24 Plutarch’s Lives
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ritten by him to Antigonus in Asia, recommending him to come and possess himself of the empire of Greece and Macedon, now hanging, he said (a scoff at Antipater), “ by an old and rotten thread.” So when Cassander saw him come, he seized him; and first brought out the son, and killed him so close before his face, that the blood ran all over his clothes and person, and then, after bitterly taunting and upbraiding him with his in-gratitude and treachery, despatched him himself. Antipater being dead, after nominating Polysperchon general-in-chief and Cassander commander of the cavalry, Cassander at |once set up for himself, and immediately despatched Nicanor toMenyllus, to succeed him in the command of the garrison, com-manding him to possess himself of Munychia before the news ofAntipater’s death should be heard; which being done, and somedays after the Athenians hearing the report of it, Phocion wastaxed as privy to it before, and censured heavily for dissemblingit, out of friendship for Nicanor. But he slighted their talk,and making it his duty to visit and confer continually withNicanor, he succeeded in procuring his good-will and kindness _for the Athenians, and induced him even to put himself totrouble and expense to seek popularity with them, by under-~taking the office of presiding at the games. In the meantime Polysperchon, who was intrusted with thecharge of the king, to countermine Cassander, sent a letter tothe city, declaring, in the name of the king, that he restoredthem their democracy, and that the whole Athenian people were -at liberty to conduct their commonwealth according to theirancient customs and constitutions. The object of these pre-tences was merely the overthrow of Phocion’s influence, as theevent manifested. For Polysperchon’s design being to possesshimself of the city, he despaired altogether of bringing it to passwhilst Phocion retained his credit; and the most certain wayto ruin him would be again to fill the city with a crowd of dis-franchised citizens, and let loose the tongues of the demagoguesand common accusers. With this prospect the Athenians were all in excitement, andNicanor, wishing to confer with them on the subject, at a meet-ing of the Council in Pireus, came himself, trusting for the safetyof his person to Phocion. And when Dercyllus, who com-manded the guard there, made an attempt to seize him, uponnotice of it beforehand, he made his escape, and there was littledoubt he would now lose no time in righting himself upon thecity for the affront; and when Phocion was found fault with for
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