s prosecuted by his enemies in a capital cause, in which, after
they had slightly argued the matters on which they indicted him, they
proceeded, beside the point, to address the judges: "You know," said
they, "Aristides, the son of Lysimachus, who is the admiration of all
Greece. In what a condition do you think his family is at his house,
when you see him appear in public in such a threadbare cloak? Is it not
probable that one, who, out of doors, goes thus exposed to the cold,
must want food and other necessaries at home? Callias, the wealthiest
of the Athenians, does nothing to relieve either him or his wife and
children in their poverty, though he is his own cousin, and has made use
of him in many cases, and often reaped advantage by his interest with
you." But Callias, perceiving that the judges were particularly moved
by this, and were exasperated against him, called in Aristides, who
testified that when Callias offered him divers presents, and entreated
him to accept them, he had refused, answering, that it became him better
to be proud of his poverty than Callias of his wealth. On Aristides
deposing these facts in favor of Callias, there was not one who heard
them that went way desirous rather to be poor like Aristides, than rich
as Callias. Thus Aeschines, the scholar of Socrates, writes. But Plato
declares, that of all the great and renowned men in the city of Athens,
he was the only one worthy of consideration; for while Themistocles,
Cimon, and Pericles filled the city with porticoes, treasure, and many
other vain things, Aristides guided his public life by the rule of
justice. He showed his moderation very plainly in his conduct toward
Themistocles himself. For though Themistocles had been his adversary in
all his undertakings, and was the cause of his banishment, yet when he
afforded a similar opportunity of revenge, being accused by the city,
Aristides bore him no malice; but while Alcmaeon, Cimon, and many others
were prosecuting and impeaching him, Aristides alone, neither did, nor
said any evil against him, and no more triumphed over his enemy in his
adversity, than he had envied him his prosperity.

Some say Aristides died in Pontus, during a voyage upon the affairs of
the public. Others say that he died of old age at Athens, being in great
honor and veneration among his fellow-citizens.

His monument is to be seen at Phalerum, which they say was built for him
by the city, he not having left enough eve