Greece -- Biography -- Early works to 1800; Rome -- Biography -- Early works to 1800
upbraided him with plotting with the Carthaginians against himself. He
would not listen to Dion when he tried to excuse himself, but at once
placed him on board of a small vessel and ordered the sailors to land
him on the coast of Italy.
XV. Upon this, as Dionysius appeared to have acted very harshly, the
whole palace was plunged in grief by the women, while the city of
Syracuse became much excited, expecting that the exile of Dion and the
mistrust with which others regarded the despot would soon lead to some
revolution. Dionysius, perceiving and fearing this, encouraged the women
and friends of Dion, speaking of Dion as though he were not banished,
but had left the country of his own free will, for fear that if he
remained at home his quick temper might betray him into some violent
collision with himself. He placed two ships at the disposal of Dion's
relatives, and bade them embark with as much of his property and
servants as they pleased and go to rejoin him in Peloponnesus. Dion's
property was very extensive, and his whole household was on a
magnificent, almost a royal, scale. Everything was now carried away by
his friends, and much more was sent to him by his female relatives and
his friends, so that his wealth and magnificence became famous
throughout Greece, and the power of the despot became enhanced by the
sight of the riches of the exile.
XVI. Dionysius at once removed Plato into the citadel, where, under
pretence of showing him kindly respect, he was kept in an honourable
captivity, in order that he might not sail away with Dion, a witness of
his unjust treatment. By degrees, like a wild animal who gradually
becomes used to the touch of human beings, so Dionysius accustomed
himself to the society and discourses of Plato, and, after the manner
of despots, conceived a violent passion for him. He was especially
anxious that Plato should return his affection and should approve of his
acts, and was even willing to entrust the government and the crown
itself to him if he would only not prefer Dion's friendship to his own.
This passion of his caused great annoyance to Plato, for like all true
lovers he was furiously jealous and had frequent quarrels and
reconciliations with him, being very eager to hear his discourses, and
engage in the study of philosophy, and yet being influenced by those who
advised him to keep away from Plato, as he would be corrupted by his
teaching. Meanwhile, as some war broke out, he sent Plato away,
promising that in a year's time he would recall Dion. This promise he
broke at once, but he remitted to Dion the revenues of his estate, and
besought Plato to pardon his breach of faith about the time, because of
the war; for, as soon as peace should be made, he promised that he would
at once send for Dion. He also asked Plato to beg Dion to remain quiet,
and not to engage in any revolutionary schemes, and not to traduce his
character to the Greeks.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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