[Born in Attica, B.C. 402. Died at Athens, B.C. 317. Aged 85.]
He rose from the ranks of the people, and soon obtained military
distinction; exhibiting, whenever tried, great bravery and foresight. He
was forty-five times named general. He was opposed to the Macedonians,
over whom, by his moderation, valour, and prudence, he obtained signal
advantages. When, in his age, Athens--placed through the rejection of
his sagacious counsels at the mercy of the Macedonians--was occupied by
a foreign garrison, Phocion, whose integrity was invulnerable, was
suspected by his countrymen of treachery, and forced to swallow hemlock.
His body was denied burial, and cast beyond the confines of Attica; yet,
according to the spirit of those singular times, in which the wildest
barbarity co-existed with the purest heroism, and towering ingratitude
seemed to be enacted only to make way for splendid remorse, his ashes
were subsequently brought back to Athens, his accusers put to death, and
a statue was raised to his honour. Phocion was surnamed “the Good.”
Alexander, surnamed “the Great,” endeavouring to win him from his
loyalty, offered him riches and the choice of four cities in Asia. The
answer of Phocion bespoke the spotless character of the man. “If
Alexander really esteems me,” he said, “let him leave me my honesty.”
[From the statue, No. 324, for account of which see Handbook of Roman
Court and Nave.]