Kitap 1
5.83
A story is told that, while Alyattes was besieging Priene, Bias fattened two mules and drove them into the camp, and that the king, when he saw them, was amazed at the good condition of the citizens actually extending to their beasts of burden. And he decided to make terms and sent a messenger. But Bias piled up heaps of sand with a layer of corn on the top, and showed them to the man, and finally, on being informed of this, Alyattes made a treaty of peace with the people of Priene. Soon afterwards, when Alyattes sent to invite Bias to his court, he replied, Tell Alyattes, from me, to make his diet of onions, that is, to weep.
5.84
It is also stated that he was a very effective pleader; but he was accustomed to use his powers of speech to a good end. Hence it is to this that Demodicus of Leros makes reference in the line: If you happen to be prosecuting a suit, plead as they do at Priene; and Hipponax thus: More powerful in pleading causes than Bias of Priene.P. 79 Bergk; Strabo xiv. p. 636.
5.84
This was the manner of his death. He had been pleading in defence of some client in spite of his great age. When he had finished speaking, he reclined his head on his grandson’s bosom. The opposing counsel made a speech, the judges voted and gave their verdict in favour of the client of Bias, who, when the court rose, was found dead in his grandson’s arms.
5.85
The city gave him a magnificent funeral and inscribed on his tombAnth. Pal. vii. 90.: Here Bias of Priene lies, whose name Brought to his home and all Ionia fame. My own epitaph isAnth. Pal. vii. 91.: Here Bias rests. A quiet death laid low The aged head which years had strewn with snow. His pleading done, his friend preserved from harms, A long sleep took him in his grandson’s arms.
