| Both have the reputation of having
behaved themselves with an uncorrupted integrity in all the affairs they
managed; but Aemilius had the advantage of being, from his infancy, by
the laws and customs of his country brought up to the proper management
of public affairs, which Timoleon brought himself to by his own efforts.
And this is plain; for at that time all the Romans were uniformly orderly
and obedient, respectful to the laws and to their fellow-citizens: whereas
it is remarkable that not one of the Greek generals commanding in Sicily
could keep himself uncorrupted, except Dion, and of him many entertained
a jealousy that he would establish a monarchy there, after the Lacedaemonian
manner. Timaeus writes, that the Syracusans sent even Gylippus home dishonourably,
and with a reputation lost by the unsatiable covetousness he displayed
when he commanded the army. And numerous historians tell us of the wicked
and perfidious acts committed by Pharax the Spartan and Callippus the Athenian,
with the view of making themselves kings of Sicily. Yet what were these
men, and what strength had they, to entertain such a thought? The first
of them was a follower of Dionysius, when he was expelled from Syracuse,
and the other a hired captain of foot under Dion, and came into Sicily
with him. But Timoleon, at the request and prayers of the Syracusans, was
sent to be their general, and had no need to seek for power, but had a
perfect title, founded on their own offers, to hold it; and yet no sooner
had he freed Sicily from her oppressors, but he willingly surrendered it.
It is truly worthy our admiration
in Aemilius, that though he conquered so great and so rich a realm as that
of Macedon, yet he would not touch, nor see any of the money, nor did he
advantage himself one farthing by it, though he was very generous of his
own to others. I would not intend any reflection on Timoleon for accepting
of a house and handsome estate in the country, which the Syracusans presented
him with; there is no dishonour in accepting; but yet there is greater
glory in a refusal, and the supremest virtue is shown in not wanting what
it might fairly take. And as that body is, without doubt, the most strong
and healthful which can the easiest support extreme cold and excessive
heat in the change of seasons, and that the most firm and collected mind
which is not puffed up with prosperity nor dejected with adversity; so
the virtue of Aemilius was eminently seen in his countenance and behaviour,
continuing as noble and lofty upon the loss of two dear sons, as when he
achieved his greatest victories and triumphs. But Timoleon, after he had
justly punished his brother, a truly heroic action, let his reason yield
to a causeless sorrow, and humiliated with grief and remorse, forbore for
twenty years to appear in any public place, or meddle with any affairs
of the commonwealth. It is truly very commendable to abhor and shun the
doing any base action; but to stand in fear of every kind of censure or
disrepute may argue a gentle and open-hearted, but not an heroic temper. |
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