MEMOIR OF ARISTOTLE. 
35 
Accordingly, lie addressed himself to Aristotle, in 
a letter as flattering to his literary fame as was the 
compliment paid by Queen Elizabeth to Sir Isaac 
Newton. This epistle is recorded by Agellius in 
the following terms : 
“ Philip to Aristotle — Health Know that I 
have a son. I render the gods many thanks, not so 
much for his birth, as that he was born at the time 
when Aristotle lives ; for I am assured that, if edu- 
cated and instructed by you, he will become worthy 
of us, and worthy of the kingdom which he inherits.” 
In compliance with this kingly request, Aristotle 
set sail from Lesbos, and escaping the danger of the 
Athenian fleet, then at war with Macedon, he ar- 
rived at Pella, to undertake one of the few employ- 
ments not unworthy of a philosopher qualified to in- 
struct and benefit the latest ages of the world. In 
the tuition of his illustrious pupil, he spent about 
eight years, during which long period, in an office 
replete with difficulty and delicacy, he had the rare 
honour of giving the highest satisfaction to the royal 
parents, while he excited in the breast of their son 
feelings of the warmest gratitude. He was treated, 
both by Philip and his proud queen Olympias, with 
every mark of distinction that greatness could bestow 
on acknowledged merit. He was admitted to an ex- 
tensive share in the government, and allowed a voice 
in the counsels of his sovereign, where his advice 
was often useful, and always acceptable. On these 
occasions he was not slack to exert his kind inter- 
