A source-book of ancient history - The Search For Mecca

Timoleon 245
glorying in
the fact that he had chosen to spend his life
amongst them, and had scorned the magnificent reception
which his exploits would have ensured him had he returned
to Greece.
Of the many important tributes to his
worth none was greater than the decree of the Syracusans,
that whenever they should be engaged in war with foreign
tribes they would have a Corinthian for their general.
Great honor was also reflected upon him by their conduct
in the public assembly; for though they managed ordinary
business by themselves, on the occasion of any important
debate they used to call him in. Then he would drive
through the market-place into the theatre; and when the
carriage in which he sat was brought in, the people would
rise and salute him with one voice. Having returned their
greeting, and allowed a short time for their cheers and
blessings, he would hear the disputed point debated, and
then give his opinion. When this had been voted upon,
his servants would lead his carriage out of the theatre,
while the citizens, cheering and applauding him as he
went, proceeded to despatch their other business without
him.
Cherished in his old age with such respect and honor, His death
as the common father of his country, Timoleon at length
after a slight illness died. Some time was given for the ^^
Syracusans to prepare his funeral, and for neighbors and
foreigners to assemble, so that the ceremony was performed
with great splendor. The bier, magnificently
adorned, and carried by young men chosen by lot, passed
over the place where the Castle of Dionysius had once
been pulled down. The procession was joined by tens of
thousands of men and women, whose appearance was
gay enough for a festival, for they all wore garlands and
white robes.
Their lamentations and tears, mingled with
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