afterwards endeavoured to enslave the Greeks; then he was a boy, lived
with Pammenes in Thebes; and hence some conjecture that he took Epaminondas's
actions for the rule of his own; and perhaps, indeed, he did take
example from his activity and skill in war, which, however, was but
a small portion of his virtues; of his temperance, justice, generosity,
and mildness, in which he was truly great, Philip enjoyed no share
either by nature or imitation.
After this, upon a second complaint of the Thessalians against Alexander
of Pherae, as a disturber of the cities, Pelopidas was joined with
Ismenias, in an embassy to him; but led no forces from Thebes not
expecting any war, and therefore was necessitated to make use of the
Thessalians upon the emergency. At the same time, also, Macedon was
in confusion again, as Ptolemy had murdered the king, and seized the
government: but the king's friends sent for Pelopidas, and he being
willing to interpose in the matter, but having no soldiers of his
own, enlisted some mercenaries in that country, and with them marched
against Ptolemy. When they faced one another Ptolemy corrupted these
mercenaries with a sum of money, and persuaded them to revolt to him;
but yet fearing the very name and reputation of Pelopidas, he came
to him as his superior, submitted, begged his pardon, and protested
that he kept the government only for the brothers of the dead king,
and would prove a friend to the friends, and an enemy to the enemies
of Thebes; and, to confirm this, he gave his son, Philoxenus, and
fifty of his companions, for hostages. These Pelopidas sent to Thebes;
but he himself, being vexed at the treachery of the mercenaries, and
understanding that most of their goods, their wives, and children
lay at Pharsalus, so that if he could take them the injury would be
sufficiently revenged, got together some of the Thessalians, and marched
to Pharsalus. When he just entered the city, Alexander, the tyrant,
appeared before it with an army; but Pelopidas and his friends, thinking
that he came to clear himself from those crimes that were laid to
his charge, went to him; and though they knew very well that he was
profligate and cruel, yet they imagined that the authority of Thebes,
and their own dignity and reputation, would secure them from violence.
But the tyrant, seeing them come unarmed and alone, seized them, and
made himself master of Pharsalus. Upon this his subjects were much
intimidated, thinking that after so great and so bold an iniquity
he would spare none, but behave himself toward all, and in all matters,
as one despairing of his life.
The Thebans, when they heard of this, were very much enraged, and
despatched an army, Epaminondas being then in disgrace, under the
command of other leaders. When the tyrant brought Pelopidas to Pherae,
at first he permitted those that desired it to speak with him, imagining
that this disaster would break his spirit, and make him appear contemptible.
But when Pelopidas advised the complaining Pheraeans to be comforted,
as if the tyrant was now certain in a short time to smart for his
injuries, and sent to tell him, "that it was absurd daily to torment
and murder his wretched innocent subjects, and yet spare him, who,
he well knew, if ever he got his liberty, would be bitterly revenged;"
the tyrant, wondering at his boldness and freedom of speech, replied,
"And why is Pelopidas in haste to die?" He, hearing of it, rejoined,
"That you may be the sooner ruined, being then more hated by the gods
than now." From that time he forbade any to converse with him; but
Thebe, the daughter of Jason and wife to Alexander, hearing from the
keepers of the bravery and noble behaviour of Pelopidas, had a great
desire to see and speak with him. Now when she came into the prison,
and, as a woman, could not at once discern his greatness in his calamity,
only judging by the meanness of his attire and general appearance,
that he was used basely and not befitting a man of his reputation,
she wept. Pelopidas, at first not knowing who she was, stood amazed;
but when he understood, saluted her by her father's name- Jason and
he having been friends and familiars- and she saying, "I pity your
wife, sir," he replied, "And I you, that though not in chains, can
endure Alexander." This touched the woman, who already hated Alexander