Diodorus Siculus

FRAGMENTS - The Library of History



Page 711 and with fair Words, and winning Carriage brought over the Army to his Interest, and determined to force Syracuse to Obedience, and gain the Principality. Hereupon the Syracusians created Hicetas General against Menon, he continu'd the War for some time: Menon all along seeking to avoid Fighting, and could by no means be brought to ingage. But when the Carthaginians join'd with Menon (by which he became far stronger than the Syracusians) they were forc'd to agree with the Carthaginians, and deliver Four hundred Hostages for further Security of the Peace, and to restore all the Exiles. However, when the Mercenary Soldiers were deny'd their right to give their Votes for the choosing of the Magistrates, the City was presently in an uproar: And both Syracusians and Mercenaries ran to their Arms: But some of the better sort interpos'd, and by much Intercession prevail'd with both parties to agree upon this Condition, That the Soldiers should depart out of Sicily by such a time, and take all their Goods along with them: Hereupon the Foreign Soldiers March'd away from Syracuse, and came to Messina, where they were receiv'd into the City as Friends and Confederates, and being kindly entertain'd in their Houses, in the Night they Massacred all their Hosts, and Marrying their Wives, Seiz'd upon the City, which they call'd Mamertina from Mars, which in their own Country Language they call Mamers.

13. For they that are not Members of the Democratical Government, are not admitted by the Tribune of the People to give their Suffrage amongst them that are.

14. It's a commendable thing to be ever Terrible to an Enemy, and always kind and courteous to a Friend.

15. Since that at that time, when you knew not what was best or fittest to be done, you were catcht with fair and enticeing Words: And now when you see Calamity upon the Country indeed, you are taught another Lesson. For to be Ignorant sometimes of things that may fall out in this Life, is natural to Mankind: But to be deceiv'd twice in the same thing, argues a Man to be a Fool. And the oftner we are so deceiv'd, the greater punishment we deserve. Some of the Citizens are grown to that height of Covetousness that they would fain raise up the glory of their Families by the ruin of their Country. For they that have so wickedly acted in assisting others, pray! how have they been us'd by them.

16. Offences are to be forgiven, and Peace to be kept for the time to come.

17. Not they that offend; but they that repent not of their offences, ought to be severely punish'd.

18. Mercy and Kindness amongst Men, is more Ancient than Wrath and Revenge.

19. It's a commendable and desireable thing to lay aside all Animosities. and instead thereof to return to Friendship and Amity. For when a Man is reduc'd to Poverty and Straits, he presently (at the first Nod as it were) runs to his Friends.

20. Covetousness being naturally Ingrafted into Men, no Man can be wholly free from this Vice. Pride, and a Tyrant's Robes ought to be left at home. For he that enters into a free City, ought to conform himself to the Laws of the Place. He that is of a Princely Family, and comes to a Kingdom by Hereditary descent, is desirous likewise to succeed in the Glory and Reputation of his Ancestors. For it's a Base and Dishonourable thing to carry the Name of Pyrrhus the Son of Achilles, and yet in Actions to imitate Thersites. For the more honour and reputation any Person has gain'd, so much the more the regard and respect will he have for them who were the Instruments of his Advancement and happy Successes. Therefore what may be honourably and deservedly obtain'd, should not be us'd unjustly and disgracefully, when it is enjoy'd. It is therefore (Gentlemen) a commendable thing, by the example of other Mens Harms and Mistakes, Wisely to provide for our own Security.

21. It does not become any Man to have more regard to Strangers, than his own kindred, and to be more fearful to exasperate an Enemy, than careful to preserve the good Will and Opinion of his Allies.



Out of the 22d Book.

1. IT'S the natural Property of the Epirots not only to fight for their Country, but to run all hazards likewise for the Defence of their Friends and Allies.

2. Decius the Roman Tribune Governor of Rhegium, to revenge his Country of King Pyrrhus, kill'd all the Inhabitants save the Women, whom he sold for Slaves, and seized upon all the Goods and Estates of them that were slain. These were Campanians,


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