Various History

On Gorgias and Protagoras

Among the Greeks of old, Gorgias of Leontini, Philolaus, and Protagoras the son of Democritus original: "δημοκρίτου" (dēmokritou); while Protagoras is often called a student of Democritus, the author here refers to him as his son. were preeminent in long-lasting fame. Yet in true wisdom, they were as far behind as children are compared to men. For it seems that fame is not at all accurate; it neither sees nor hears clearly. It is often deceived by its senses, and it grants favors to some while telling lies about others.

On the rivalry between Heracles and Lepreus

Lepreus was the son of Glaucon (son of Poseidon) and Astydameia (daughter of Phorbas). This Lepreus once advised Augeas King Augeas of Elis, who famously refused to pay Heracles for cleaning his stables. to bind Heracles when Heracles demanded the wage promised for his labors. Consequently, Lepreus became an enemy to Heracles because of this advice. Some time later, the son of Zeus [Heracles] arrived among the Cauconians. At the request of Astydameia, Heracles set aside his enmity toward Lepreus. However, a youthful rivalry original: "φιλομαχία" (philomachia); a love of competition or fighting. fell upon them. They competed against each other in the discus throw, in drawing water, and in who could eat a whole bull first. In all these things, Lepreus was defeated. Heracles also challenged him to a drinking contest, and there again Heracles was victorious. Frustrated by his failures, Lepreus took up arms and challenged Heracles to a duel. It was there that he paid the penalty for his actions regarding Augeas, for he was killed while fighting.

On the magnanimity of Alexander toward Phocion, and Phocion’s toward him

Alexander, the son of Philip—though if anyone thinks him the son of Zeus, it makes no difference to me A reference to the propaganda that Alexander was the divine son of Ammon-Zeus.—is said to have written the greeting "rejoice" original: "τὸ χαίρειν" (to chairein); the standard Greek salutation, which Alexander supposedly reserved only for Phocion as a sign of extreme respect. only to Phocion, the Athenian general. Thus did Phocion captivate the Macedonian. Alexander even sent him one hundred talents of silver and named four cities, telling him to choose one so that he might enjoy the tax revenues from it. These cities were Kios, Elaia, Mylasa, and Patara. Now, Alexander acted with great spirit and magnificence in this. Yet Phocion acted with even greater spirit by accepting neither the money nor the city. However, so that he would not seem to completely despise Alexander’s gift, he honored him in this way: he requested the release of the prisoners held in the citadel at Sardis, specifically Echekratides the...