The Life of Epicharmus
I. Epicharmus was a native of Cos, the son of Helothales; he also was a pupil of Pythagoras. When he was three months old he was brought to Megara, in Sicily, and from thence he came to Syracuse, as he himself tells us in his writings. And on his statue there is the following inscription.
I. Epicharmus was born on Cos and was the son of Helothales. He was also a pupil of Pythagoras. When he was three months old, he was taken to Megara in Sicily. From there he went to Syracuse, as he tells us in his writings. His statue bears the following inscription.
As the bright sun excels the other stars, As the sea far exceeds the river streams: So does sage Epicharmus men surpass, Whom hospitable Syracuse has crowned.
Just as the bright sun outshines the other stars, And the sea is far greater than the rivers, So wise Epicharmus surpasses other men. Hospitable Syracuse has crowned him.
II. He has left behind him Commentaries in which he treats of natural philosophy, and delivers apophthegms, and discusses medicine. He has also added brief notes to many of his commentaries, in which he declares plainly that he is the author of the works.
II. He left behind commentaries on natural philosophy, sayings, and medicine. He also added brief notes to many of his commentaries, clearly stating that he wrote the works.
III. He died at the age of ninety years.
III. He died at the age of ninety.