Page:A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country (1804).djvu/96

82 grazier, by his intercourse with her, became the most considerable man in Athens.

The eloquence of this accomplished woman, the power which she obtained over the mind of Pericles, and (if we may judge from his actions) that power was exerted for laudable purposes, and the high terms in which she was spoken of, even by philosophers, entitle her to admiration, though mingled with regret.

Plutarch; Mitford.

brought up virtuously, though in poverty, and being very beautiful, with the singularity of fine light hair, naturally curling, attracted the notice of one of the satraps of Cyrus the younger, who forced her father to deliver her, against her consent, to him, for the seraglio of this prince. She was presented to Cyrus, with some others trained to please; but her modesty, dignity and grief, so affected him, that he applied himself seriously to gain her affections; equality was established between them; and their union, the fame of which was spread all over Greece, and even in Persia, was esteemed a marriage. In effect, the regularity of her manners and conduct, and the respect he paid to her understanding, by consulting her on the most important affairs (a confidence which he had never cause to repent) gave her all the consideration of a wife. Cyrus afterwards made her quit the name of Milto, which she had till then borne, and take that which Aspasia of Miletus by her wit and beauty had rendered so celebrated. A rich chain of gold being sent to him, of curious workmanship, he presented it to Aspasia, saying, 'it