Page:History of Greece Vol XI.djvu/105

 EXPULSION OF DION. 7fc This abr upt and ignominious expulsion, of so great a person aa Dion, caused as much consternation among his numerous friends, as triumph to Philistus and the partisans of the despotism. All consummation of the liberal projects conceived by Dion was now out of the question ; not less from the incompetency of Dionysius to execute them alone, than from his indisposition to any such at- tempt. Aristomache the sister, and Arete the wife, of Dion (the latter half-sister of Dionysius himself), gave vent to their sorrow and indignation ; while the political associates of Dion, and Plato beyond all others, trembled for their own personal safety. Among the mercenary soldiers, the name of Plato was particularly odious. Many persons instigated Dionysius to kill him, and rumors even gained footing that he had been killed, as the author of the whole confusion. 1 But the despot, having sent away the person whom he most hated and feared, was not disposed to do harm to any one else. While he calmed the anxieties of Arete by affirming that the departure of her husband was not to be regarded as an exile, but only as a temporary separation, to allow time for abating the animosity which prevailed heat the same time ordered two triremes to be fitted out, for sending to Dion his slaves and valua- ble property, and everything necessary to personal dignity as well as to his comfort. Towards Plato who was naturally agitated in the extreme, thinking only of the readiest means to escape from so dangerous a situation his manifestations were yet more remarkable. He soothed the philosopher's apprehensions en- treated him to remain, in a manner gentle indeed but admitting no denial and conveyed him at once into his own residence the acropolis, under color of doing him honor. From hence there was no possibility of escaping, and Plato remained there for some time. Dionysius treated him well, communicated with him freely and intimately, and proclaimed everywhere that they were on the best terms of friendship. What is yet more curious he dis- played the greatest anxiety to obtain the esteem and approbation of the sage, and to occupy a place in his mind higher than that Justin (xxi. 1, 2) gives an account, different from all, of the reign and proceedings of the younger Dionysius. I cannot imagine what authority he followed. He does not even name Dion. 1 Plato, Epistol. iii. p. 315 F. ; Epist. vii. p. 329 D. 5 p. 340 A. Plutarch, Dion, c. 15.