Page:Plutarch - Moralia, translator Holland, 1911.djvu/426

 renowned clerks and famous philosophers, either in Lycaeum or the Academy: go to the gallery Stoa, the learned school Palladium, or the music-school Odæum. If you affect, love and admire above all other the sect of the Peripatetics, Aristotle, the prince thereof, was born in Stagira, a city of Macedonia; Theophrastus in Eressus; Strato came from Lampsacus; Glycon from Troas; Ariston from Chios; and Critolaus from Phaselus. If your mind stand more to praise the Stoics, Cleanthes was of Assos; Zeno was a Citiean; Chrysippus came from Soli; Diogenes from Babylon; and Antipater from Tharsus; and Archidamus, being an Athenian born, went to dwell among the Parthians, and left behind him at Babylon in succession the Stoic discipline and philosophy. Who was it that chased and drave these men out of their native countries? certes, none but even of their own accord and voluntary motion they sought all abroad for their contentment and repose, which hardly or not at all can they enjoy at home in their own houses who are in any authority and reputation; so that, as they have taught us very well out of their books, other good sciences which they professed, so this one point of living in quietness and rest they have shewed unto us by practice and example. And even in these days also, the most renowned and approved clerks, yea, and greatest men of mark and name, live in strange countries, far remote from their own habitations; not transported by others, but of themselves removing thither; not banished, sent away and confined, but willing to fly and avoid the troublesome affairs, negotiations and business which their native countries amuse them with.

That this is true, it may appear by the most approved, excellent and commendable works and compositions which ancient writers have left unto posterity; for the absolute finishing whereof it seemeth that the Muses used the help and means of their exile. Thus Thucydides the Athenian penned the war between the Peloponnesians and the Athenians whiles he was in Thracia, and namely, near unto a place called the For estof the Fosse. Xenophon compiled his story at Scillos in Elea; Philip wrote in Epirus; Timaeus, who was born at Taurominum in Sicily, became a writer in Athens; Androtion the Athenian at Megarae, and Bachilides the poet in Peloponnesus; who all and many others besides, being banished out of their countries, were never discouraged nor cast down, but shewed the vivacity and vigour of their good spirits, and took their exile at fortune's hands as a good maintenance and