Xenocrates

Succeeded Speosippus in the government of Plato '» school, in the 2d year of the 110th Olympiad: he governed it 25 years, and died the 3d year of the 116th Olympiad.

Xbnocrates has heen deemed one of the greatest philosophers of the ancient academy, and was distinguished for his probity, prudence, and chastity. He was a native of the city of Chalcedcnia, and was the son of Agathanor. From the earliest years of his youth he was the disciple of Plato, to whom he attached himself so strongly, that he even followed him into Sicily to the court of Dionysius the tyrant.

Xenocrates was amiable and studious, but somewhat dull. When Plato compared him with Aristotle, he used to say, that one wanted a bridle and the other a spur. At other times he would jokingly say, "With what horse must I yoke this ass?" Xenocrates was also serious, and very severe; so that Plato sometimes said, laughing at him, ** Xenocrates, pray go and sacrifice to the Graces." Xenocrates passed his life in the academy. When he entered the streets of Athens, which seldom happeued, all the vicious young men of the towu were wsyting his approach to torment and insult him: he had to endure the most artfuUy-coucerted trials, the most skilful snares, and the most seducing artifices. Such is the empire which may be gained over the passions, that he was invulnerable to the most pressing temptations. Phryue had laid a wager that she would subdue the austere Xenocrates. One day, when he had drunk more than usual, she entered his house elegantly attired; but notwithstanding the great length of time she remained with him, she could not succeed in her enterprise. Full of resentment to see her presumption frustrated, she endeavoured to hide the disgrace she felt by uttering sarcasms, which are but too often the weapons of the wicked and the weak.

Xenocrates was very disinterested. Alexander sent him one day a large sum of money. Xenocrates took but three Attic minse, aud sent back the rest: be said to those who had brought him the present, ** Alexander has many people to support; he must have occasion for more money than I." Antipater wished to make him a similar present; Xenocrates thanked him, but would not take it.

Whilst he was in Sicily, he won a crown of gold, as a reward for having distinguished himself at a drinking-match: he would not profit by it; but as soon as he returned to Athens he deposited this crown at the foot of the statue of Mercury, and consecrated it to that god, to whom he often presented crowns of flowers. One day Xenocrates was sent to king Philip, with several other ambassadors. Philip feasted them aud gave them magniilcent presents: he also granted them several audiences $ and influenced their minds bo greatly, that they were ready to do whatever he pleased. Xenocrates was the only one who refused to share in the gifts of Philip, and who was never present at any of his feasts, and would not even appear in the conferences he had with the others. When they returned to Athens, they pubHshed that it had been useless to send Xenocrates with them, as he had been of no service whatever. The people were discontented on hearing this; they were even thinking of making him pay a fine. Xenocrates discovered in what manner things were going on, and cautioned the Athenians to be more carefiU than ever of the affairs of the republic; for that Philip, by his presents, had so seduced the ambassadors, that they were all devoted to his interest; but that, as for himself, Philip had not been able to prevsiil upon him to accept his gifts.

The contempt which the people were beginning to feel for Xenocrates was now suddenly converted into esteem: he was every where talked of; Philip acknowledged openly that of all the ambassadors that were sent to him, Xenocrates was the only one who had distrusted his presents, and would not accept any. Daring the war of Lamia, Antipater made several of the Athenians prisoners. Xenocrates was deputed by the republic to n^otiate their deliverance with Antipater. When Xenocrates arrived, Antipater wished to begin by making him dine with him before they settled any thing. Xenocrates replied that the feast must be postponed, for that he would not eat until he had terminated the buaiuess ou which he had been sent, and delivered his fellow-citizens.

Antipater was moved by the attachment which Xenocrates evinced fur his country; and immediately sat down with him, and examined the case. Antipater admired greatly the abilities of Xenocrates. The affair was promptly decided, and the prisoners restored to liberty.

When Xenocrates was in Sicily, Dionysius said to Plato, '* Some one will be talking off your head for you." Xenocrates, who was then present, answered, ''That will uerer happen until mine is talcen off." Another time, Antipater being at Athens, bowed to Xenocrates: Xenocrates, who was then delivering a discourse, would not interrupt himself, and only answered Antipater after having finished what he had to say.

When the philosopher Speusippus, nephew and successor to Plato in the academy, found himself old and infirm, and approaching his end, he sent for Xenocrates, and begged him to talce his place. Xenocrates accepted it, and began to teach publicly. When any one came to his school, that knew neither music, geometry, nor astronomy, he used to say, '* My friend, go from hence; for you are ignorant of the foundation, and of all the charms of philosophy."

Xenocrates despised glory and pomp; he loved retirement, and every day passed several hours in private. The Athenians had such a high idea of his probity, that one day hanng appeared before the magistrates to give evidence in some matter, as he approaclied the altar, to swear according to the custom of the country, that what he said was true, the judges arose and would not suffer him to do 80; telling him '* that his swearing was useless; for that thev believed him on his word.''

Polemon, son to Philostratus of Athens, was a very debauched young man. One day he premeditatedly entered the school, of Xenocrates in a state of intoxication, with a cromrn upon his head. Xenocrates who wa^ then lecturing upon temperance, so far from interrupting himself, continued his discourse with more force and vehemence than before. Polemon was so affected by it, that from that moment he renounced all his debaucheries, and made a firm resolution to reform his past misconduct. He executed it so well, that in a short time he became very clever, and succeeded Xenocrates, his master. Xenocrates composed many works, both in prose and in verse: one of them he dedicated to Alexander, and another to Ephestiop. As he cared for no one, he made himself sereral enemies in the republic: the Athenians determined to fine him, or to cause his death. Demetrius of Phaleris, who was held in great reputation at Athens, bought him, and restored him to liberty, and managed so well that the Athenians contented themselves with sending him into exile.

Xenocrates, being eighty-two years of age, fell one night against a basin which stood in his way, and immediately expired. He flourished uuder Lysimachus, in the 102d Olympiad, and had taught in the academy twenty-two years.