the sensual to virtue by his eloquence. While he adhered to the simple but grand and ennobling doctrines of Socrates, his pathway was clear and upward as ever was ascended, until heaven sent light and life by the gospel; but commingling them with the mysteries taught by Pythagoras, he often wandered in mazes, for a retreat from which neither he nor his followers ever found a clue. But except when he indulged in his rhapsodies, his doctrines flowed in a tide of light from the academy, to illumine Athens and the world, and to delight men in all future ages. His was an enviable life. To be the instructor of three generations, and to find a sepulchre on the spot made sacred by his own wisdom and eloquence, has been the lot of but few in this world.

The coadjutors and pupils of Plato formed the most brilliant cluster of great men the world ever beheld. While Plato was lecturing at the academy, a number of his friends were entertaining and enlightening Greece with their high gifts. The stagarite was then contemplating his deep philosophy, and condensing his beautiful and copious vernacular, to express his thoughts, which seemed almost too mighty for words. He erected a system that held mankind in thraldom, until Bacon attacked the mighty fabric, and broke it down with the ponderous engine of truth and sound reasoning. And, even now, some relics of it remain in the ancient schools of Europe. As Plato was closing his splendid career, Demosthenes was thundering his patriotism over Greece, and making the enemies of Athens tremble, although the fulness of his glory did not come until the divine philosopher was dead.

EXTRACT FROM

OLYNTHIAC THE THIRD.

I am persuaded, Athenians, that you would account it less valuable to possess the greatest riches,* than to have the true interest of the state on this emergency clearly laid before you. It is your part, therefore, readily and cheerfully to attend to all who are disposed to offer their opinions: for your regards need not be confined to those whose counsels are the effect of premeditation:† it is your good fortune to have men among you who can at once suggest many points of moment. From opinions, therefore, of every kind, you may easily choose that most conducive to your interest.

And now, Athenians, the present juncture calls upon us; we almost hear its voice, declaring loudly that you yourselves must engage in these affairs, if you have the least attention to your own security. You entertain I know not what sentiments on this occasion. My opinion is, that the reinforcements should be instantly decreed; that they should be raised with all possible expedition; that so our succour may be sent

The greatest riches.]-Ulpian finds out a particular propriety in this exordium. He observes, that as the orator intends to recommend to them to give up their theatrical appointments, he prepares them for it by this observation; and while he is endeavoring to persuade them to a just disregard of money, appears as if he only spoke their sentiments.

+ Premeditation.]-M. Tourreil admires the greatness of mind of Demosthenes, who, though he gloried in the pains and labor his orations cost him, was yet superior to that low and malignant passion which oftentimes prompts us to decry those talents which we do not possess. I suspect, however, that this passage was occasioned by some particular circumstance in the debate. Perhaps some speaker, who opposed Demosthenes, might have urged his opinion somewhat dogmatically, as the result of mature reflection and delibe 18

ration.

from this city, and all former inconveniences be avoided; and that you should send ambassadors to notify these things, and to secure our interests by their presence. For as he is a man of consummate policy, complete in the art of turning every incident to his own advantage, there is the utmost reason to fear, that partly by concessions, where they may be seasonable, partly by menaces (and his menaces may be believed), and partly by rendering us and our absence suspected, he may tear from us something of the last importance, and force into his own service.

Those very circumstances, however, which contribute to the power of Philip are happily the most favorable to us: for that uncontrolled command, with which he governs all transactions public and secret; his entire direction of his army, as their leader, their sovereign, and their treasurer; and his diligence, in giving life to every part of it by his presence; these things greatly contribute to carrying on a war with expedition and success, but are powerful obstacles to that accommodation which he would gladly make with the Olynthians. For the Olynthians see plainly that they do not now fight for glory, or for part of their territory, but to defend their state from dissolution and slavery. They know how he rewarded those traitors of Amphipolis who made him master of that city, and those of Pydna who opened their gates to him. In a word, free states, I think, must ever look with suspicion on an absolute monarchy; but a neighboring monarchy must double their apprehensions.

* His menaces may, &c.]-Although his promises could by no means be relied on.

Convinced of what hath now been offered, and possessed with every other just and worthy sentiment, you must be resolved, Athenians, you must exert your spirit; you must apply to the war now, if ever; your fortunes, your persons, your whole powers, are now demanded. There is no excuse, no pretence left for declining the performance of your duty; for that which you were all ever urging loudly, that the Olynthians should be engaged in a war with Philip, hath now happened of itself; and this in a manner most agreeable to our interest. For, if they had entered into this war at our persuasion, they must have been precarious allies, without steadiness or resolution: but, as their private injuries have made them enemies to Philip, it is probable that enmity will be lasting, both on account of what they fear, and what they have already suffered. My countrymen! let not so favorable an opportunity escape you; do not repeat that error which hath been so often fatal to you. For when, at our return from assisting the Euboeans,* Hierax and Stratocles, citizens of Amphipolis, mounted this gallery, and pressed you to send out your navy, and to take their city under your protection, had we discovered that resolution in our own cause which we exerted for the safety of Euboea, then had Amphipolis been yours, and all those difficulties had been avoided in which you have been since involved. Again, when

* The Eubœans.]-This refers to the expedition in favor of the Eubœans against the Thebans. The Athenians prepared for this expedition in three days, according to Demosthenes; in five, according to Eschines; and their success was as sudden as their preparation.

This gallery.]-In the original, TOUT TO BHMA; that eminence where all the public speakers were placed, and from whence the people were addressed on all occasions.

we received advice of the sieges of Pydna, Potidæa, Methone, Pagasæ, and other places (for I would not detain you with a particular recital,) had we ourselves marched with a due spirit and alacrity to the relief of the first of these cities, we should now find much more compliance, much more humility in Philip. But by still neglecting the present, and imagining our future interests will not demand our care, we have aggrandized our enemy, we have raised him to a degree of eminence greater than any king of Macedon hath ever yet enjoyed. Now, we have another opportunity— that which the Olynthians of themselves present to the state; one no less considerable than any of the former.

And, in my opinion, Athenians, if a man were to bring the dealings of the gods towards us to a fair account, though many things might appear not quite agreeable to our wishes, yet he would acknowledge that we had been highly favored by them; and with great reason for that many places have been lost in the course of war is truly to be charged to our own weak conduct. But that the difficulties arisen from hence have not long affected us; and that an alliance now presents itself to remove them, if we are disposed to make the just use of it; this I cannot but ascribe to the Divine goodness. But the same thing happens in this case as in the use of riches. If a man be careful to save those he hath acquired, he readily acknowledges the kindness of fortune; but if by his imprudence they be once lost, with them he also loses the sense of gratitude. So in political affairs, they who neglect to improve their opportunities, forget the favors which the gods have bestowed; for it is the ultimate