Of the following poem, at least, it may be said, that the precepts are sound, just and philosophical; that they are arranged with great regularity, clearness, and precision; and expressed in language forcible and impressive. And although it is not marked with any external embellishments, or decora- tions drawn from the storehouse of fancy, yet, it possesses what must ever constitute the truest merit of moral composition, namely, exactness of thought, justness of reasoning, and fidelity of expression; together with a certain ease, simplicity, and grace, which relieve the gravity of the subject, and give a degree of softness, a pleasing aspect, and an attractive air to the whole poem.
The manners of Pythagoras, we are told, were mild, gentle and pleasing; and Cicero informs us, that his speech was distinguished for persuasive gravity, being entirely free from facetiousness and hilarity. "De Græcis autem" says Cicero, "dulcem et facetum, festivique sermonis, atque in omni oratione simulatorem, quem elpu Græci nominaverunt, Socratem accepimus: contra, Pythagoram et Periclem summam auctoritatem consecutos sine ulla hilaritate." (Cic. Off., Lib. 1).
He died, as we have already seen, at Metapontum, whither he had fled after the dispersion of his sodality, or philosophical confraternity. Justin, the historian, gives us a sad account of the breaking up of this society.[1] He says, that it consisted of about three hundred young men, who were bound. together by a certain oath, and who passed their lives apart
- ↑ (Just., Lib. 21, cap. 4.)
