1.1
If it be true, then, O Sossius Senecio,One of the many friends whom Plutarch made during his residence at Rome. See on Theseus, i. 1. as Simonides says,Fragment 50; Bergk, Poet. Lyr. Graeci, iii. 4 p. 412. that Ilium is not wroth with the Corinthians for coming up against her with the Achaeans, because the Trojans also had Glaucus, who sprang from Corinth, as a zealous ally, so it is likely that neither Romans nor Greeks will quarrel with the Academy, since they fare alike in this treatise containing the lives of Dion and Brutus,
1.2
for Dion was an immediate disciple of Plato, while Brutus was nourished on the doctrines of Plato. Both therefore set out from one training-school, as it were, to engage in the greatest struggles.
1.3
And we need not wonder that, in the performance of actions that were often kindred and alike, they bore witness to the doctrine of their teacher in virtue, that wisdom and justice must be united with power and good fortune if public careers are to take on beauty as well as grandeur.
1.4
For as Hippomachus the trainer used to declare that he could recognize his pupils from afar even though they were but carrying meat from the market-place, so it is natural that the principles of those who have been trained alike should permeate their actions; inducing in these a similar rhythm and harmony along with their propriety.
2.1
Moreover, the fortunes of the two men, which were the same in what befell them rather than in what they elected to do, make their lives alike.
2.2
For both were cut off untimely, without being able to achieve the objects to which they had determined to devote the fruits of their many and great struggles.
2.3
But the most wonderful thing of all was that Heaven gave to both an intimation of their approaching death, by the visible appearance to each alike of an ill-boding spectre.
