Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers

​Xenocrates, the son of Agathenor, was of Chalcedon. From his youth he was a pupil of Plato, and he also accompanied him on his voyage to Sicily. By nature he was sluggish, so that Plato, comparing him with Aristotle, used to say: "The one needs a spur, the other a bridle." And again: "Against what a horse am I rubbing down what an ass!" Xenocrates was also in other respects dignified and always grim-faced, so that Plato would constantly say to him: "Xenocrates, sacrifice to the Graces." He spent most of his time in the Academy; and if he ever had occasion to go up into the city, they say that all the turbulent folk and rough porters would make way at his passing.

​Once the courtesan Phryne even wished to test him, and, pretending to be pursued by some people, took refuge in his little house. Out of humane feeling he received her inside, and since there was only one small couch, on her request he gave her a share of his bed; and finally, though she pleaded earnestly, she arose with her purpose unaccomplished. And to those who questioned her she said that she had arisen not from the bed of a man, but from that of a statue. Some, however, say that it was Lais whom his disciples put to bed beside him; and that he was so self-controlled that he frequently endured cuttings and cauterizations upon his private parts. He was also exceedingly trustworthy, so that, although it was not lawful to bear witness without an oath, the Athenians allowed this to him alone.

​Moreover, he was also extremely self-sufficient. At any rate, when Alexander once sent him a large sum of money, he kept three thousand Attic drachmas and sent back the rest, saying that Alexander needed more because he had more mouths to feed. He also refused the money sent by Antipater, as Myronianus says in his Parallels. And when he was awarded a golden crown as a prize for heavy drinking at the festival of the Choes at Dionysius's court, on departing he laid it at the foot of the statue of Hermes that had been dedicated there, exactly where he was accustomed to place his wreaths of flowers. There is also a report that he was sent on an embassy to Philip along with others; and while the others, softened by gifts, both attended banquets and conversed with Philip, he did neither of these things. For this reason Philip would not admit him either.

​Consequently, when the ambassadors returned to Athens, they declared that Xenocrates had accompanied them in vain, and the citizens were prepared to fine him. But when they learned from him that they ought now all the more to take thought for the city—〈for Philip knew that the others had taken bribes, while me he could by no means win over〉—they say that they honored him twofold. Philip too said later that Xenocrates was the only one among those who had come to him who was incorruptible. Furthermore, when he went as an ambassador to Antipater concerning the Athenian prisoners during the Lamian War, and was invited by him to dinner, he quoted these verses: "Ah Circe, what man who was righteous could bear to taste of food or drink before he had freed his companions and seen them with his own eyes?" And Antipater, admiring the aptness of the citation, immediately released them.

​Once, when a small sparrow pursued by a hawk flew into his bosom, he stroked it and let it go, saying that one ought not to betray a suppliant. When mocked by Bion, he said that he would not answer him; for neither did tragedy deign to reply when mocked by comedy. And to a man who had studied neither music nor geometry nor astronomy, yet wished to become his pupil, he said: "Go your way; for you have no handles for philosophy." Others, however, say that he said this: "For wool is not carded in my school."