Ambleside Online Plutarch's Life of Timoleon

study by Anne White

Introduction to Plutarch's Life of Timoleon

For those who have read Plutarch's Life of Dion, this story picks up where that one ended, in Syracuse, in the 4th century B.C. Syracuse was a Corinthian colony on the island of Sicily, "the most important Hellenic [Greek] city outside Greece" (Philip's World History Encyclopedia). At this time, Syracuse was ruled by tyrant kings, most recently the cruel Dionysius the Elder and his son, Dionysius the Younger. This is what Philip's World History Encyclopedia says about Dionysius the Younger, and it sums up part of the story of Timoleon as well:

"Plato and Dion of Syracuse....tried to mould him into the model philosopher-king. Dionysius, however, quickly adopted the tyrannical tactics of his father and banished his tutors. In 357 B.C. he was defeated by Dion and fled into exile. Dionysius returned to power after the murder of Dion (c. 354). In 344 the citizens of Syracuse appealed to Corinth for help in expelling Dionysius. An army led by Timoleon forced him to surrender and flee for Corinth."

Here's a wonderful page with information and a map you can click on to enlarge it (you can zoom in too): http://www.livius.org/sh-si/sicily/sicily05.html . I also found a helpful biography page at http://www.ancienthistory.about.com . (Click on Famous People Biographies or just search for Timoleon.) This second page pretty much follows the chronology of Plutarch's story.

The structure of Timoleon is a little confusing at first. After some general comments about his method of writing biographies, Plutarch begins the story at the point where the Syracusans appeal Corinth for help; and only then does he introduce Timoleon, "son of Timodemus, who had long absented himself from public business, and had neither any thoughts of, nor the least pretensions to, an employment of that nature [leading the expedition against Dionysius]." We then get a long flashback to the story of Timoleon and his brother Timophanes, a public shame and scandal which had taken place about twenty years previously, and which "so shattered and broke his spirits, that for the space of almost twenty years he hd not offered to concern himself in any honorable or public action." He was exhorted...almost taunted...into taking up the challenge; and from that time on, he became famous "not only for [his] virtues, but for success."

Recommended Version:

These notes will be based on the Dryden/Clough version of Plutarch. It is available in more than one place online; this one http://classics.mit.edu/Plutarch/timoleon.html is fine. Please see the recommended omissions below.

Recommended Omissions:

In the paragraph beginning "When the vessels were equipped, and his soldiers every way provided for," the last sentence beginning "The soothsayers affirmed" can be omitted.

The paragraph beginning "For now the neighbouring cities and potentates sent deputies" can end with "more than repaid by the ills he himself then suffered."

The paragraph beginning "Timoleon, being master of the citadel" can end with "send a colony out of Greece to repeople Syracuse."

The paragraph beginning "When Timoleon came back to Syracuse" can end with "the unhappy women would have been spared"; or the entire paragraph can be omitted.

The paragraph beginning "After this, he moved towards Catana" can end with "Timoleon should take no part in his accusation. Thither he was brought accordingly....and suffered the death of a robber" (omitting the description of his death).

Using These Notes

The story will be divided into twelve lessons. For each lesson I will suggest some introductory comments and sometimes give a summary of the events (this is something Charlotte Mason's teachers did). Another thing that PNEU teachers did was to write the proper names of the main characters on the blackboard before the reading; if you don't have a blackboard, a piece of paper would work just as well. Any really difficult words could be defined for the student ahead of time so that the reading doesn't need to be interrupted; and places that will come up can be found on a map.

After the reading, the student can narrate either right away or after brief comments by the parent/teacher. I will suggest some narration questions and discussion or writing topics; you can pick and choose from them.

I notice in a sample Plutarch lesson (Charlotte Mason, School Education, p. 334) that an introductory lesson was given before beginning the actual text. Since the students then were given two terms to read about Alexander the Great, their pace was a little more leisurely than ours, and you may decide to go directly into the twelve lessons, or to take an extra lesson to set up the story, using the websites given above or other sources such as books on Ancient Greeece. In either case, do take a short time at the beginning to find out what is already known about places such as Corinth, Sicily and Carthage, and, if the story of Dion was read previously, what is remembered from that.

Lesson One

Introduction

Today you are going to hear the first part of the story of Timoleon of Corinth, without hearing one word about him. Plutarch is busy setting the stage, bringing in supporting characters, and even taking time out (with a glass of whatever Greek-speaking Romans liked to drink in his hand) to talk about why he enjoys writing biographies. But Timoleon does not come onstage until he is needed...and that's what this first section is about, showing exactly why he is needed at this time in history.

Some of the people you are introduced to are Dionysius, the in-again-out-again-in-again tyrant king of Syracuse; Hicetes, the double-dealing ruler of the Leontines; the Carthaginians, who see a weak colony and an opportunity for invasion; and the Corinthians, who founded the city of Syracuse and are ready to help when there is trouble there.

Vocabulary

phantasms - visions, images
circumambient - surrounding or encompassing
propitious - presenting favourable conditions
in this posture - like this
he was slain - Dion was murdered
Dionysius takes the opportunity - Plutarch sometimes uses the present tense.
having timely retired thence to Hicetes, ruler of the Leontines - many of the citizens of Syracuse had turned to Hicetes for help against Dionysius and against the threat of a Carthaginian invasion
succours - help
Peloponnesus - the area of Greece where Corinth was located

Section to Read: From the beginning to "passed a vote for their assistance."

Narration and Discussion

Talk about Plutarch's introduction and thoughts on his biographies. He says that he thinks of each one as like meeting and entertaining guests, "the best and worthiest characters," one after the other, "viewing their stature and their qualities," and learning from them.

He says that by studying these characters in history, he can focus on their noble examples rather than "the contagion of ill company that I may be unavoidably engaged in." "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8)." Have you found this to be true? Who are your heroes from history?

A narration suggestion: pretend you are the reporter who interviewed Plutarch at the beginning of the section. Give your report on what he said and what his latest biography is about so far.

(For older students only: how does Plutarch's method contrast with the ideas of Democritus?)

Lesson Two: Timoleon, Timophanes, and some very big questions

Introduction

Have you ever seen a movie or read a book about two friends fighting in a war together; one saves the other's life, and after that, the man who was saved feels forever in his friend's debt? Sometimes this idea is used humorously (there's an old movie, "White Christmas", where all that the hero has to do, even years later, is to make a little gesture as a reminder, and his friend is instantly blackmailed into doing whatever crazy thing he wants). Funny or serious, the stories all have the same idea of gratitude; people agree that such a gift should never be forgotten.

Unfortunately, Timoleon's brother Timophanes either didn't watch the right movies or didn't care. When Timoleon came to him later to plead that he stop his "wickedness," he rejected him; Timophanes' refusal to listen to wise counsel led to tragedy.

Note to parent/teacher or older students: This story is full of very difficult issues, and includes discussion about how Timoleon's decision, right or wrong, affected his relationship with other family members, threw him into depression, and almost caused him to end his own life. As suggested in Section to Read, there are various places you can end the story. Please use your own discretion in reading and discussion.

Vocabulary

He seemed to have a certain force - this refers to Timophanes
extenuate - make light of something, make something seem less serious
buckler - shield
maintain four hundred mercenaries - hire four hundred professional soldiers (from other places) as city guards
making himself absolute - making himself the absolute ruler
ties of consanguinity - family ties
abstaining from all manner of sustenance - refusing food

Section to Read: From "And when they were deliberating about the choice of a captain" to "by what they before so greedily desired." For reasons of length and clarity (rather than subject matter), the rest of the paragraph can be omitted. For the youngest students: you may wish to stop after "drawing out their swords, despatched him in a moment," and either summarize the peoples' reactions that are described after that, or just focus on the first part of the story.

Narration and Discussion

List some of Timoleon's strengths and weaknesses, according to Plutarch. How does Plutarch contrast him with his brother Timophanes?

How do you know that Timoleon loved Timophanes, or at least felt loyal to him? Was he disloyal in the end? For those who have read about the assassination of Julius Caesar, you may find it interesting to compare it with the death of Timophanes. ("Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.")

For older students: Discuss the comment, "So true it is that the minds of men are easily shaken and carried off from their own sentiments through the causal commendation or reproof of others, unless the judgments that we make, and the purposes we conceive, be confirmed by reason and philosophy, and thus obtain strength and steadiness." Why should we be wary of putting too much store either in others' commendations or in their criticism? Compare Proverbs 12:15 with Prov. 17:4 ; also look at Prov. 2:6 and maybe Colossians 3:23-25. Consider also the importance of guarding our own tongues from causing trouble or hurting others by a careless remark (James 3:5; Prov. 26:28).

For older students only: discuss the hypocrisy of those who "openly professed to rejoice at the death of the tyrant" but secretly reviled Timoleon because he had allowed his brother to be put to death.

Lesson Three

Introduction

We find ourselves back at the point where the story started, with Dionysius holding out in Syracuse and Hicetes and the Carthaginians trying to get him out...but the Corinthians have also agreed to send help. Off Timoleon and his men go to Sicily with ten ships-not a very big fleet-and they get almost to Italy before things begin to turn in a way they weren't expecting. The last long paragraph of this section is going to take some slow reading to figure out what's going on, but once you've been through it, you'll see the Corinthians' problem. Can they outsmart Hicetes? Stay tuned.

Places to look up on a map:

Rhegium - a place that Plutarch later on calls "A Greek city, and a common friend to the parties"

Vocabulary

pitched upon - pressured to take the job
suffrages - votes
they might assist him to throw out Dionysius - the Carthaginians would assist Hicetes to throw out Dionysius, before the Corinthians could even get there, and Hicetes would get all the credit and seize power in Syracuse
in his room - probably means in his place
the citadel - the fortress
specious - originally meant pleasing to the eye; it also implies that something was lacking real value
should come and advise with Hicetes - the Carthaginians want Timoleon to come with them to Syracuse, on one of their ships, and meet with Hicetes, maybe even stay and be a "consultant" for him. They will not allow his own ships to land, and they are not giving him a choice about it.
Phoenician vessels - Carthaginian ships
they became keenly sensible of the abuse - they became angry when they realized what was going on
Siceliots - Sicilians
perfidy - treachery

Section to Read: From "The grief, however, of Timoleon, at what had been done" to "they had undertaken their voyage." You could choose to omit part of the paragraph that starts "When the vessels were equipped" if you would prefer not to read in detail about omens and gods. Note: the last part of that paragraph is included in the recommended omissions.

Narration and Discussion

What do you think of Teleclides' challenge to Timoleon? Was it reasonable?

This is a good opportunity to do a little creative narration, either in the form of a news report, a journal entry, or a dramatization (actual or on paper) of a meeting between Timoleon and his men to discuss the situation. Are there any possible solutions to the problem? What would you do if you were Timoleon and you were being forced to go and work for the one you were being sent to conquer? (Also, would you trust that these envoys of Hicetes would have no more evil intentions than that?)

Lesson Four

Introduction (Summary)

In this passage, Timoleon hatches an escape from Rhegium reminiscent of The Sound of Music. "So long, farewell." He is welcomed in Tauromenium, but finds a chilly welcome in most of the rest of Sicily. Only the one other city, Adranum, does want help fighting Dionysius--though they can't decide which army to ask, so they invite everybody at once. On the way there, Timoleon's army manages to surprise Hicetes, and their victory earns them the trust of the neighbouring towns.

Vocabulary

a contrivance - a trick
all the principal Rhegians were privy and assisting to - all the principal citizens of Rhegium knew about it and were helping with the trick
barbarian neighbours, Phoenicians -- refers to the Carthaginians
the hustings - the place from which speeches were made
haven - harbour
supreme in the citadel - holding power in the fort
confide in him - put their trust in him

Section to Read: From "The case being thus" to "to which this first happy action gave the occasion." For the sake of length, particularly for younger students, you could read from the beginning of the passage to "Andromachus, the ruler of the city"; skip to "Hicetes, informed that Timoleon had made good his passage" and read to "Nor did the other towns of Sicily confide in him, overpowered as they were with violence and outrage" and add the words "and embittered against all who had promised them freedom only to tyrannize them" (my summary). Then read from "Looking, therefore, for no better usage" to the end of the passage.

Narration and Discussion

After narrating this passage, discuss one or more of these questions (or you can use the first question as a narration prompt):

How did Timoleon lead his troops to victory over Hicetes, although they were outnumbered?

For older students: Certain armies had come to Sicily with promises to "introduce liberty and to depose tyrants" and then had "so tyrannised themselves, that the reign of former oppressors seemed to be a golden age in comparison." This reminds me of King Rehoboam in 2 Chronicles 10, who said "My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions." (New International Version) Is it any wonder that the people were fearful and did not trust Timoleon's offer to help? Is it inevitable that "liberators" become tyrants afterwards?

Lesson Five: The Flying Fickle Finger of Fate

Introduction

This lesson is mostly a sidebar to the story of Timoleon; it's about the capture of Dionysius (he doesn't put up much resistance) and his banishment to Corinth; and it concludes with some amusing and thoughtful quotable quotes from him. If you wonder why Plutarch devotes so much time to this in the middle of someone else's life story, he explains at the end of the passage: "Such anecdotes will not, I conceive, be thought either foreign to my purpose of writing Lives, or unprofitable in themselves, by such readers as are not in too much haste, or busied and taken up with other concerns." Pull up a chair and set a spell.

Vocabulary

thus shamefully baffled - tricked like this
engine - "a machine or instrument used in warefare, as a battering ram, catapult, piece of artillery, etc." (Random House College Dictionary)
magazine - storage place for weapons
indolent - lazy
playing a politic part - doing something deliberate and well-considered to give a particular impression of himself to the public (and keep himself safe)

Section to Read: From "For now the neighbouring cities and potentates " to "busied and taken up with other concerns." Please note recommended omission.

Narration and Discussion

After narrating this passage, discuss one or more of these questions:

Why did Dionysius "despise" Hicetes but not consider it beneath his dignity to surrender to Timoleon? If he let Timoleon know that he would "deliver up himself and citadel into their hands," why did Timoleon's men have to enter by stealth?

Plutarch says that some Corinthians saw in Dionysius's life "a proof of the strength and potency with which divine and unseen causes operate amidst the weakness of human visible things." Would Christians agree with this viewpoint? (Example: the parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12.)

Why does Plutarch think that perhaps Dionysius deliberately played a bit of a fool in Corinth?

What is your favourite of Plutarch's anecdotes about Dionysius? Why?

Lesson Six

Introduction

This passage is both easy to follow and confusing. It's easy to follow because there's lots of action and the vocabulary isn't too difficult. It's confusing because a LOT happens here.

At the end of the last lesson, I asked why it might be that Timoleon's men had to sneak into the citadel to capture Dionysius. In this passage, the reason becomes clear: Hicetes' men are besieging the fort, and even with Dionysius gone, they continue the struggle in hopes that at least they will force out the Corinthian soldiers who remain inside. There is also an assassination attempt that goes wrong for reasons Hicetes could never have foreseen, and that leads to...you'll just have to wait and hear.

Vocabulary

[The Corinthians] ordered him a supply of two thousand foot and two hundred horse - A large force was sent to support Timoleon's rather small army
faithfully resigned it up again - after guarding Thurii while the Thurians were away fighting their own enemies, the Corinthian soldiers did not try to hold onto it for themselves but gave it back up at the proper time
poniards - swords
tutelar genius - roughly equivalent to "guardian angel"
pre-expended - spent in advance
deferred - put off
clandestinely - secretly
his former nicety - his former caution, willingness to settle for small moves
Mago - the admiral of the Carthaginians
made shift - attempted
in these straits - in this bad situation
they agreed to fall upon Catana - Mago and Hicetes agreed to attack Catana, so that no more supplies could be sent to the Corinthians in the fort
[they] put off from Syracuse, taking with them the best soldiers - refers to the Hicetes/Carthaginian forces
sally - escape, breaking through the front doors
fortifying the precincts of Acradina, and joining it by works to the citadel - building fortifications around that whole part of the city, and joining it with walls to the original fort

Section to Read: From "But if the misfortune of Dionysius appears strange" to "nor to preserve that they were masters of."

Narration and Discussion

Give some reasons that people thought Timoleon must have had some kind of guardian angel looking after him. Do you agree? Why or why not?

What person or group of people do you think showed the most courage or boldness in this passage?

Narration suggestion: Pretend you are Hicetes writing in his journal or writing a letter to someone. Tell how this has not all gone quite the way you wanted it to.

Lesson Seven

Introduction

The battle for Syracuse continues, and the Corinthian backup forces finally find a way across to the island (due to Carthaginian lack of foresight). A campaign to discourage the Greek-born mercenaries working for the Carthaginians is also successful, and takes the Carthaginians out of the picture. However, Hicetes is resolved "to fight it out alone." Will the Corinthians finally be able to take the city? And who gets the credit when they do?

Vocabulary

felicity - good fortune
stratagem - plan
bucklers - shields
the castle - the besieged fort in Syracuse
the Corinthian succours - the forces that had been sent from Corinth to support Timoleon
by their means - with their help
upon any cessation of arms - when they weren't fighting
could not forbear laughing - could not help laughing
the happiness rather than the merit of them - the unexpected luck of the events rather than their being well deserved
celerity - speed, smoothness
as with a new ornament - like a lady with a new piece of jewelry
the native lustres - the natural excitement that was already present

Section to Read: From "These successes, indeed, were such as might leave foresight" to "the native lustres of the performance."

Narration and Discussion

Discuss one or more of these questions:

Study the discussion between the mercenary soldiers (while they fished for eels). Explain the speech of the Corinthian soldier to those fighting on the Carthaginian side. What point is he making, and how was it received?

Plutarch gives Fortune a personality in this passage; he says "she made it her aim to exceed and obscure his actions by her favours" and that she "as with a new ornament, set off the native lustres of the performance." It might be interesting (strictly for fun) to take on the role of Fortune and have her describe (a bit boastfully) the part she played in these events. (If there are enough of you around, you could also have people playing Foresight and Courage-see the first sentence of the passage.) You might also want to discuss how this relates to a Christian worldview of God's dealing in history vs. coincidence and good luck.

Lesson Eight

Introduction

Greed, greed, greed. Doesn't everyone want to grab what he can, when he can? Timoleon's army, and the Corinthians in general, are now in a perfect position to do whatever they want with Syracuse. But the theme that comes through most strongly here is...wisdom and restraint. With the support of the Corinthians, the devasted Syracusans begin to rebuild their city.

Vocabulary

the error which Dion had been guilty of - when Dion originally seized power from Dionysius, he took over the fort (instead of tearing it down), and became a tyrant himself
with one accord - together
ratifying - to ratify something means to confirm by expressing consent or approval; in this case, it means that he got the citizens' approval
popular government - literally, a government of the people
successively - one by one
cupidity - greed
repair - to go (to a place)
engaging - promising
benediction - literally, blessing; the goodwill of the Syracusans
kept as sacred - are like religious ceremonies

Section to Read: From "Timoleon, being master of the citadel" to "at the river Himera."

Narration and Discussion

Discuss one or more of these questions:

Show how Timoleon demonstrated wisdom in his dealings with the Syracusans. How did the people back in Corinth help? Give any examples you have heard of where one group of people helped another in a similar way.

Why wouldn't the Syracusans return who "possessed themselves of castles, or made garrisons in the country" (those who had places to live outside of the city)? Why, in particular, were they not interested in participating in government? Do you think Timoleon could relate to their feelings about this?

Explain the imagery Plutarch uses in the description of the public statues being auctioned off. Why does he compare them to "criminals taking their trial?" A challenge for those who really like to write: write a soliloquy (or a one-sided discussion) for a Syracusan who now must participate in the auction of his favourite statue. (You might have him talk to the statue?)

Lesson Nine

Introduction

Outnumbered again! Timoleon has been working hard to reclaim and rebuild Sicily. He has banished Hicetes, set up a new system of laws in Syracuse, and has kept his mercenaries busy by raiding several cities that were still held by the Carthaginians. We now arrive at the year 339 B.C., and an invasion by the Carthaginians; their seventy thousand (plus a thousand galleys full of supplies) against Timoleon's six thousand (it was seven thousand, but one thousand of the mercenaries decided he was "frantic and distracted" and "forsook" him). The story of the battle involves the river Crimesus, two eagles, and a load of parsley. Really. (The account will continue in the next reading.)

Vocabulary

Lilybaeum - a place on the coast of Sicily. There is a map here: http://www.barca.fsnet.co.uk/lilybaeum.htm . (A search for the name will turn up several other websites showing Lilybaeum.)
intestine quarrels - quarrels among themselves
myriad - either an indefinitely great number, or ten thousand
that these had thus discovered themselves before the battle - that these deserters had decided to do so before getting into the battle
sepulchres - tombs
chaplets - crowns
supplicate the gods - pray to the gods
vanguard - soldiers in the rear

Section to Read: Skip the part from "Syracuse being thus happily revived" to "to carry on the war"; read from "Meantime, the Carthaginians landed" to "and so bore in upon the Carthaginians."

Narration and Discussion

Discuss the story of the load of parsley. How did Timoleon use it turn his men from fear to courage? Can you think of any other situations where an object usually associated with bad things could be turned into something positive?

Explain the strategy that Timoleon planned to use against the Carthaginians. How did he show strong leadership, especially in dealing with the problem of the chariots?

Lesson Ten

Introduction

Thunder, lightning, mud, floods....fighting is hard enough in good weather, but facing the Corinthians under these circumstances spelled disaster for the Carthaginians. Much of this passage is about the Corinthians' celebration after the battle. There was so much loot, from so many wealthy and important Carthaginians, that it took them three days to collect it all, and so much silver and gold that they didn't even bother reporting things like brass and iron. And of course, "the best and goodliest arms" were sent back to Corinth.

Vocabulary

object of emulation - something to be either copied or envied
oblation - an offering
league - agreement

Section to Read: From "They, for their part" to "just reward of their own treachery." (See suggestion below for older students.)

Narration and Discussion

The many pieces of Carthaginian armour that the Corinthians sent home had "the noblest titles inscribed upon them, titles telling of the justice as well as fortitude of the conquerors." Can you explain this? Why was it significant that the armour was sent to adorn the temples?

The mercenaries who had deserted Timoleon were killed by the Bruttians, "thus receiving, from the divine power, a just reward of their own treachery." Do you agree that it was a just reward? Why or why not?

For older students: you may wish to continue reading from "Mamercus, however, the tyrant of Catana" to "that but with poor ones fought." In the viewpoint of the Greeks, why was it somehow all right that Timoleon's mercenaries (that had formerly served Euthymus the Leucadian) were destroyed in an ambush? Did Timoleon treat them fairly after they had helped conquer the Carthaginians? What do you think of Mamercus's rude poem?

All of these questions seem to have a common theme: the value of human life, and whether social class or other factors give some lives more value than others. How does this fit (or not) with a Christian worldview?

Lesson Eleven

Introduction

We're going to skip ahead a bit here and miss the details of how Timoleon captured and executed Hicetes, his family, and others who had shown him contempt. "So true it is," Plutarch says, "that men are usually more stung and galled by reproachful words than by hostile actions."

This passage describes the peace treaty between Corinth and Carthage, and the capture and death of Hippo (the tyrant of Messena) and Mamercus (the tyrant of Catana). These events mark the end of the war and the repeopling of Sicily, "partly with new settlers, partly with the old inhabitants." Timoleon was "so zealous in assisting and providing for them that he was honoured among them as their founder."

Vocabulary (for the suggested sections only)

Phoenician troops - usually means Carthaginians
renounce all engagements to the tyrants  - break all ties with Catana and Messena
Good Hap - Good Fortune
Sacred Genius - the guardian spirit of a place

Section to Read: From "After this, he moved towards Catana" to "thousands of people live happy through his means." Note recommended omission in the death of Mamercus (read that paragraph only to "scourged and then put him to death" or possibly add "and he suffered the death of a robber.") For the sake of length, I would also strongly suggest reading only from the beginning to "which their own citizens had formerly forsaken and left desolate"; skip over the next part and pick up in the middle of a sentence at "the expeditions and acts of Epaminondas," read to the end of the passage. If length or time aren't an issue and you don't mind lots of proper names, feel free to read the rest.

Narration and Discussion

After narrating this passage, discuss one or more of these questions:

How did the Syracusans reward Timoleon? (If you like to act things out, you could have a ceremony presenting Timoleon with his reward.) In his comparison of Timoleon with Aemilius Paulus (next term's study), Plutarch says "I would not intend any reflection on Timoleon for accepting of a house and handsome estate in the country....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." Do you agree that it might have been more honourable to refuse the reward?

Plutarch says that Timoleon, in his last years, was unwilling "to expose himself to public envy." What did he mean, and what would have been the dangers of doing this? You might want to write or speak as Timoleon, and explain why you no longer want to be in the public eye.

Lesson Twelve

Introduction

We are at the end! The last passage is short and straightforward. Although it begins with a hint of some trouble for Timoleon, things are quickly resolved and Plutarch moves into a description of his last days in Syracuse.

Vocabulary

The former of whom - refers to Laphystius
an indictment - an accusation
harangues and panegyrics  - long speeches
being withdrawn beforehand by happy fortune... - he was fortunate enough to die with an unspotted record, before the civil war in Greece happened (which might have forced him to do something less noble)
resigned the authority - gave up the position
to put a period to his life  - to end his life
[it was not] a commanded homage - they had not been forced to pay their respects

Section to Read: From "As, however, not only, as Simonides says" to the end.

Narration and Discussion

After narrating this passage, discuss one or more of these questions:

Why was Timoleon quite willing to stand in court when he was accused?

What did Plutarch consider the greatest testimony to the Syracusans' admiration for Timoleon? In what other ways did they show respect for him in his last years? Describe his funeral procession and explain what that said about the peoples' attitude towards him.

At the beginning of Plutarch's Life of Timoleon, Plutarch said that he saw the project of writing a life as receiving an honoured guest, and selecting from his actions "all that is noblest and worthiest to know. "Ah, and what greater pleasure could one have?" he said. Go back to your original interview with Plutarch the stage manager / storyteller, and ask for some final comments now that the play is over. Or write down your own impressions of Timoleon as Plutarch presented him. Is he the sort of person you would like to keep "inviting back" to be valued company in your mental or moral house? Why?