CHAP. XIV.

Xenophon.

THE works of Xenophon are particularly valuable, as well from the information which they afford with respect to character and events, as for the rectitude of sentiment which pervades the whole course of his representations and reflections.

The style is remarkably simple, unaffected, and perspicacious; the histories which he has furnished, if embellished with some circum-. stances introduced with design to render his examples impressive, appear still to adhere more strictly to truth and reality, than those of writers who apparently disclaim fictitious ornament, and merely relate events as they occurred.

The historian employed his engaging powers in delineating the portraits of two most interesting personages of Pagan his

tory, Cyrus and Socrates, one a subject of Hebrew prophecy, the other the highest model of Heathen virtue.

He has recorded also the circumstances of an expedition in which he was present, having passed through countries, a rapid description of which presented objects which are referred to by the inspired writers, and having collected information which demonstrates the completion of predictions in Scripture.

Xenophon was the son of Gryllus of the tribe of geis, and born 440, or some say 450 years before Christ. He was a disciple of Socrates, together with Plato whom he emulated, and had frequent opportunities of contemplating his distinguished master in public and private life.

He experienced his friendly aid extended to him amidst the dangers of a defeat and scattered flight to which the Athenians were exposed at Delium, a town in Boeotia, when having fallen from his horse, Socrates, who himself had been dismounted and compelled to fly, carried him off upon his shoulders for many stadia, till the flight was stopped Xenophon adhered with fidelity to So

• Strabo, lib. ix. p. 585. Edit. Oxon.

crates through life. He asserted his character, defended him by an affecting apology, and transmitted his virtues and sentiments, with impressive effect, to all succeeding times.

The historian obtained the favour of the younger Cyrus, and accompanied him in his march to attack his brother Artaxerxes.

He records, in a very striking account, the failure and death of Cyrus, who, having hurried on an impetuous march, perished in the first engagement, after a personal conflict with his brother, at Cunaxa, a memorable victim to uncontrouled and vindictive passions.

The division, in which Xenophon had voluntarily served, was victorious, but from the defeat of the rest of the army, a surrender or retreat became necessary. The latter was preferred by this brave and distinguished band, and it was conducted with admirable courage, perseverance, and skill. Xenophon, having been elected to a command, greatly distinguished himself; and by the description of the retreat, which he has bequeathed to us, he has immortalized his fame and that of his companions*.

Κυρι Αναβαση.

After his return he attached himself to Agesilaus, and served under him in Asia, and at the battle of Coronea; Cicero relates that he was much esteemed by the Spartan king, who profited by his instruction *. Xenophon's adherence, however, to the cause of a rival nation, subjected him to the resentment of his countrymen; and, after an active life spent in military service, he experienced the common fate of eminent men among the Athenians, being proscribed his country, and driven to pass the remainder of his days in banishment at Scillus, at Lepriùm, and at Corinth. His personal character, wealth, and talents threw a lustre over his exile. He promoted works of ornament and utility: and encouraged agriculture, of which he speaks with ardour in his Economics.

His leisure was employed also in finishing his literary productions, composed in all the purity of the Attic style †, and in publishing the works of Thucydides which were deposited in his hands. He continued his history, leaving only two years interval, which does not appear to have been filled up, or the work has been lost.

It has been observed, that Xenophon adorned philosophy by his words and actions. His disinterested and considerate character appeared in the preservation of Byzantium from the plunder of his disappointed and turbulent soldiers on their return from Asia. His patriotism and resignation to the Divine will, were shewn upon the occasion of his receiving an account that his son had died gloriously at the battle of Mantinea, upon which he said only, that he knew he had bêgotten a mortal *.

Having attained his 90th year, he died about S60 years before Christ.

The works of Xenophon, which are now extant, amount to thirty-seven, exclusively of letters. They do not indicate any particular acquaintance with the sacred writings, but as they furnish, perhaps, the most striking illustrations of the Heathen character, when pourtrayed in its most perfect forms, they are eminently useful in enabling us to judge of its defects, or comparative worth; and the scattered particulars, which we proceed to consider, may be regarded as tending to

* Fabricius ad Xenophen. The same story is related of Euripides.