Phocion

an Athenian, celebrated for his public and private virtues. He was educated in the school of Plato, and of Xenocrates, and distinguished himself by his zeal for the public good, and his military abilities. He often checked the violence and inconsiderate measures of Demosthenes. When Philip endeavoured to make himself master of Eubcea, Phocion obliged him to relinquish his. enterprize. During the time of his administration, ha,was always inclined to peace, though he never suffered his countrymen to become indolent. He was 45 times appointed governor of Athens, though he never solicited that high office. his rural retreat, or at the head of the army, he always appeared barefooted, and without a cloak. His integrity as well as his temperance was highly eminent. - Philip, as well as his son Alexander, attempted to bribe him, but to no purpose, and Phocion boasted in being one of the poorest of the Athenians, and in deserving the appellation of the good. It was through him that Greece was saved from an impending PH @ war, and he advised Alexander rather to turn his arms against Persia than to shed the blood of the Greeks, who were either his allies or his subjects. Antipater, who succeeded in the government of Macedonia after the death of Alexander, also attempted to corrupt Phocion, but to no effect. But virtues Jike these could not long stand against the insolence and ficklene of an Athenian a embly. When the Pireus was taken, Phocion was accused treason, and fled for safety to Polyperchon, who sent him back to Athens; where he was immediately condemned to drink the fatal poison. He took the cup with the greatest serenity, and, as he drank the fatal draught, he _ prayed for the prosperity of Athens. He died about 318 years B. C. having exceeded his 80th year. His merits, however, were not buried in oblivion; the Athenians’ repented of their ingratitude, and honoured his memory by raising him statues, and putting to a cruel death his guilty accusers. 334