Book 4
2.9
Hence, when the envoys returned to Athens, they complained that Xenocrates had accompanied them without rendering any service. Thereupon the people were ready to fine him. But when he told them that now more than ever they ought to consider the interests of the state—for, said he, Philip knew that the others had accepted his bribes, but that he would never win me over—then the people paid him double honours. And afterwards Philip said that, of all who had arrived at his court, Xenocrates was the only man whom he could not bribe. Moreover, when he went as envoy to Antipater to plead for Athenians taken prisoners in the Lamian war,322 b.c. being invited to dine with Antipater, he quoted to him the following linesHom. Od. x. 383-5.: O Circe! what righteous man would have the heart to taste meat and drink ere he had redeemed his company and beheld them face to face? and so pleased Antipater with his ready wit that he at once released them.
