamen's personal exploits were many and great; but we find nothing of that kind remarkable in Flaminius. On the contrary, a certain Etolian said, by way of raillery, "Whilst I ran, with my drawn sword, to charge the Macedonians, who stood firm and continued fighting, Titus was standing still, with his hands lifted up towards heaven, and praying." It is true, all the acts of Flaminius were glorious, while he was general, and during his lieutenancy too: but Philopamen shewed himself no less serviceable and active among the Achæans, when in a private capacity, than when he had the command. For, when com As to their failings, ambition was the fault of Flaminius, and obstinacy that of Philopomen. The former was passionate and the latter implacable. Flaminius left Philip in his royal dignity, and pardoned the Etolians; whereas Philopamen, in his resentment against his country, robbed her of several of her dependencies. Besides, Flaminius was always a firm friend to those whom he had once served; but Philopamen was ever ready to destroy the merit of his former kindnesses, only to indulge his anger. For he had been a great benefac-mander-in-chief, he drove Nabis out of the city tor to the Lacedæmonians; yet aftewards he demolished their walls, and ravaged their country: and in the end entirely changed and overturned their constitution. Nay, he seems to have sacrificed his life to his passion and perverseness, by too hastily and unseasonably invading Messenia; instead of taking, like Flaminius, every precaution for his own security and that of his troops. But Philopamen's military knowledge and experience were perfected by his many wars and victories. And, whereas Flaminius decided his dispute with Philip in two engagements; Philopamen, by conquering in an incredible number of battles, left fortune no room to question his skill. Flaminius, moreover, availed himself of the power of a great and flourishing commonwealth, and raised himself by its strength; but Philopomen distinguished himself at a time when his country was on the decline. So that the success of the one is to be ascribed solely to himself, and that of the other to all the Romans. The one had good troops to command; and the other made those so which he commanded. And though the great actions of Philopamen, being performed against Grecians, do not prove him a fortunate man, yet they prove him a brave man. For, where all other things are equal, great success must be of Messene, and restored the inhabitants to their liberty; but he was only in a private station when he shut the gates of Sparta against the general Diophanes, and against Flaminius, and by that means saved the Lacedæmonians. Indeed, nature had given him such talents for command, that he knew not only how to govern according to the laws, but how to govern the laws themselves, when the public good required it; not waiting for the formality of the people's appointing him, but rather employing them, when the occasion demanded it. For he was persuaded, that, not he whom the people elect, but he who thinks best for the people, is the true general. There was undoubtedly something great and generous in the clemency and humanity of Flaminius towards the Grecians; but there was something still greater and more generous in the resolution which Philopomen shewed in maintaining the liberties of Greece against the Romans. For it is a much easier matter to be liberal to the weak, than to oppose and to support a dispute with the strong. Since, therefore, after all our inquiry into the characters of these two great men, the superiority is not obvious, perhaps we shall not greatly err, if we give the Grecian the palm of generalship and military skill, and the Roman that of justice and humanity. PYRRHUS. rains, was very high and boisterous, and dark ness added to the horror. They now despair. ed of getting the child and his nurses over, without some other assistance; when perceiving some of the inhabitants of the place on the other side, they begged of them to assist their passage, and held up Pyrrhus towards them. But though they called out loud and entreated earnestly, the stream ran so rapidly and made such a roaring, that they could not be heard. Some time was spent, while they were crying out on one side, and listening to no purpose on the other. At last one of Pyrrhus's company thought of peeling off a piece of oak bark, and of expressing upon it, with the tongue of a buckle, the necessities and fortunes of the child. Accordingly he put this in exccution, and having rolled the piece of bark about a stone, which was made use of to give force to the motion, he threw it on the other side. Some say, he bound it fast to a javelin, and darted it over. When the people on the other side had read it, and saw there was not a moment to lose, they cut down trees, and made a raft of them, and crossed the river upon it. It happened that the first man who reached the bank, was named Achilles. He took Pyrrhus in his arms, and conveyed him over, while his companions performed the same service for his followers. SOME historians write, that Phaeton was the | ble. For the current being swelled by the late first king after the deluge who reigned over the Thresprotians and Molossians, and that he was one of those who came with Pelasgus into Epirus. Others say, that Deucalion and Pyrrha, after they had built the temple of Dodona, settled among the Molossians. In after times Neoptolemus,† the son of Achilles, taking his people with him, possessed himself of the country, and left a succession of kings after him, called Pyrrhide; for in his infancy he was called Pyrrhus; and he gave that name to one of his legitimate sons whom he had by Lanassa the daughter of Cleodes son of Hyilus. From that time Achilles had divine honours in Epirus, being styled there Aspetos (i. e. the Inimitable.) After these first kings, those that followed became entirely barbarous, and both their power and their actions sunk into the utmost obscurity. Tharrytas is the first whom history mentions as remarkable for polishing and improving his cities with Grecian customs, with letters and good laws. Alcetas was the son of Tharrytas, Arybas of Alcetas; and of Arybas and Troias his queen was born Eacides. He married Phthia, the daughter of Menon the Thessalian, who acquired great reputation in the Lamian war, and, next to Leosthenes, was the most considerable of the confederates. By Phthia, acides had two daughters named Deidamia and Troias, and a son named Pyrrhus. But the Molossians, rising against acides, deposed him, and brought in the sons of Neoptolemus. On this occasion the friends of Eacides were taken and slain: only Androclides and Angelus escaped with his infant son, though he was much sought after by his enemies; and carried him off with his nurses and a few necessary attendants. This train rendered their flight difficult and slow, so that they were soon overtaken. In this extremity they put the child in the hands of Androcleon, Hippias, and Neander, three active young men whom they could depend upon, and ordered them to make the best of their way to Megara, a town in Macedonia; while they themselves, partly by entreaty, and partly by force, stopped the course of the pursuers till evening; when, having with much difficulty got clear of them, they hastened to join those who carried the young prince. At sun-set they thought themselves near the summit of their hopes, but they met with a sudden disappoint Pyrrhus and his train, having thus got safe over, and escaped the pursuers, continued their route, till they arrived at the court of Glaucias king of Illyria. They found the king sitting in his palace with the queen his consort, and laid the child at his feet in the posture of a suppliant. The king, who stood in fear of Cassander, the enemy of Eacides, remained a long time silent, considering what part he should act. While Pyrrhus, of his own accord creeping closer to him, took hold of his robe, and raising himself up to his knees, by this action first excited a smile, and afterwards compassion; for he thought he saw a petitioner before him begging his protection with tears. Some say, it was not Glaucias, but the altar of the domestic gods which he approached, and that he raised himself up by embracing it; from which it appeared to Glaucius that Heav en interested itself in the infant's favour. For this reason he put him immediately in the hands of the queen, and ordered her to bring him up with his own children. His enemies demanding him soon after, and Cassander offering two hundred talents to have him delivered up, Glaucius refused to do it; and when he came to be twelve years old, conducted him into Epirus at the head of an army, and placed him upon the * Probably it was only a druidical kind of temple. Between Deucalion's flood and the times of Neop-throne. tolemus, there was a space of about three hundred and forty years. Justin does not ascribe the civilizing of the Molossians to Tharrytas, but to Arybas the son of Alcetas I., who had himself been polished and humanized by his education at Athens. This Neoptolemus was the brother of Arybas. Pyrrhus had an air of majesty rather terrible Justin calls this princess Beroa, and says she was of the family of the acide; which must have been the reason of their seeking refuge for Pyrrhus in that court, in the kingdom. But in process of time there were some who privately sowed dissention and jealousies between them. Pyrrhus's chief quarrel with Neoptolemus is said to have taken its rise as follows: It had been a custom for the kings of Epirus to hold an assembly at Passaron, a place in the province of the Molossians; where, after sacrificing to Jupiter the warrior, mutual oaths were taken by them and their subjects. The kings were sworn to gov ern according to law, and the people, to defend the crown according to law. Both the than august. Instead of teeth in his upper jaw | to an agreement with him, and associated him he had one continued bone, marked with small lines resembling the divisions of a row of teeth. It was believed that he cured the swelling of the spleen, by sacrificing a white cock, and with his right foot gently pressing the part af fected, the patients lying upon their backs for that purpose. There was no person, however poor or mean, refused this relief, if requested. He received no reward, except the cock for sacrifice, and this present was very agreeable to him. It is also said, that the great toe of that foot had a divine virtue in it; for, after his death, when the rest of his body was consum-kings met on this occasion, attended by their ed, that toe was found entire and untouched by the flames. But this account belongs not to the period we are upon. friends, and after the ceremony, great presents were made on all sides. Gelon, who was very cordially attached to Neoptolemus, among the When he was about seventeen years of age, rest, paid his respects to Pyrrhus, and made and seemed to be quite established in his king- him a present of two yoke of oxen. Myrtilus, dom, he happened to be called out of his own one of this prince's cupbearers, begged them of territories, to attend the nuptials of one of him; but Pyrrhus refused him, and gave them Glaucias's sons, with whom he had been edu- to another. Gelon perceiving that Myrtilus cated. On this occasion the Molossians, re- took the disappointment extremely ill, invited volting again, drove out his friends, pillaged his him to sup with him. After supper he solicited treasures, and put themselves once more under him to embrace the interest of Neoptolemus, Neoptolemus. Pyrrhus having thus lost the and to poison Pyrrhus. Myrtilus seemed to crown, and being in want of every thing, appli- listen to his suggestions with satisfaction, but ed himself to Demetrius, the son of Antigonus, discovered the whole to his master. Then, by who had married his sister Deidamia. That his order, he introduced to Gelon, the chief princess, when very young, had been promised cupbearer Alexicrates, as a person who was to Alexander the son of Roxana (by Alexander willing to enter into the conspiracy; for Pyrrthe Great;) but that family being unfortunately hus was desirous to have more than one witcut off, she was given, when she came to be ness to so black an enterprise. Gelon being thus marriageable, to Demetrius. In the great bat- deceived, Neoptolemus was deceived with him; tle of Ipsus, where all the kings of the earth and, thinking the affair in great forwardness, were engaged, Pyrrhus accompanied Demet- could not contain himself, but in the excess of rius; and, though but young, bore down all be- his joy mentioned it to his friends. One even fore him, and highly distinguished himself ing, in particular, being at supper with his sis among the combatants. Nor did he forsake ter Cadmia, he discovered the whole design, Demetrius, when unsuccessful, but kept for thinking nobody else within hearing. And in him those cities of Greece with which he was deed there was none in the room but Phænaentrusted: and when the treaty was concluded rete the wife of Samon, chief keeper of Neopwith Ptolemy, he went to Egypt as a hostage. tolemus's cattle: and she lay upon a couch There, both in hunting and other exercises, he with her face turned towards the wall, and gave Ptolemy proofs of his strength and inde- seemed to be asleep. She heard, however, the fatigable abilities. Observing that among Pto- whole without being suspected, and went the lemy's wives, Berenice was she who had the next day to Antigone the wife of Pyrrhus, and greatest power, and was most eminent for vir- related to her all that she had heard Neoptoletue and understanding, he attached himself mus say to his sister. This was immediately most to her. For he had a particular art of laid before Pyrrhus, who took no notice of making his court to the great, while he over-it for the present. But, on occasion of a looked those that were below him. And as in his whole conduct he paid great attention to decency, temperance, and prudence, Antigone, who was daughter to Berenice by her first hus band Philip, was given him, in preference to many other young princes. On this account he was held in greater honour than ever: and Antigone proving an excellent wife, procured him men and money, which enabled him to recover his kingdom of Epirus. At his arrival there, his subjects received him with open arms; for Neoptolemus was become obnoxious to the people, by reason of his arbitrary and tyrannical government. Nevertheless, Pyrrhus, apprehending that Neoptolemus might have recourse to some of the other kings, came solemn sacrifice, he invited Neoptolemus to supper, and took that opportunity to kill him. For he was well assured that all the leading men in Epirus were strongly attached to him, and wanted him to remove Neoptolemus out of the way: that, no longer satisfied with a small share of the kingdom, he might possess himself of the whole: and by following his genius, rise to great attempts. And, as they had now a strong suspicion besides, that Neoptolemus was practising against him, they thought this was the time to prevent him by giving him the fatal blow. In acknowledgment of the obligations he had to Berenice and Ptolemy, he named his son by Antigone Ptolemy, and called the city which he built in the Chersonese of Epirus, Berenicis. From this time he began to conceive many great designs, but his first hopes laid hold of He says, all the kings of the earth were engaged, because Lysimachus, Seleucus, Ptolemy, Cassander, Antigonus, and Demetrius, were there in person. This battle was fought about three hundred years before of ancient times. Christ. This present was characteristical of the simplicity all that was near home: and he found a plausible pretence to concern himself in the affairs of Macedonia. Antipater, the eldest son of Cassander, had killed his mother Thessalonica, and expelled his brother Alexander. Alexander sent to Demetrius for succour, and implored likewise the assistance of Pyrrhus. Demetrius having many affairs upon his hands, could not presently comply: but Pyrrhus came and demanded as the reward of his services, the city of Nymphæa, and all the maritime coast of Macedonia, together with Ambracia, Acarnania, and Amphilocio, which were some of the countries that did not originally belong to the kingdom of Macedon. The young prince agreeing to the conditions, Pyrrhus possessed himself of these countries, and secured them, with his garrisons: after which, he went on conquering the rest for Alexander, and driving Antipater before him. them. After which he left Pantauchus among them with a considerable force, and went himself to seek Pyrrhus. Pyrrhus, as soon as he was apprised of his design, went to meet him; but taking a wrong route, they inadvertently passed each other. Demetrius entered Epirus, and committed great ravages; and Pyrrhus, falling in with Pentauchus, gave him battle. The dispute was warm and obstinate on both sides, especially where the generals fought. For Pantau chus, who in dexterity, courage, and strength, stood foremost among the officers of Demetrius, and withal was a man of a high and ambitious spirit, challenged Pyrrhus to the combat. And Pyrrhus, who was behind none of the princes of his time in valour and renown, and who was desirous to appropriate to himself the honours of Achilles, rather by his sword than by kindred, advanced through the first lines against Pantauchus. They began with the javelin; and then King Lysimachus was well inclined to give coming to the sword, exhausted all that art or Antipater assistance, but he was so much en-strength could supply. Pyrrhus received one gaged with his own affairs, that he could not find time for it. Recollecting, however, that Pyrrhus would refuse nothing to his friend Ptolemy, he forged letters in Ptolemy's name, enjoining him to evacuate Macedonia, and to be satisfied with three hundred talents from Antipater. But Pyrrhus no sooner opened the letters than he perceived the forgery. For instead of the customary salutation, The father to his son, greeting, they began with King Ptolemy to King Pyrrhus, greeting. He inveighed against Lysimachus for the fraud, but listened, notwithstanding, to proposals of peace; and the three princes met to offer sacrifices on the occasion, and to swear upon the altar to the articles. A boar, a bull, and a ram being led up as victims, the ram dropped down dead of himself. The rest of the company laughed at the accident; but Theodotus the diviner advised Pyrrhus not to swear; declaring that the Deity presignified the death of one of the kings; upon which he refused to ratify the peace. Alexander's affairs were thus advantageously settled; nevertheless Demetrius came. But it soon appeared that he came now unrequested, and that his presence excited rather fear than gratitude. When they had been a few days together, in mutual distrust, they laid snares for each other; but Demetrius finding the first opportunity, was beforehand with Alexander, killed him, and got himself proclaimed king of Macedon. wound, and gave his adversary two, one in the thigh, and the other in the neck; by which he overpowered him, and brought him to the ground; but could not kill him outright, be cause he was rescued by his friends. The Epirots, elated with their prince's victory, and admiring his valour, broke into and dispersed the Macedonian phalanx, and pursuing the fugi tives, killed great numbers of them, and took five thousand prisoners. This battle did not so much excite the resentment and hatred of the Macedonians against Pyrrhus for what they suffered, as it inspired them with an esteem of his abilities and admi. ration of his valour. This furnished subject of discourse to all those who were witnesses of his exploits, or were engaged against him in the action. For he recalled to their minds the countenance, the swiftness, and motion of Alexander the Great; in Pyrrhus they thought they saw the very image of his force and impetuosity And while the other kings represented that hero only in their purple robes, in the number of guards, the bend of the neck, and the lofty manner of speaking, the king of Epirus repre sented him in deeds of arms and personal achievements. And of his great skill in ordering and drawing up an army, we have proofs in the writing he left behind him. It is also said, that Antigonus being asked, "Who was the greatest general?" answered, "Pyrrhus would be, if he lived to be old." Antigonus, indeed, spoke only of the generals of his time: but Han He had for a long time had subjects of complaint against Pyrrhus; on account of the in-nibal said that, of all the world had ever beroads which he had made into Thessaly. Besides, that ambition to extend their dominions, which is a distemper natural to kings, rendered their neighbourhood mutually alarming. These jealousies increased after the death of Deidamia. At last, each having possessed himself of part of Macedonia, and having one object in view, the gaining of the whole, this produced of course, new causes of contention. Demetrius marched against the Etolians and reduced Dacier thinks Appolonia might be called Nymphæa, from Nymphæum, a celebrated rock in its neighbourhood. Palmerius would read Tymphæa, that being the name of a town in those parts. There was a city called Nymphæum, in the Taurica Chersonesus, but that could not be meant here. Alexander was murdered soon after. held, the first in genius and skill was Pyrrhus, Scipio the second, and himself the third: as we have written in the life of Scipio. This was the only science he applied himself to; this was the subject of his thoughts and conversation; for he considered it as a royal study, and looked upon other arts as mere trifling amusements. And it is reported that when he was asked, "Whether he thought Python or Cæphisias the best musician?" "Polysperchon," said he, ‘is the general;' intimating that this was the only point which it became a king to enquire into or know. In the intercourse of life he was mild and not easily provoked, but ardent and quick to repay This is differently related in the life of Flaminius. There, it is said that Hannibal placed Alexander first, Pyrrhus second, and himself the third. a kindness. For this reason he was greatly afflicted at the death of Eropus. "His friend," he said, "had only paid the tribute to nature, but he blamed and reproached himself for putting off his acknowledgments till, by these delays, he had lost the opportunity of making any return. For those that owe money, can pay it to the heirs of the deceased, but when a return of kindness is not made to a person in his lifetime, it grieves the heart that has any goodness and honour in it." When some advised him to banish a certain ill tongued Ambracian, who abused him behind his back. "Let the fellow stay here," said he, "and speak against me to a few, rather than ramble about, and give me a bad character to all the world." And some young men having taken great liberties with his character in their cups, and being afterwards brought to answer for it, he asked them, "Whether they really had said such things?" "We did, Sir," answered one of them, "and should have said a great deal more, if we had had more wine."-Upon which he laughed and dismissed them. After the death of Antigone, he married several wives for the purposes of interest and power: namely the daughter of Autoleon, king of the Pæonians; Bircenna, the daughter of Bardyllis, king of the Illyrians; and Lanassa, the daughter of Agathocles of Syracuse, who brought him in dowry the isle of Corcyra, which her father had taken. By Antigone he had a son named Ptolemy; by Lanassa he had Alexander; and by Bircenna, his youngest son Helenus. All these princes had naturally a turn for war, and he quickened their martial ardour by giving them a suitable education from their infancy. For it is said, when he was asked by one of them, who was yet a child, "To which of them he would leave his kingdom?" he said, "to him who has the sharpest sword." This was very like that tragical legacy of Edipus to his sons, retreat, for the Macedonians harassed his rear all the way. with so much ease, was far from slighting and Demetrius, though he had driven out Pyrrhus despising him afterwards. But as he meditated great things, and had determined to attempt the recovery of his paternal kingdom, with an army of a hundred thousand men, and five hundred sail of ships, he thought it not prudent either to embroil himself with Pyrrhus, or to leave behind him so dangerous a neighbour, And as he was not at leisure to continue the war with him, he concluded a peace that he might turn his arms with more security against the other kings. The designs of Demetrius were soon discovered by this peace, and by the greatness of his preparations. The kings were alarmed, and sent ambassadors to Pyrrhus, with letters, expressing their astonishment, that he neglected his opportunity to make war upon Demetrius. They represented with how much ease he might drive him out of Macedonia, thus engaged as he was in many troublesome Demetrius had dispatched all his other affairs, enterprises; instead of which, he waited till and was grown so much more powerful as to be able to bring the war to his own doors; and to put him under the necessity of fighting for the altars of his gods, and the sepulchres of his ancestors in Molossia itself: and this too, when he had just been deprived by Demetrius of the isle of Corcyra, together with his wife. For Lanassa having her complaints against Pyrrhus, for paying more attention to his other wives, though barbarians, than to her, had retired to Corcyra; and wanting to marry another king, invited Demetrius to receive her hand, knowing him to be more inclined to marriage than any of the neighbouring princes. Accordingly he sailed to the island, married Lanassa, and left a garrison in the city. The kings, at the same time that they wrote these letters to Pyrrhus, took the field themThe sword's keen point the inheritance shall part. selves to harass Demetrius, who delayed his After the battle Pyrrhus returned home dis-expedition, and continued his preparations. tinguished with glory, and still more elevated Ptolemy put to sea with a great fleet, and drew in his sentiments. The Epirots having given off many of the Grecian cities. Lysimachus him on this occasion the name of Eagle, he entered the upper Macedonia from Thrace, said, "If I am an eagle, you have made me and ravaged the country. And Pyrrhus taking one; for it is upon your arms, upon your wings, Berca, expecting that Demetrius would go to up arms at the same time, marched against that I have risen so high." meet Lysimachus, and leave the lower MaceThe night before he set out, he dreamed that donia unguarded: which fell out accordingly. Alexander the Great called him, and that when he came to him, he found him sick in bed, but was received with many obliging expressions of friendship, and a promise of sudden assistance. Pyrrhus said, "How can you sir, who are sick, be able to assist me?" Alexander answered, "I will do it with my name:" and, at the same time, he mounted a Nisæan horse,t Soon after, having intelligence that Demetrius lay dangerously ill, he suddenly entered Macedonia,† intending only an inroad to pillage the country. But he was very near seizing the whole, and taking the kingdom without a blow. For he pushed forward as far as Edessa, without meeting with any resistance; on the contrary, many of the inhabitants repaired to his camp, and joined him. The danger awaked Demetrius,and made him act above his strength. His friends, too, and officers quickly assembled a good body of troops, and moved forward with great spirit and vigour against Pyrrhus. But as he came only with a design to plunder, he did not stand to receive them. He lost however a considerable number of men in his Phenissa Euripides, ver. 68. In the third year of the hundred and twenty-third Olympiad, two hundred and eighty four years before Christ and seemed to lead the way, advanced 'with the utmost expedition; and Pyrrhus, greatly encouraged by this vision, having traversed the intermediate countries, * Seleueus, Ptolemy, and Lysimachus. Strabo tells us, was famous for its breed of horses. The |