Solon , that famous Athenian , the most renowned of the Seven Wisemen , and the Law-giver of his Countrey , in vain sought amongst his Laborious Employs , a Sanctuary against Love : His continual cares for the Glory of Athens , his Commands in War , and his Studies in Peace , could not protect him from the assaults of this Passion . He derived his Pedigree from Codrus , one of the First Kings of Attica : The endowments of his Mind , corresponded well with so illustrious a descent , but Fortune contributed not to the support of its splendor .

Euphorion , Father to this Hero , had been so bountiful of his goods , where he observed them wanting , that he had scarce left sufficient for himself . Solon who would have used the same liberality , had he been in his Fathers place , would not now permit indigency to defraud him of the practise of it ; he made his Industry his Exchequer , and seeking among strangers what he could no longer find at home , was so happy in his Voyages , and his Undertakings were all so successful , that he returned to Athens with a greater Revenue then his Father had consumed . Whatever Philosophers may think fit to tell us , Riches are the main Pillars and Arches of Credit and Authority . Solon was scarce taken notice of whilst Fortune seemed to frown ; he was raised to the highest charges in the Commonwealth , as soon as she began to smile . There was now an obstinate War between the Athenians , and the People of Megara , about the Island Salamina , both Cities pretended its dependance on them ; the Athenians founded their right on Tradition ; Philaeus and Eurisaces , Sons of Ajàx , being made Citizens of Athens , had given the Island of Salamina to that Commonwealth , in token of their acknowledgments . The Megarians were powerful in Men and Money : Power is often a valuable title , and Salamina inclined to them . The Athenians feared them , and believing it sweeter to live voluptuously within their Walls , then to extend their Dominions at the expence of their Peace and Pleasure , required that Salamina should be left to the Megarians . Pisistratus , one of the richest Men amongst them , encouraged them in this resolution ; he aspired to the Soveraign Authority , and judged it would be easier to reduce to obedience , People softned by Pleasures and Idleness , then Men grown warlike , and accustomed to fights .

This Pisistratus had many great Talents to make himself be beloved , He was young , handsome , and of a sweet and flattering Spirit . Plutarch affirms , he wanted no recommendable quality , but that he could not confine himself to the condition of a private Citizen . The young men and populacy , supported all his designs ; but Solon was supported by a power that never found any thing could resist it : He had in his Travels sojourned some time in Salamina , and there fell in love with Orgina , the Daughter of Amphicles , who then governed that Island ; but there was a clause in the Laws of Dracon the first Lawgiver among the Athenians , forbidding any descended from the Royal Stock , to ally themselves with any other but Athenians , or , at least , People reputed to belong to Attica . Salamina must then be made one of the Members of Athens , to Authorise the Love of Solon . He summons all his credit to the relief of his Love , and if the faction of Pisistratus was more numerous , Solons had the more Authority . It was concluded , Salamina should be reduced , and Solon was made General in the expedition . He was happy in his Success , as to the concern of his glory .

The Island was subdued , the Megarians who endeavored to defend it , cut in pieces ; but Orgina , the Charming Orgina , for whom the War was undertaken , could not be found in the surrendred City ; her Father had conveyed her thence some days before he stood affected to the Megarians party , of which he had given too evident proofs . He feared the resentment of the Conquerors , and not judging his Strengths able to secure him by resistance , he had by the favor of a disguise , stole out of Salamina , with no greater a train then his Daughter , and a young Slave he loved .

All Solons Philosophy was now put to the test , to support him in this accident , it made him seem unsensible of the Honors of his Victory , and his secret Melancholly passing for Moderation ; so charmed the Athenians , that they offered him the title of King ; they told him , That the Glory to obey so great a Man , was preferrable to the Liberty they enjoyed . Solon accepted not their offer , for besides that , he too well loved his Countrey to see it inslaved , he could not live without Orgina ; he saw not glories enough in a Crown to six his thoughts , whilst she was not there ; and knowing likewise , how barren the allurements of greatness are , he made that Oration so memorable to Posterity , wherein , after having by a thousand thanks testified his acknowledgments to the People of Athens for their good will , he made it evident he should declare himself unworthy of the offer , if he should accept of the effect .

This Magnanimity of Solon gained him an Authority among the Athenians , not at all inferior to the title he had refused , they obeyed his Orders like the voice of an Oracle . Pisistratus beheld his glory with envy , and as obstructive to his ambitious designs ; but it being a principal Policy of his to win the Athenians by applause , he was one of the first to give Solon joy for the greatness of his actions ; he exhibited shows to the People as a token of his congratulation , and made a magnificent Feast , where he exposed to view all his riches ; a vanity usual among the Ancients , and which made up an essential part of the Treat . There was to be seen at this of Pisistratus , Vessels of Gold of an excessive weight , very rich moveables , and Stones of great price ; among which , Solon observed a Carbuncle of singular Beauty , which he knew to be the same he had given to Orgina at his departure from Salamina . The sight of it moved him to the Soul , he asked Pisistratus where he got that Carbuncle ; Pisistratus smiled , and replied , It was a Mystery he could not explain before so many Witnesses . This answer troubled Solon so much , that he could scarce dissemble it , he was impatient till the company were gone , that he might clear himself of the perplexities of his mind , and pretending some private business to stay with Pisistratus , he asked him , If he were one of those Witnesses , whom he thought unfit to hear the explanation of his mystery . You of all the World , replied Pisistratus ; the mystery , in which I am concerned , is a Mystery of Love ; Judge then , Whether it ought to be trusted to a conformed Philosopher whose Soul stands like a Rock against all the storms of Passion , and who is continually Preaching its impossibility . I am none of those Philosophers you speak of , said Solon , interrupting him , I reverence Wisdom , and would be truly wise , if I could ; but this Wisdom consists not in a brutish fierceness : Those who describe her so , never knew her well ; she was made for Man , and should be a sociable Vertue . How ? replied Pisistratus , If I tell you , that I am in love , and that this Carbuncle is given as a token of my Mistresses kindness ; will not my Passion seem a weakness to you , or can you pardon my amour ? It is possible , replied Solon , whom this discourse troubled more and more , I may ; there are crimes carry their excuses with them . Love is indeed of it self a great extravagance , but there may be a Mistress so perfect , that that Love may become an effect of Reason . Pisistratus had no love for Solon , and believed him as severe as he seemed to be ; but it is hard for any lover to resist the occasion of speaking of what they love ; and he was so extreamly delighted with the thoughts , that so famed a Wiseman approved his Passion , that he could not forbear crying out , Then a thousand thanks to love , that hath made me become the most reasonable of all Men ; for never was there Woman so perfect as Orgina , nor ever was the effect of that Reason made me love her ; so powerful in any Brest as in mine . That name of Orgina put all the Philosophy of Solon to a stand . Do you call your Mistress Orgina , said he , interrupting him . Yes , replied Pisistratus , that is the name of the person I adore : I have heard speak of her at Salamina , said Solon . She is indeed of that Island , answered Pisistratus , and Daughter to Amphicles , considerable both for her Birth and Degree ; her Father having been always inclineable to the part of the Megariana● , escaped out of Salamina , during the Siege , with intent to retire to Megara ; but was met by an Officer of the Athenian Army , who seeing him , followed by his Daughter and a very fair young Slave , thought he might make considerable booty by seizing them , he kept his prey very close fearing some sharers ; and returning to Athens , after the Army was dismissed , he sold me the prisoner , and his two fair attendants . Had not Solon been accomptable to Posterity for the title of Wiseman , that Age had given him , he had ill-recompenced Pisistratus for the confidence wherewith he obliged him : But the quality of Philosopher is a heavy burden for those who undertake to bear it . He was forced to keep a guard upon his Sences , as upon his declared Enemies , and not daring to lift up his eyes on Pisistratus , fearful least his countenance should betray him , he asked him in a doubtful and trembling key , If he were as much beloved , as he loved . I cannot guess I am hated , replied Pisistratus , with the briskness of a successful Lover , and you may judge it by the Carbuncle which hath been the occasion of this converse . Orgina gave it me , telling me withal , That it was the greatest token of Love could be given by the Daughter of Amphicles ; and that if I knew the secret contained in it , I would confess , that Orgina offered an obliging Sacrifice , when she intrusted me with it .

This Relation so much increased Solon's trouble , that grown doubtful of his power to master it , he thought it best to leave Pisistratus , and seeming to satisfie himself by faintly telling him , That Salamina was become one of the Members of Athens , and that he ought not to treat as a Slave , a Virgin whom his Countrey had adopted , he bid him adieu , but in such a disorder , as was very slenderly agreeable to the reputation he had gained . Being come to his house , he found there Thales , sirnamed the Milesian , one of the most famous Wisemen of Greece , and particular friend to our Athenian . The Inhabitants of the Island of Coos had sent him a Tripod of Gold , fished out of the Sea , near their Island , which was pretended to have been cast in there by Helen , in her return from Troy , and which by the Oracle of Pythia the Prophetess , was destined to the wisest Man of all Greece . The modest Thales not believing himself worthy that renown , resigned it to Solon ; and now came to prepare him to receive the present , intended to be made him next morning . Alas , cryed Solon , when he understood the occasion of his Friends journey , What a labyrinth is the Heart of Man . None , dear Thales , can find out its Mazes and Windings , those who think a Philosopher as perfect in the practise of Knowledge , as in his Precepts , would soon quit that Error , if the Eyes were as certainly the Windows of the Soul , as they are but the Mask . This Morality looks prettily from you , replied Thales , in the glorious occasion that now courts you . I applaud my self for the opinion I have conceived of your Wisdom ; and I observe with much satisfaction , it is not friendship hath prepossessed me in your favor . Accept the Tripod , dear Solon , for you onely are worthy to receive it , nor can any other possess it without usurpation . Thales and Solon had contracted so strict a friendship , there could be no Vail or Hypocrisie between them . Solon had discovered to the Milesian , the birth of a Daughter which he had in his youth , whose horoscope had told him , She should be one day fatal to her Countreys Liberty . It was by Thales Counsel she was secretly brought up in one of the Isles of the Aegean Sea , without knowing either her birth , or the misfortune threatned her . This trust injoyned a farther , which Solon could not refuse , he discovered to his friend the true state of his heart , and not hiding any circumstances of his love , Judge , added he , if I deserve the mysterious Tripod , which the gods destined for the wisest of Men , two or three violent Passions at once triumph over my Soul ; I love Orgina as much as I can love , and I hate Pisistratus as much as I can hate . I am jealous and desperate , and in the extravagancies of my fury , know not whether I should not be transported to act the same violencies against what I love , as what I hate . Keep the Tripod , dear Thales , or make a present of it to some one that is wiser then Solon . I know no one , replied Thales , that more appears so ; your Laws seem to have been dictated by the gods , your conversation is learned and instructive , you are externally calm and quiet , and have refused soveraign power , if you be not wise , who then is ? Or , on what foundation shall we make judgments of Men ; If it be true , that your Soul is the Whirligig of so many Passions , let us deplore , dear Solon , the excess of humane frailty , which hath spred it self into all Men equally , appearance onely making some difference between them . We can never teach true Wisdom , we learn onely the Art of feigning Anacharsis Byas , you , and I , we are all subject to the same failings , and the gods can onely boast perfection . Concluding therefore , that the Tripod ought to be consecrated to some divinity , they sent it to that Temple at Thebes , which the Thebans had lately built in honor of Apollo , sirnamed the Ismenian . Solon prevailed with Thales to stay some days longer in Athens , to assist him in his extremities with his wise Counsels . Whiles they were one day shut up together , and Thales diswading his friends love by all the arguments his Philosophy could furnish him with , a Letter was brought to Solon , left by an unknown person at his Gate , who refused to stay for an answer . Solon opened it with a concern that Thales observed , and he found these words .

Solon burst out into a cry of joy , at the reading of this Letter , and kissing with an extasie the so beloved name of Orgina , put Thales into a strange astonishment . Is it possible , said he to Solon , that that Wisdom so famous in all Greece , and with which I believed , you so liberally supplied , should sink under so weak an assault . Pray , my dear Thales , said Solon , embracing his friend , trouble not my joy by such an unprofitable reflexion . It is no more the Solon celebrated through all Greece that now speaks to you ; it is a sincere friend who shows himself unmasked to his friend . You would find all men different from what they appear , if you could see their hearts naked as I discover mine to you : And besides , my dear Friend , What do you call true Wisdom , if it be not the Art to make our selves happy ? Can our felicity reside in any other thing ? And is it not the impressions we seek of joy or grief , which create our pleasures , or our pains ? Believe me Thales , let Men think of us what they please , it is not their Opinion creates our happiness , it is the natural motions of our own Souls . In vain would all Greece believe you happy , if you believe it not your self , and others judgments of that happiness you found not , would but increase your misery and sorrow . Ending these words , he hasted to Pisistratus House resolved to see Orgina , if the could possibly , but she was not there to be found . Pisistratus had surprised the Letter Carrier , as he came to return an account of his Commission ; and though the seeming austerity of Solon might create a dead repose in his Rival , Pisistratus who was born suspitious , believing he could not be too watchful of a treasure he feared to lose , had carried away the young Orgina and her Slave , to a Countrey-house of his , two days journey from Athens . This news afflicted Solon as much as can be imagined , he observed two or three circumstances equally vexatious , he would not for his life that his weakness should grow publick . The sudden departure of Pisistratus , and that just at the instant he received Orgina's Letter , made him conjecture something of the truth ; and if he were apprehensive of his glory , he was no less of his love ; he saw his Mistress carried away , and in the power of a lover , whom he believed jealous , such a Man as Solon seldom fears without seeking a remedy ; and People who are in power ever mix the greatest Interests with their own . He had begun the establishment of the Areopagites , a Counsel of great authority in Athens , and whose Decrees have made it since famous ; he labored in the accomplishment of this Work , and declaring to the Assembly , that he had notice , that some Athenians held some of the Inhabitants of Salamina in a kind of slavery ; he represented it as a thing ignoble , for Athens to permit , that people by her adopted should be reduced to servitude . This Remonstrance was thought just , a Decree was issued out against those which held any of the Inhabitants of Salamina , commanding their release in three days , on pain of death . Pisistratus being the onely Man aimed at in this Decree , Solon took care to give him the first notice .

In vain had they imposed the Penalty of Death on the Disobeyers , Pisistratus would have suffered a thousand deaths , ere run the hazard of losing Orgina , he secures himself with her in the Kingdom of Argos ; and those who had Commission from the Areopagites , to make him give obedience to the Decree , found onely on his House , the Slave of Amphicles . Solon grew even desperate at this new misfortune . See now , said he , to Thales , how much all your boasted Wisdom contributes to our Happiness , had it not been for that Reputation of wise Man , I so little deserve , I would have forced my Mistress out of my Rivals Arms ; she was mine before he knew her , her Letter assures me , I have lost no right in her ; and I have a power in Athens , to which , that of Pisistratus must have been constrained to yield : And yet because I pass for a wise Man , and must pay wondrous Caution to that Title , I am robbed of Orgina , and my rival peaceably possesses her . He would needs see Amphicles his Slave , to drow from her some little satisfaction , she was brought to him , but , O Gods ! What was his astonishment , when he knew her for the same Orgina , he believed to be in the Kingdom of Argos with Pisistratus ; he wanted the charitable advice of his friend Thales to withhold him from proclaiming the secrets of his Soul to all the World . We are not now alone Solon , said the Milesian in his ear , recal that Wisdom is ready to forsake you , and believe that Solon is too much obliged to the opinions the Athenians have conceived of him , thus at once by his weakness to convince them of Error . Solon strove hard to recollect himself , and appear what he was thought , and receiving Orgina with that gravity , his heart approved not , he got rid of the company in the most unconcerned manner he could ; but after he thought himself at liberty to return to himself , and love , and beheld , after having believed his Orgina lost , himself alone with her , What said he not ? or , what did he not do ? to pay his love those Rites Philosophy would have rob'd it of . The love of those who make Profession of Wisdom is much more ardent then that of ordinary Lovers ; it is not dispelled by any exterior ceremony , but as it reserves it self inward and intire for great occasions , so it ordinarily breaks forth to advantage . I know , said Solon to Orgina , Pisistratus believed himself ascertained of your love ; yet I know not whether he had reason to believe it . But Orgina I conjure you tell me he had none . I have so great a confidence in what you say , that your words should make me give my very eyes the lie , therefore tell me , nothing may make me less happy ; for why should you declare your self guilty , when I will believe you innocent , if you will but say you are so . I thank you Sir for your confidence , replied Orgina , it is of all your qualities what I shall make the least use , a Mistress should not be believed but upon unreproachable testimony , and a Love so confiding , has a Face of Indifference ; Believe me to be with Pisistratus in Argos , till such time as you are well assured that be mistakes my Fathers Slave for me , and that by the help of that disguise I am preserved wholly for Solon . How cryed Solon in an extasie , Is it your Slave then Pisistratus hath carried to Argos , and is it you he hath always thought the Slave of Amphicles . Yes Sir , replied Orgina , my Father made use of this precaution , the better to preserve me in the dangers of our flight ; he believed he might more easily conceal me as a simple Slave , then as his Daughter ; the person he chose to supply my place , is young , handsome , and vertuous . Pisistratus easily believed her what she appeared , and I thought it a just debt to the merit of that fair Maid , not to hinder her Marriage with one of the cheifest Men of Athens ; the adventure of the Carbuncle was innocently contrived to give you notice of the place where I was . But Sir , methinks you believe me very easily , the quiet and tranquility of your mind has gained head , since I have been out of your sight , you are neither jealous nor suspitious . Can one be a Lover indeed , without these qualities . Solon relieved Orgina from the fears of these nice apprehensions , by making to her protestations , never learn'd in the Schools of Wisdom , and impatient to hasten the hour of his happiness , by advancing the publication of those Laws , might permit him to marry a Salaminian , he finished that great and painful work : But to let Orgina see , that he dedicated not himself so absolutely to the service of the State , but he still reserved his Heart to his Love ; the same day that he engraved his serious Laws and Policies on those Tables , whereon they were to be presented to the People , he made particular ones for his Mistress ; of which , see here some Articles .

As he finished this Gallantry , Thales entred his Chamber , I return to Miletum , Solon , said he , I have so journed but too long at Athens , you shall , I hope , never see me more ; and therefore before I depart , I thought fit to tell you that your Daughter is lost , Pyrates who were coursing for Booty about the Aegaean Isles , hoping her beauty might make her prize considerable , took her away , without ever since being heard of . I came hither to tell you this misforture , rather then to speak to you of the Tripod ; but I found you so weak , that I thought to attempt the reducing you to the Estate of Wisdom , before I put you to this tryal . I now find you are perverted for ever , and therefore I do , what I hoped in vain to do more to the purpose another time . Solon was so surprised at this news , and the manner in which his friend told it him , that he had not the power to interrupt him ; but having had time to compose himself whilst he discoursed ; Is it Thales , said he , that tells Solon one of the greatest misfortunes could possibly happen to him , without appearing himself concerned . I have been too much concerned for you , replied Thales , nor should I , had I not been sensible of your misfortunes , have entertained converse with a Man in love . I should have deserted you , when I found you deserted that Wisdom first united us : That friendship I had for you , made me renounce my severity for your relief ; I have staid with you , have endured to hear you talk of your Passion ; and wretch , that I am , there wants but little that your disease is become contagious . I looked the other day upon your Orgina , with an intention , I never had for any thing but my Books : I cannot banish from my memory the bewitching Idea that object left there , I find a kind of indulgence for your weakness ; it delights me as much as it terrified fied me before ; and even the confused vapors of Sleep , conspire to the breach of my quiet . Athens , pernicious Athens , thou shalt never see Thales more , the distemper he hath begun to contract in thee , cannot be cured , but by his flight .

And so finishing those words , Thales went out of the Closet , and without more delay hired a passage for Miletum , not suffering the Prayers of Distress of Solon , to stay him a minute lognger . After this so unexpected parting , Solon went to see Orgina , to acquaint her with what had hapned to him . The Gods had too much favored me , said he , in restoring my Orgina to me . If they had likewise preserved to me my Doughter , and my Friend , I should have forgot my self in such height of Happiness ; and some great misforture was necessary to ballance the joy I had in your recovery . But , then let my dear Orgina , be all things to me , since in finding her , I lose all things . Orgina received that obliging request , as she ought to do it , she made new Protestations of Love and Fidelity to Solon , she endeavored to apply comfort to those misfortunes he already suffered under ; and to gain from him the knowledge of those he feared for the future , she heard him relate all the particulars of the Birth and Horoscope of his Daughter ; but when in one part of the story she heard him call his Daughter Hypparete . Hypparete , Sir , said she with a nimble hastiness . Yes , replied Solon , so was my Daughter called ; and Sir ( continued Orgina ) of what age , of what stature , and what form of countenance , as near as you can guess was this Hypparete . She is of middle stature , replied Solon , slender , fair complexioned , bright haired , her nose aquiline , black-eyed , and particularly remarkable for a Butterflie , Nature took pleasure to imprint on one of her hands , whence I took the Etymology of that name of Hypparete , which I gave her . Ah Sir , replied Orgina , seek not for Hypparete among Pyrates , she is in the hands of one of your own Citizens : It is that same Slave my Father bought some time before our departure from Salamina , who passed for me during , the time of our Captivity ; and whom , Pisistratus , at present , keeps in the Kingdom of Argos . This news was very unwelcome to Solon , he loved his Countrey , as may be judged by his own refusing the Dominion over it , he knew the ambitious humor of Pisistratus , and his flight from Athens having angred the Areopagites , they had issued a Decree against his body and Goods . This rigor furnished him with a pretence to Enterprises , and the Fortune of Hypparete assured their success . Our Law-giver was so afflicted with the misfortunes his foresight denounced , that he could not resolve to stay and be a witness to them ; he banished himself willingly from Athens , and took that long voyage through all the Realms of Greece , which his advice to Creasus made so memorable . Those private Authors from whence I extracted this Relation , have not told me whether Orgina followed Solon . I will believe for the glory of the wise Man , that his Folly reached not so far ; it is enough that he loved , and that his love was the innocent cause of the enthralment of his Courtrey . I would likewise be perswaded that he married the Daughter of Amphicles , but when we come to think his Mistress his Wife , we cannot well think she staid behind at Athens . Solons Predictions had a full effect , Pisistratus subjected his Countrey , and reigned peaceably the rest of his days . Let us now search , if this same City , so famous among the Ancients , and so fruitful in great Men , cannot furnish us with other Examples to employ some pleasant hours .

t is not of absolute necessity for that Man to be handsome , who designes to make Love . The best Descriptions the World has given us of Socrates containe little answerable to the qualities of a Lover . He was neither of a Courtly Humour , nor of taking Shape of Feature . He made Profession of an Austere Philosophy , and yet for all this he was in Love : But , as Love knows how to change his shape , and put on what disguise he pleases ; it was not under his ordinary figure he crept into the Soul of Socrates , but under the Image of Virtue . Timandra a young Phrygian Lady , famous to Posterity for the adventures we are about to relate , was Daughter to one of Socrates his Intimate Friends . Some private reasons having obliged this Gentleman to frequent Athens , he dies , and valuing Socrates his Friendship equal to himself , trusts to his care his only Daughter , a charge which the Philosopher accepts with joy and generosity . This Lady was very fair , and Socrates discerned in her such sparkes of wit and good nature as he hoped might be one day improved into hands of Wisdom : He undertook to make her a Philosophical Woman ; and , prudently judging that converse with the World might obstruct his design , he committed Timandra to the cares of Aglaonice the Astrologess , who , under the pretence of making her Celestial Observations , lived in an extreame Solitude . Socrates charmed with the good dispositions he found in the Soul of Timandra , would spend whole dayes in forming her Manners after the Rules of Vertue : For what reason ( would he say to her ) think you , the gods have made you be borne so accomplished ? 't is neither out of any singular love to your person , nor out of any hate to other Women , made less perfect ; but , 't is to manifest in you the power of the qualities of the Soul above those of the Body : had you had but an ordinary Beauty , the assaults made on your Virtue would have been so feeble , your Victory would not become an Example : but now , when in the fairest Lady of all Greece there shall be observed a Soul impregnable against all the assaults of Passion , a laudable disdain of perishable and transitory pleasures , and solid love , for those can never wast ; you will become a Living Axiome , which all the Arguments of our Libertines shall not have the boldness to insult over . These Arguments , which one would have thought should only have alarm'd the Gallant , gave yet the Alarme to Conjugal Love , and beat up a Charge to his Spouse Myrto , Socrates Wife , who , for all her being Daughter to Aristides , Surnamed the Just , was not her self the more so , observed some trouble in her Husband , when he saw not Timandra , and discovering , he paid his Visits to that Lady when ever he could get from her , conceived a furious Jealousie . This Woman seemed to have been chosen out by Heaven to keep the Virtue of Socrates in breath . Never was there Wife more untractable ; and , because the had kept her honour untainted under the shelter of little temptations , she became a merciless Tyrant , exacting tributes of Patience from those least ought to pay it ; She aspersed Timandra with all the Titles her Jealousie could dictate : But Myrto , ( said Socrates to her ) Is it from your own experience you judge so ill of the vertue of your Sex ? We should seldome suspect failings in others , of which our selves are not , or have not a will to be guilty . Do you think the Gods have favoured you with a peculiar priviledge ? or whilst you would have them believed prodigal of Chastity to you , is it to be presumed that they are niggards to all other women ? I know not what to answer to these Sophistryes ( said Myrto interrupting him ) I read no Book but my Prayers , and would scarce be well pleased with any other ; but these frequent meetings and interviews between different Sexes are neither lawful nor honest , there is alwayes in them some mixtures of Criminal designs ; and , as one of your Schollars said well some dayes since , Men and Women were only sent into the World to propagate . Your memory retaines ( said Socrates very coldly ) mighty pretty passages of my schollars lessons , I have no design Timandra should grow so learned , and the Philosophy I teach her has Precepts utterly opposite to those you are pleased to remember . See , see , what a pretty excuse you have found ( said his Wife interrupting him ) Love never wants pretences ; had you been a Painter you would have feigned to teach that art to Timandra , now , being a Philosopher , you would by all means teach her to Philosophize ; but Socrates , those who would give Lessons of Modesty and Virtue , make not choice of Schollars so young and so handsome . This Dispute was interrupted by the coming in of Alcibiades , the bravest and most Courtly of all the Greacians ; whose inclinations , though unconformable with the severity of Socrates , impeded not a strict friendship between them ; The Philosopher made a Sign to his Wife to be quiet when he perceived Alcibiades , whom he would not have know Timandra : People so spritely and ingenious as this Illustrious Athenian , often reap what Philosophy has sown ; but Myrto , who was in a talking humour , would not stop for all her Husbands Signes ; she appealed to Alcibiades whether her Suspicions were not just and reasonable ; and , enflamed with socrates his oppositions and endeavours to hinder her being heard , exposed the whole pretended intrigue of her Husband with the faire Phrygian as an incontestable truth , when want of breath made her silently retire . Do you then impose on us at this rate ( said Alcibiades to his Friend ) or can you think we will be thus deceiv'd ? you are continually Preaching to us contempt of the Passions , my Age and other Engagements can gaine no indulgence from you ; yet , as if you spent your whole stock of Philosophy in Counsel to your Friends , you remain your self unprovided . Do you believe an angry Woman ( replyed Socrates coldly ) these are visions of her Jealous Fancy , which have neither likelihood nor foundation . How ( said Alcibiades ) is it not true then you have that affection for this Timandra , at which your Wife appeares so alarm'd at . I acknowledge ( replyed Socrates ) I have delighted to Cultivate and improve an excellent good Nature , which Chance offered to my Cares , and which all the considerations of Friendship oblige me not to see lie fallow ; And , this excellent good Nature , ( said Alcibiades , interrupting him ) is seated in a fair and youthful person ; What is that Circumstance to our purpose ( replyed the Philosopher in a somewhat an angry tome ) or , What communication can there be between the Beauty of a Woman , and the Soul of Socrates ? Alcibiades was now returned from his first Exile , and had had some experience in Love ; I talked like you ( replyed he ) when I was admonished against the charmes of Namea ; How ! would I say to my self , can Alcibiades , whom the chiefest Ladies of Athens are proud to favour , and whom a great Queen did not disdaine , love a Curtisan : I will see her , and if my heart can find leasure to cast off nobler Passions , Court her perhaps for some few houres ; but , this light distraction cannot be called Love , nor is Nemea of a quality considerable enough to give it me ; this was once my Song , and yet Socrates you Know whither this Love hurried me , to what Censure I exposed my self by it ; and , into what dangers it led my ambition . Your soul and mine are very different said Socrates your Riches continually sollicite your delights ; you are softned by pleasures irreparably attending your degree , and finding your self alwayes in a condition to attempt reliefe , you may desire all things ; for my part , the meanness of my fortunes secure my rest and quiet ; I regard Beauty but as an effect of Nature , which teaches me the knowledge of its cause ; and finding matter to exercise my Virtue in that which debauches yours , from that wreck I learn to keep my self in the Port . Alcibiades said many other things to the Philosopher to oblige him not to have such stedfast considence in his Philosophy , but he could not shake the opinion Socrates had of its fortitude . Though he yielded Timandra to be worthy of love , yet he would not grant Socrates to be capable of Loving . But , the testimony he had given of the merit of the faire Phrigian stir'd up a curiosity in Alcibiades , to see if Socrates were as well skill'd in his distinctions of Beauty as Philosophy ; he had observed by their discourse the Philosopher was covetous of his Treasure , he believed if he would have a sight of it , it must be by stealth , he therefore caused Socrates to be watcht , to find out Timandra's House ; and , having discover'd it , he Apparelled himself like a Phrigian , and making choice of a day wherein he knew the Philosopher imploy'd in giving publick Lessons to his Schollers , he presents himself at Timandra's Gate , pretending himself a Phrigian , come to bring her Newes from her Countrey ; he spoke very well all Languages in use in his time ; and , among other admirable qualities which graced him , he had a most excellent way of acting all disguises : But , Socrates had given such Orders at Aglaonice's , as were proofe against all occasions and all artifices . The Astrologess came in the place of the Phrigian , and her person being ill favoured and displeasing , as Alcibiades hoped to find it beautiful and charming , he retreated two or three paces at sight of her , and much surprized , asked her , If she were Socrates his Scholler ? Yes , replyed Aglaonice ( who had reasons for that untruth ) What have you to say to me , or what are your affaires ? Nay , nothing Madam , ( reply'd Alcibiades very coldly ) I had many things to say to Timandra when I came into this house , but having forgot them all , have now nothing to say , but take my leave . Alcibiades had a mighty winning way both in his carriage and converse , which subdu'd the hearts of all that saw him . The Astrologess was smitten as with an Arrow , and unable to submit to the loss of an object so soon known dear to her : I see you are somewhat startled ( said she to the supposed Phrigian ) you have doubtless heard Me describ'd fairer then you find me ; but Sir , ( added she , presenting her hand to Alcibiades ) I will let you see with what kind of beauty the great Socrates is affected ; and at that word she led the Illustrious Athenian into a Closet set out with Globes and Figures , and showing him a Scheame which lay on the Table , See there ( said she ) what deserves more admiration then all the fraile Beauties Nature can show us ; that Scheame containes the destiny of sundry Empires ; I read in the Stars all that happens memorable upon Earth ; and , have more knowledge of things to come then ordinary persons have of things present : I alone have secured Socrates against the fears he had of the Illustrious Alcibiades . Do you then know Alcibiades ( said the pretended Phrigian interrupting her . ) Aglaonice gave a disdainful smile at that demand , and affecting a certain tone of a woman well satisfy'd with her skill ; Is there any thing in the world I would know , and do not ( replyed she ) I learn'd from Socrates the houre of Alcibiades's Birth , and have Calculated his Nativity ; see there , said she , drawing it out from many other Papers , the directions and revolutions , and by this I dare boast to know all that happens to him as well as himself . How , said Alcibiades , interrupting her , Does your knowledge teach event to his indifferent actions ? I know even his indifferent actions , reply'd Aglaonice , which includes all , not excepting any thing .