Selecta ex Aeliano

and turned to Philosophy.

XVI. (Book 2, 36.)

Socrates, having reached a very old age and then falling ill, was asked by someone how he was. "Well," he said, "in both respects. For if I live, I shall have more admirers; if I die, I shall have even more who praise me."

XVII. (Book 2, 39.)

The Cretans commanded free children to learn the laws to the accompaniment of a certain melody, so that they might be entertained by the music and commit them to memory more easily. This was also so that if they performed any forbidden act, they would not have an excuse that they had done so in ignorance. They appointed the learning of hymns to the Gods as the second lesson, and the praises of good men as the third.

XVIII. (Book 2, 44.)

Many other works of the painter Theon acknowledge his excellent technique, but this painting in particular does so. It is a hoplite heavily armed infantryman rushing out suddenly as the enemy invades and simultaneously plunders and cuts down the crops. The young man appears to be rushing into the battle very vividly and with great spirit. You would say he was inspired, as if maddened by Ares. His eyes look fierce. Having snatched up his weapons, he seems to be darting at the enemy as fast as his feet can carry him. He is already thrusting his shield forward from this position and brandishing his naked sword, looking like a killer, his expression threatening that he will spare no one. Theon has included nothing extra: no platoon leader, no battalion commander, no company, no cavalryman, no archer. This one hoplite was enough for him to fulfill the demands of the picture. However, the artist did not reveal the painting or show it to those gathered for the viewing until he had placed a trumpeter nearby and ordered him to sound the signal for battle, a melody that was piercing, as loud as possible, and like a summons to the fight. As the melody sounded—harsh, terrifying, and like the sound of hoplites marching out and rushing to help to the music of the trumpet—the painting was unveiled. The soldier was seen, and the melody rendered the impression of the man rushing into battle even more vivid.