Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1806 edition. Excerpt: ...states." Upon such noble and equitable principles the gallant Brasidas always formed his conduct; and by this conduct, he brought over a number of their allies from the interest of the'Athenians. When the great Fabricius was at the head of the Roman army against Pyrrhus, king of Epire, a stranger came to his tent, with a letter from the king's physician. The traitor offered to poison his sovereign if the Romans would promise him a reward adequate to such an important service. Fabricius (who amidst the honors of war preserved the most rigorous integrity, and thought himself obliged to behave with justice and honour even towards an enemy) was shocked at the proposal; and, as he had before avoided the dishonour of being conquered by the king's gold, he now considered it as equally infamous to conquer the king by poison. After a short conference with his colleague, jEmilius, he wrote, with his own hand, a letter to Pyrrhus, cautioning him against the treachery of his physician, whose letter he inclosed for that purpose. He expressed himself in the following manner. "Sir, you seem to have equally mistaken the character both of your friends and enemies; for (as you will be sufficiently convinced by the perusal of the enclosed) you have commenced open war against a people of the strictest virtue and honour, and reposed the most dangerous confidence in a wretch, who is not worthy to live. The information we thus send you results intirely from a regard to our own reputation. We were unwilling, that the manner of your death should give the world any room to reproach us; or to imagine, that we have so mean an opinion of our own bravery, as to have recourse to the treachery of your servants." When Pyrrhus had read the letter, he ordered the physician...
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
