ALcibiades , as it is suppos'd , was anciently His Family and Education . descended from Eurysaces , the Son of Ajax , by his Fathers side , and by his Mothers side from Alcmeon , for Dinonache , his Mother , was the Daughter of Me●acles . His Father Clinias , having fitted out a Gally at his own expence , gained great Honour in a Sea-fight near Artimisium , and was afterwards slain in the Battel of Coronea , fighting against the Baeotians . Pericles and Ariphron , the Sons of Xantippus , being nearly related to Alcibiades , were his Guardians . 'T is said , and not untruely , that the Kindness and Friendship which Socrates shewed to him , did very much contribute to his Fame . Hence it is , that tho' we have not an account from any Writer , who was the Mother of Nicias or Demosthenes , of Lamachus or Phormio , of Thrasybulus or Theramenes , notwithstanding they were all of them Illustrious Persons , and of the same Age ; yet we know even the Nurse of Alcibiades , that her Countrey was Lacedaemon , and her Name , Amyclas ; and that Zopyrus was his Schoolmaster ; the one being recorded by Antisthenes , and the other by Plato .

It is not perhaps material to say any thing His Beauty . of the Beauty of Alcibiades , only that it lasted with him in all the Ages of his Life , in his Infancy , in his Youth , and in his Manhood ; and thereby rendred him lovely and agreeable to every one . For it is not universal what Euripides saith , that , Of all Fair things the Autumn is most Fair. But this happened to Alcibiades , amongst few others , by reason of his happy Composition , and the natural Vigor of his Body . It is said , that his Lisping , when he spoke , He lisped . became him well , and gave a Grace to his Pronunciation . Aristophanes takes notice , that he lisped in those Verses wherein he jeers Theorus , because Alcibiades , speaking of him , instead of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pronounced 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and so called him Flatterer unawares to himself . From whence the Poet takes occasion to observe , How very luckily he lisp'd the Truth . Archippus also makes mention of it , thus reflecting upon the Son of Alcibiades : His Father he will imitate in all ; Like one dissolv'd in Ease and Luxury , His long loose Robe he seems to draw with pain , Carelesly leans his Head , and in his Talk Affects to lisp .

His Manners were very different , nor is it strange that they varied according to the many and wonderful Vicissitudes of his Fortune .

He was naturally subject to great Passions , but the most prevailing of all was his Ambition , and Desire to be esteem'd the first : He was naturally Ambitious . which appear'd by several memorable Things spoken by him whilst he was a Child . Once being hard press'd in Wrastling , and fearing to be thrown , he got the Hand of the Person who strove with him to his Mouth , and bit it with all his sorce ; his Adversary loos'd his hold presently , and said , Thou bitest , Alcibiades , like a Woman : No , replied he , I bite like a Lion. Another time as he played at Cockal in the Street , being then but a Boy , a loaded Cart came that way , when it was his Turn to throw ; at first he requir'd the Driver to stay , because he was to cast in the way over which the Cart was to pass ; but the rude Fellow did not hearken to him , and driving on still , when the rest of the Boys divided and gave way , Alcibiades threw himself on his Face before the Cart , and stretching himself out , bid the Carter drive on , if he would : This so startled the Man , that he put back his Horses , while all that saw it were terrified , and crying out , ran to assist Alcibiades . When he began to study , he obeyed all his other Masters with great Respect , but refused to learn upon the Flute , as a sordid thing , and not becoming He refuses to learn to play on the Flute . a Gentle man ; for he would say , To play on the Lute or the Harp , does not disorder the Posture of a man's Body , or the Air of his Face ; but one is hardly to be known by his most intimate Friends , when he play on the Flute . Besides he who plays on th● Harp , may discourse or sing at the sam● time ; but the use of the Flute does so contract the Mouth , that the Voice is intercepted , and all Speech taken away . Therefore said he , let the Theban Youths pipe , because they know not how to discourse ; but we Athenians , ( as our Ancestors have told us , ) have Minerva for our Patroness , and Apollo for our Protector , one of which threw away the Flute , and the other stripped off his Skin who play'd upon it . Thus between Raillery and good Earnest , Alcibiades not only kept himself but others from learning upon that Instrument ; for it presently became the Talk of the young Gentlemen , that Alcibiades with good Reason despis'd the Art of playing on the Flute , and ridicul'd those who studied it . Whereupon it quickly ceas'd to be reckon'd amongst the Liberal Arts , and became universally exploded .

It is reported in the Invective which Antiphon wrote against Alcibiades , That once when he was a Boy , he fled to the House of Democrates , one of his Lovers , and that Ariphron had determin'd to cause Proclamation to be made for him , had not Pericles diverted him from it , by saying , That if he were dead , the Proclaiming of him could only cause it to be discover'd one day sooner , and if he were safe , it would be a Reproach to him whilst he liv'd . Antiphon does also say , That in the publick Place of Exercises in Syburtius , he slew one of his own Servants with the blow of a Staff. But it may be unreasonable to give Credit to all that is objected by an Enemy , who makes profession of his Design to defame him .

It was manifest , that the many Persons of The ground of Socrates 's love to Alcibiades . Quality who were continually waiting upon him , and making their Court to him , were surpriz'd and captivated by his extraordinary Beauty only . But the Affection which Socrates express'd for Alcibiades , was a great Evidence of his Vertue and good Disposition , which Socrates perceiv'd to appear and shine through the Beauty of his Person ; and fearing lest his Wealth and Quality , and the great Number both of Strangers and Athenians , who flatter'd and caress'd him , might at last corrupt him , he therefore resolv'd to interpose , and take care to preserve so hopeful a Plant from perishing in the Flower , and before its Fruit came to perfection . For never did Fortune surround and enclose a Man with so many of those things which we vulgarly call Goods , whereby to keep him from being touch'd or approach'd , by the free and clear Reasonings of Philosophy , as she did Alcibiades : who from the beginning was softned by the Flatteries of those who convers'd with him , and hindred from hearkning to such as would advise or instruct him . Yet such was the happiness of his Genius , that he discern'd Socrates from the rest , and admitted him , whilst he drove His Reverente for Socrates . away the Wealthy and the Noble who made Court to him . And in a little time they grew into a Familiarity ; Alcibiades observing that his Discourses aimed not at any effeminate Pleasures of Love , nor sought any thing wanton or dishonest , but laid open to him the Imperfections of his Mind , and repress'd his vain and foolish Arrogance . Then like the Craven Cock he hung his Wings . Esteeming these Endeavours of Socrates , as Means which the Gods made use of , for the Instruction and Preservation of Youth . So that he began to think meanly of himself , and to admire Socrates ; to be pleas'd with his Kindness , and to stand in awe of his Vertue : and unawares to himself there was form'd in his Mind an Idea of Love , or rather of that mutual Affection whereof Plato speaks . Insomuch that all men wondred at Alcibiades , when they saw Socrates and him eat together , do their Exercises together , and lodge in the same Tent , whilst he was reserv'd and rough to all others who made their Addresses to him , and carried himself with great Insolence to some His Insolence to others . of them . As in particular to Anytus the Son of Anthemion , one who was very fond of him , and invited him to an Entertainment which he had prepared for some Strangers : Alcibiades refused the Invitation ; but having drank to excess at his own House with some of his Companions , he went thither to play some Frolick ; and as he stood at the Door of the Room where the Guests were treated , and perceiv'd the Tables to be cover'd with Vessels of Gold and Silver , he commanded his Servants to take away the one half of them , and carry them to his own House ; and then disdaining so much as to enter into the Room himself , as soon as he had done this , he went away . The Company was extreamly offended at the Action , and said He behav'd himself rudely and insolently towards Anytus : But Anytus made Answer , That he had used him kindly and with great Humanity , in that he left him part , when he might have taken all . He behav'd himself after the same sort to all others who courted him , except only one Stranger , who ( as it is reported ) having but a small Estate , sold it all for about a 100 Staters , which he presented to Alcibiades , and besought him to accept : Alcibiades smiling and well pleas'd at the thing , invited him to Supper , and after a very kind Entertainment , gave him his Gold again , withall requiring him , not to fail to be present the next day , when the publick Revenue was offer'd to Farm , and to out-bid all others . The Man would have excus'd himself , because the Farm was so great , and would be lett for many Talents ; but Alcibiades , who had at that time a private Picque against the old Farmers , threatned to have him beaten if he refus'd . The next morning the Stranger coming to the Market-place , offer'd a Talent more than the old Rent : The Farmers were enrag'd at him , and consulting together , call'd upon him to name such as would be Sureties for him , concluding that he could find none . The poor Man being startled at the Proposal , began to retire ; but Alcibiades , standing at a distance , cryed out to the Magistrates , Set my Name down , he is a Friend of mine , and I will undertake for him . When the old Farmers heard this , they perceiv'd that all their Contrivance was defeated ; for their way was , with the Profits of the present year , to pay the Rent of the year preceding ; So that not seeing any other way to extricate themselves out of the Difficulty , they began to entreat the Stranger , and offer'd him a Sum of Money . Alcibiades would not suffer him to accept of less than a Talent ; but when that was paid down , he commanded him to relinquish the Bargain , having by this Device reliev'd his necessity .

Tho Socrates had many and powerful Alcibiades addicted to pleasure . Rivals , yet he still prevail'd most with Alcibiades , by reason of the excellency of his natural Parts . His Discourses master'd him to that degree , as not only to draw Tears from his Eyes , but to change his very Soul. Yet sometimes he would abandon himself to Flatterers , when they proposed to him varieties of Pleasure , and would desert Socrates ▪ who then would pursue him , as if he had been a fugitive Slave . The truth is , Alcibiades despis'd all others , and did reverence and stand in awe of him alone . And therefore it was that Cleanthes said , He had given his Ears to Socrates , but to his Rivals , other Parts of his Body , with which Socrates would not meddle . For Alcibiades was certainly very much addicted to Pleasures , and that which Thucidides says , concerning his Excesses in his course of Living , gives occasion to believe so . But those who endeavour'd to corrupt Alcibiades , took advantage chiefly of his Vanity and Ambition , and thrust him on to undertake unseasonably great things , perswading him , that as soon as he began to concern himself in publick Affairs , he would not only obscure the rest of the Generals and Statesmen , but exceed the Authority and the Reputation which Pericles himself had gain'd in Greece . But in the same manner as Iron which is softned by the Fire , grows hard with the Cold , and all its Parts are clos'd again ; so as often as Socrates observ'd . Alcibiades to be misled by Luxury or Pride , he reduc'd and corrected him by his Discourses , and made him humble and modest , by shewing him in how many things he was deficient , and how very far from perfection in Vertue .

When he was past his Childhood ▪ he went once to a Grammar School , and ask'd the Master for one of Homer's Books ; and he making Answer , that he had nothing of Homers , Alcibiades gave him a Blow with his Fist , and went away . Another Schoolmaster telling him , that he had Homer corrected by himself ; How , said Alcibiades , and do you imploy your time in teaching Children to read ? You who are able to amend . Homer , may well undertake to instruct Men. Being once desirous to speak with Pericles , he went to his House , and was told there , that he was not at leisure , but busied in considering how to give up his Accompts to the Athenians ; Alcibiades as he went away , said , It were better for him to consider how he might avoid giving up any Accompts at all .

Whilst he was very young , he was a Souldier His first Appearng in Arms. in the Expedition against Potidaea , where Socrates lodg'd in the same Tent with him , and seconded him in all Encounters . Once there happen'd a sharp skirmish , wherein they both behav'd themselves with much Bravery ; but Alcibiades receiving a Wound there , Socrates threw himself before him to defend him , and most manifestly sav'd him and his Arms from the Enemy , and therefore in all Justice might have challeng'd the Prize of Valour . But the Generals appearing earnest to adjudge , the Honour to Alcibiades , because of his Quality , Socrates , who desir'd to increase his Thirst after Glory , was the first who gave Evidence for him , and press'd them to Crown him , and to decree to him the compleat Suit of Armour . Afterwards in the Battel of Delium , when the Athenians were routed , and Socrates with a few others was retreating on Foot , Alcibiades who was on Horse-back observing it , would not pass on , but stay'd to shelter him from the danger , and brought him safe off , tho' the Enemy press'd hard upon them , and cut off many of the Party . But this happened some time after .

He gave a Box on the Ear to Hipponicus , the Father of Callias , whose Birth and Wealth made him a Person of great Power and Esteem . And this he did unprovok'd by any Passion or Quarrel between them , but only because in a Frolick he had agreed with his Companions to do it . All men were justly offended at this Insolence , when it was known through the City : But early the next Morning Alcibiades went to his House , and knock'd at the Door , and being admitted to him , stripp'd off his Garment , and presenting his naked Body , desir'd him to beat and chastize him as he pleas'd . Upon this Hipponicus forgot all his Resentment , and not only pardon'd him , but soon after gave him his Daughter Hipparete in Marriage . His Marriage . Some say , that it was not Hipponicus , but his Son Callias , who gave Hipparete to Alcibiades , together with a Portion of 10 Talents , and that after , when she had a Child , Alcibiades forc'd him to give 10 Talents more , upon pretence that such was the Agreement if she brought him any Children . And yet after , Callias for fear of being assassinated by him , in a full Assembly of the People did declare , that if he should happen to die without Children , Alcibiades should inherit his House and all his Goods . Hipparete was a vertuous Lady , and fond of her Husband ; but at last growing impatient of the injuries done to her Marriage-bed , by his continual entertaining of Curtezans , as well Strangers as Athenians , she departed from him , and retir'd to her Brother's House . His Wife leaves him . Alcibiades seem'd not at all concern'd at it , and liv'd on still in the same Luxury ; but the Law requiring that she should deliver to the Archon in Person , and not by Proxy , the Instrument whereby she sought a Divorce ; when in obedience to the Law , she presented her self before him to perform this , Alcibiades came in , and took her away by force , He takes her agai● by force . and carried her home through the Market-place , no one all this while daring to oppose him , nor to take her from him . And she continu'd with him till her death , which happened not long after , when Alcibiades made his Voyage to Ephesus . Nor was this Violence to be thought so very enormous or unmanly . For the Law , in making her who desires to be divorc'd , appear in pubblick , seems to design to give her Husband an opportunity of discoursing with her , and of endeavouring to retain her . Alcibiades had a Dog which cost him 70 Mina , and was a very great one , and very handsom ; his Tail , which was his principal Ornament , he caus'd to be cut off ; and his Acquaintance childing him for it , and telling him , that all Athens was sorry for the Dog , and cried out upon him for this Action ; he laugh'd , and said , It is then come to pass as I desir'd , for I would have the Athenians entertain themselves with the Discourse of this , lest they should be talking something worse of me .

It is said , that the first time he came into The occasion of his first Appearance in Publick . the Assembly , was upon occasion of a Largess of Money which he made to the People . This was not done by Design , but as he pass'd along he heard a Shout , and enquiring the Cause , and having learn'd that there was a Donative made to the People , he went in amongst them , and gave Money also . The Multitude thereupon applauding him , and shouting , he was sotransported at it , that he forgot a Quail which he had under his Robe and the Bird being frighted with noise , fled from him : Thereupon the People made louder Acclamations than before , and many of them rose up to pursue the Bird ; but one Antiochus , a Pilot , caught it , and restor'd it to him , for which he was ever after very dear to Alcibiades .

He had great Advantages to introduce Alcibiades eloquent . himself into the Management of Affairs : His noble Birth , his Riches , the personal Courage he had shewn in divers Battels , and the multitude of his Friends and Dependents . But above all the rest , he chose to make himself Considerable to the People by his Eloquence : That he was a Master in the Art of Speaking the Comick Poets bear him witness ; and Demosthenes , the most eloquent of men , in his Oration against Midias , does allow , that Alcibiades , among other Perfections , was a most exact Orator . And if we give Credit to Theophrastus , who of all Philosophers was the most curious Enquirer , and the most faithful Relator , he says , that Alcibiades was very happy at inventing Things proper to be said upon the Occasion . Nor did he consider the Things only which ought to be said , but also what Words and what Expressions were to be us'd ; and when those did not readily occur , he would often pause in the middle of his Discourse for want of apt words , and would be silent and stop till he could recollect himself , and had consider'd what to say .

His Expences in Horses kept for the publick His Victories at the Olympick Games . Games , and in the number of his Chariots , were very magnificent ; for never any one besides himself , either private Person or King , sent seven Chariots to the Olympick Games . He carried away at once the first , the second , and the fourth Prize , as Thucydides says , or the third , as Euripides relates it ; wherein he surpass'd all that ever pretended in that kind . Euripides celebrates his success in this manner . Thee lovely Son of Clinias will I sing , Thy Triumphs down to future Ages bring . Thou Pride of Greece ! which never saw till now , So many Crowns adorn one conquering Brow. With how much ease the three-fold Prize he gains , And smiles to see from far his Rivals Pains . Their Chariots lagging on the distant Plains , His Temples thrice the willing Judges crown , And general Shouts do the just sentence Own. The Emulation which those who contended with him , expressed in the Presents which they made to him , rendred his Success the more illustrious . The Ephesians erected a Tent for him adorned magnificently : The City of Chios furnished him with Provender for his Horses , and with great numbers of Beasts for Sacrifice . And the Lesbians sent him Wine and other Provisions , for the many great Entertainments which he made . Yet in the midst of all this , he escap'd not without Censure , occasion'd either by the Malice of his Enemies , or by his own ill Carriage . For 't is said , that one Diomedes , an Athenian , a good man , and a Friend to Alcibiades , passionately desiring to obtain the Victory at the Olympick Games , and having heard much of a Chariot which belogned to the State ●t Argos , where he had observ'd that Alcibiades had great Power and many Friends , ●e prevail'd with him to undertake to buy ●he Chariot . Alcibiades did indeed buy it , ●ut then claim'd it for his own , leaving ●iomedes to rage at him , and to call upon he Gods and Men to bear witness of the ●njustice . There was a Suit at Law comnenc'd upon this Occasion , and there is ●et extant an Oration concerning a Cha●ot , written by Iscrates in Defence of Al●●biades , then a Youth . But there the ●laintiff in the Action is named Tisias , and ●ot Diomedes .

As soon as he began to intermeddle in Niclas and Pheax his Rivals in the Pecptes Favour . 〈◊〉 Government , which was when he was very young , he quickly lessen'd the Credit of all who pretended to lead the People , except Pheax the Son of Erasistratus , and Nicias the Son of Niceratus , who alone durst contend with him . Nicias was arriv'd at the Age which is proper for War , and was esteem'd an excellent General ; but Pheax was but beginning to grow in Reputation , ( as Alcibiades was . ) He was descended of noble Ancestors , but was inferior to Alcibiades , as in many other things , so principally in Eloquence . He could speak well , and had the Art of Perswading in private Conversation , but could not maintain a Debate before the People ; that being true which Eupolis said of him , That he could talk well , but was not good at making Speeches . There is extant an Oration written against Pheax and Alcibiades , wherein , amongst other things , it is said , that Alcibiades made daily use at his Table of many gold and silver Vessels , which belong'd to the Common-wealth , as if they had been his own .

There was one Hyperbolus , a Native of The Sentence of Ostracism pronounce against Hyperbolus . Perithoide , ( of whom Thucydides makes mention , as of a very ill man ) who furnish'd Matter to all the Writers of Comedy in that Age for their Satyrs . But he was unconcern'd at the worst things they could say , and being careless of Glory , he was also insensible of Shame . There are some who call this Boldness and Courage , whereas it is indeed Impudence and Madness . He was lik'd by no body , yet the People made frequent use of him , when they had a mind to disgrace or calumniate any Persons in Authority . At this time the People by his Perswasions were ready to proceed to pronounce the Sentence of ten years Banishment , which they called Ostracism . This was a way they made use of to lessen and drive out of the City such Citizens , as exceeded the rest in Credit and Power , therein consulting their envy rather than their fear . And when at this time there was no doubt but that the Ostracism would fall upon one of those three , Alcibiades contriv'd to unite their several Factions , and communicating his Project with Nicias , he turn'd the Sentence upon Hyperbolus himself . Others say , that it was not with Nicias but Pheax that he consulted , and that by the help of his Party he procured the Banishment of Hypenbolus himself , when he suspected nothing less . For never any mean or obscure person fell under that Punishment before that time . Which gave occasion to Plato the Comick Poet , speaking of this Hyperbolus , to say that he was , Worthy to suffer what he did and more , But not in such an honourable way : The abject Wretch the Sentence did disgrace . But we have in another place given a fuller account of all that History has delivered down to us of this Matter .

Alcibiades was not less disturbed at the Alcibiades breaks the Nician Peace . Reputation which Nicias had gain'd amongst the Enemies of Athens , than at the Honours which the Athenians themselves paid to him . For tho' Alcibiades was the Person who did publickly receive the Lacedaemonians when they came to Athens , and took particular Care of such of them as were made Prisoners at the Fort of Pylos , yet after they had obtained the Peace and Restitution of the Captives by the Procurement of Nicias , they began to respect him above all others . And it was commonly said in Greece , that the War was begun by Pericles , and that Nicias made an end of it , and therefore as being his Work , this Peace was by most men called the Nician Peace . Alcibades was extreamly troubled at this , and being full of Envy , set himself to break the League . First therefore observing that the Argives , as well out of fear as hatred to the Lacedaemonians , sought for protection against them , he gave them a secret Assurance of a League offensive and defensive with Athens And transacting as well in Person as by Letters , with those who had most Authority amongst the People , he encouraged them neither to fear the Lacedaemonians , nor submit to them , but to betake themselves to the Athenians , who , if they would expect but a little while , would repent of the Peace , and soon put an end to it . And afterwards when the Lacedaemonians had made a League with the Baeotians , and had not delivered up Panactum entire , as they ought to have done by the Treaty ? but defac'd and slighted it , which gave great offence to the People of Athens , Alcibiades laid hold of that opportunity to exasperate them more highly . He exclaim'd fiercely against Nicias , and accus'd him of many things , which seemed probable enough : As that when he was General , he would not seize upon those men who were deserted by the Enemies Army , and left in the Isle of Sphacteria ; and that when they were afterwards made Prisoners by others , he procur'd them to be released , and sent back to the Lacedaemonians , only to get favour with them ; that he would not make use of his Credit with them , to prevent their entring into this Confederacy with the Baeotians . and Corinthians ; and yet on the other side he sought to hinder those Grecians who were inclined to make an Alliance and Friendship with Athens , if the Lacedaemonians were not pleased with it .

It happen'd at the very time when Nicias was by these Arts brought into disgrace with the People ; that Ambassadours arrived from Lacedaemon , who at their first coming said what seemed very satisfactory , declaring that they had full power to concert all Matters in difference upon equal terms . The Council received their Propositions , and the People was to assemble on the morrow to give them Audience . Alcibiades grew very apprehensive of this , and ordered Matters so , that he had a secret Conference with the Ambassadors . When they were met , he said ; What is it you intend , you Men of Sparta ? Can you be ignorant , that the Council always carry themselves with Moderation and Respect towards Ambassadors , but that the People are haughty , and affect great things ? So that if you let them know what full Powers your Commission gives you , they will urge and press you to yield to unreasonable Conditions . Quit therefore this indiscreet Method , if you expect to obtain equal Terms from the Athenians , and would not have things extorted from you contrary to your Inclination ; and begin to treat with the People upon some reasonable Articles , not owning at the first that you are Plenipotentiaries , and I will be ready to assist you , as being very zealous to serve the Lacedaemonians . When he had said thus , he gave them his Oath for the performance of what he promised , and by this way drew them from Nicias to rely entirely upon himself , and to admire him as a Person extraordinary for Wisdom and Dexterity in Affairs . The next day when the People were assembled , and the Ambassadors introduc'd , Alcibiades with great Civility demanded of them , with what Powers they were come ? they made answer , That they were not come as Plenipotentiaries .

Instantly upon that Alcibiades with a loud Voice , ( as tho' he had receiv'd , and not done the wrong ) began to call them faithless and inconstant , and to shew that such men could not possibly come with a purpose to say or do any thing that was sincere . The Council was highly incens'd , the People were in a rage , and Nicias , who knew nothing of the Deceit and the Imposture , was in the greatest Confusion imaginable , being equally surpriz'd and asham'd at such a Change in the Men. So that without more ado , the Lacedaemonian Ambassadors were utterly rejected , and Alcibiades was declar'd General , who presently drew the Argives , the Elians , and those of Mantinoea , into a Confederacy with the Athenians .

No man commended the Method by which Alcibiades effected all this , yet it was a great reach in the Politicks , thus to divide and shake almost all Peloponnesus , and to bring together so many men in Arms against the Lacedaemonians in one day before Mantinoea ; thereby removing the War and the Danger so far from the Frontier of the Athenians , that even success would profit the Enemy but little should they be Conquerors , whereas if they were defeated , Sparta it self was hardly safe .

After this Battel at Mantineoea , the Officers of the Army of the Argives attempted Alcibiades restores the Democracy et Argos . to destroy the Government of the People in Argos , and make themselves Masters of the City ; and by the Assistance of the Lacedaemonians they abolished the Democracy . But the People took Arms again , and having gain'd some Advantage , Alcibiades came in to their Aid , and made their Victory compleat . Then he perswaded them to build long Walls , and by that means to joyn their City to the Sea , that so at all times they might more securely receive Succour from the Athenians . To this purpose he procur'd them many Masons and Hewers of Stone from Athens , and in all things made shew of the greatest Zeal for their Service , and thereby gain'd no less Honour and Power to himself , than to the Common-wealth of Athens . He also perswaded the Patroeans to joyn their City to the Sea , by lengthening their Walls ; and when they were warn'd , That the Athenians would swallow them up at last ; Alcibiades made Answer , that possibly it might be so , but it would be by little and little , and beginning at the Feet , whereas the Lacedoemonians will begin at the Head , and devour you all at once . He did also advise the Athenians to make themselves strong at Land , and often put the young Men in mind of the Oath which they had made at Agraulos , and excited them to the effectual performance of it ; for there they were wont to swear , that they would repute Wheat and Barley , and Vines and Olives , to be the Limits of Attico ; by which they were taught to claim a Title to all Lands that were manured and fruitful .

But with all these excellent Things which he said and did , with all this Wisdom His Luxury . and Eloquence , he intermingled exorbitant Luxury in his Eating and Drinking , and in his Loves , joyn'd with great Insolence , and Effeminacy . He wore a long purple Robe , which dragg'd after him as he went through the Market-place . He caus'd the Planks of his Galley to be cut away , that so he might lye the softer , his Bed not being plac'd on the Boards , but hanging upon Girths . And his Shield , which was richly gilded , had not the usual Ensigns of the Athenians , but a Cupid holding a Thunderbolt in his Hand , was painted upon it ; which when those of the best Quality in the City saw , they did not only detest it , and resent it highly , but were afraid of his dissolute Manners , and insolent Contempt of Laws , as things monstrous in themselves , and tending to a Change of the Government . Aristophanes has well express'd in what manner the People stood affected towards him : They hate him , yet they love to see him too , Still Popular amidst his wild Debauches . And in another place he doth more plainly discover the Jealousie which was conceiv'd of him : 'T is folly to breed up an infant Lion , But to provoke him after , downright Madness . The truth is , his Liberalities , his publick Shews , and other Munificence to the People , ( which were such as nothing could exceed , ) the Glory of his Ancestors , the Force of his Eloquence , the Loveliness of his Person , his Strength of Body , joyn'd with his great Courage , and extraordinary Knowledge in Military Affairs , prevail'd upon the Athenians to endure patiently his Excesses , to indulge many things to him , and to give the softest Names to his Faults , attributing them only to his Youth and good Nature . He kept Agatharcus the Painter a Prisoner , till he had painted his whole House , but then dismis'd him with a Reward . He publickly struck Taureas , who exhibited certain Shews in opposition to him , and contended with him for the Prize . He took to himself one of the captive Melian Women , and had a Son by her , whom he took care to educate . This the Athenians styl'd great Humanity : and yet he was the principal Cause of the Slaughter of all the Inhabitants of the Isle of Melos , who were of Age to bear Arms , by speaking in favour of that cruel Decree . When Aristophon the Painter had drawn Nemea the Curtezan , sitting and holding Alcibiades in her Arms , the Multitude seem'd pleased with the Piece , and throng'd to see it , but the graver sort were highly offended , and looked on these things as great Enormities , and savouring of a Tyranny . So that it was not said amiss by Archestratus , that Greece could not bear two Alcibiades . Once when Alcibiades Timon's Opinion of him . succeeded well in an Oration which he made , and the whole Assembly attended upon him to do him Honour , Timon , sirnamed the Man-hater , would not pass slightly by him , nor avoid him as he did others , but purposely met him , and taking him by the Hand , said , Go on boldly , my Son , maist thou increase in Credit with the People , for thou wilt one day bring them Calamities enough . Some that were present laugh'd at the Saying , and some reproached Timon ; but there were others upon whom it made a deep Impression : So various was the Judgment which was made of him , by reason of the Inequality of his Manners .

The Athenians in the Life-time of Pericles Alcibiades pr●●●tes the Sicilian Expedition had cast a longing Eye upon Sicily , but did not attempt any thing in relation to it , till after his Death . For then , under pretence of aiding their Confederates , they sent Succours upon all Occasions to those who were oppress'd by the Syracusans , and thereby made way for the sending over of a greater Force . But Alcibiades was the Person who inflam'd this Desire of theirs to the height , and prevail'd with them no longer to proceed secretly in their Design , and by little and little , but to set out a great Fleet , and undertake at once to make themselves Masters of the Island . To this purpose he possess'd the People with great Hopes , whilst he himself had much greater ; and the Conquest of Sicily , which was the utmost Bound of their Ambition , was but the beginning of those things which he thought of . Nicias endeavour'd to divert the People from this Expedition , by representing to them , that the taking of Syracuse would be a work of great Difficulty . But Alcibiades dreamt of nothing less than the Conquest of Carthage and Lybia , and by the Accession of these , fancied himself already Master of Italy and of Peloponnesus ; so that he seemed to look upon Sicily as little more than a Magazine for the War . The young Men were soon rais'd with these Hopes , and heark'ned gladly to those of riper years , telling them strange things of this Expedition ; so that you might see great Numbers sitting in Rings in the Places of Exercise , some describing the Figure of the Island , and others the Situation of Lybia and Carthage . But it is said , that Socrates the Philosopher , and Meton the Astrologer , never hop'd for any good to the Common wealth from this War : The one , ( as 't is probable , ) presaging what would ensue , by the Assistance of his Daemon , who conversed with him familiarly ; and the other , either upon a rational Consideration of the Project , or by making use of the Art of Divination , was become fearful of the success : and therefore , dissembling Madness , he caught up a burning Torch , and seem'd as if he would have set his own House on fire : Others report , that he did not take upon him to act the Mad man , but that secretly in the night he set his House on fire , and the next morning besought the People , that for his Comfort after such a Calamity , they would spare his Son from the Expedition . By which Artifice he deceived his fellow-Citizens , and obtained of them what he desired .