, called one of the wise men of Greece, was born at Priene, a small town
, called one of the wise men of Greece, was born
at Priene, a small town of Caria, abqut 570 B. C. He
was in great repute in Greece, under the reigns of Halyattes and Croesus, kings of Lydia. Though born to great
riches, he lived without splendour, expending his fortune
in relieving the needy, and although esteemed the most
eloquent orator of his time, he desired to reap no other
advantage from this talent, than that of glory to his country. In his pleadings he shewed such discrimination, as
never to undertake any cause which he did not think just.
It was usual to say of a good cause that it was one which Bias
would have undertaken, yet we are not told by what means
he knew that a cause was good before it was tried. On
one occasion, certain pirates brought several young women
to sell as slaves at Priene. Bias purchased them, and
maintained them, until he had an opportunity to return
them to their friends. This generous action could not fail
to increase his popularity, and made him be styled “the
prince of the wise men.
”