The Comparison of Crassus with Nicias   

to which like hunted birds they had fled, when expelled from their
homes, but let it be for some really great remuneration: nor let us
part with justice, like a cheap and common thing, for a small and
trifling price. Those who praise Alexander's enterprise and blame
that of Crassus, judge of the beginning unfairly by the results.
In actual service, Nicias did much that deserves high praise. He frequently
defeated the enemy in battle, and was on the very point of capturing
Syracuse; nor should he bear the whole blame of the disaster, which
may fairly be ascribed in part to his want of health and to the jealousy
entertained of him at home. Crassus, on the other hand, committed
so many errors as not to leave fortune room to show him favour. It
is no surprise to find such imbecility fall a victim to the power
of Parthia; the only wonder is to see it prevailing over the wonted
good fortune of Rome. One scrupulously observed, the other entirely
slighted the arts of divination: and as both equally perished, it
is difficult to see what inference we should draw. Yet the fault of
over-caution, supported by old and general opinion, better deserves
forgiveness than that of self-willed and lawless transgression.
In his death, however, Crassus had the advantage, as he did not surrender
himself, nor submit to bondage, nor let himself be taken in by trickery,
but was the victim only of the entreaties of his friends and the perfidy
of his enemies; whereas Nicias enhanced the shame of his death by
yielding himself up in the hope of disgraceful and inglorious escape.
THE END