Page:History of Greece Vol XI.djvu/87

 DION AND DIONYSIUS. g] probably be recommended to him even by Plato, in prospect of a better future. But it would be strenuously urged by the Pytha- goreans of Southern Italy ; among whom was Archytas, distin- guished not only as a mathematician and friend of Plato, but also as the chief political magistrate of Tarentum. To these men, who dwelt all within the reach,i if not under the dominion, of this formidable Syracusan despot, it would be an unspeakable advan- tage to have a friend like Dion near him, possessing his confidence, and serving as a shield to them against his displeasure or inter- ference. Dion so far surmounted his own unbending nature as to conduct himself towards Dionysius with skill and prudence. He was employed by the despot in several important affairs, especially in embassies to Carthage, which he fulfilled well, especially with conspicuous credit for eloquence ; and also in the execution of various cruel orders, which his humanity secretly mitigated. 2 Af- ter the death of Thearides, Dionysius gave to Dion in marriage the widow Arete (his daughter), and continued until the last to treat him with favor, accepting from him a freedom of censure such as he would tolerate from no other adviser. During the many years which elapsed before the despot died, we cannot doubt that Dion found opportunities of visiting Pelo- ponnesus and Athens, for the great festivals and other purposes. He would thus keep up his friendship and philosophical commu- nication with Plato. Being as he was minister and relative, and perhaps successor presumptive, of the most powerful prince in Greece, he would enjoy everywhere great importance, which would be enhanced by his philosophy and eloquence. The Spar- tans, at that time the allies of Dionysius, conferred upon Dion the rare honor of a vote of citizenship ; 3 and he received testimonies 1 See the story in Jamblichus (Vit. Pythagorae, c. 189) of a company of Syracusan troops under Eurymenes the brother of Dion, sent to lay in ambuscade for some Pythagoreans between Tarentum and Metapontum. The story has not the air of truth ; but the state of circumstances, which it supposes, illustrates the relation between Dionysius and the cities in the Tarentine Gulf. 3 Plutarch, Dion, c. 1 7, 49. Eespecting the rarity of the vote of Spartim citizenship, see a remarkable passage of Herodotus, ix. 33-35. Plutarch states that the Spartans voted their citizenship to Dion during his exile, while he was in Peloponnesus after the year 367 u. c. ; at enmity VOL. XI. 6
 * Plutarch, Dion, c. 5, 6 ; Cornelius Nepos, Dion, c. 1, 2.