reformation in their political condition; but in this latter attempt he met with much opposition, which caused him to fly from the scenes of his labour, and seek refuge in the temple of the Muses, at Metapontum, where, it is said, not being able to provide a sufficient supply of food, he died of hunger.
That Pythagoras exercised a most extraordinary influence not only over the people of his native country of Samos, but likewise over the inhabitants of the several cities of Greece, as well as of Italy, there is good reason to believe; for after his death the house in which he used to deliver his lectures at Crotona, was converted into a temple for the goddess Ceres; religious rites were celebrated to his memory; statues of him were erected in various places; and he was in all respects regarded as a Divinity.
The system of superstitious deception which he had thought proper to adopt, in the propagation of his doctrines, had no doubt great weight with the people of his day, and contributed, in an especial manner, to exalt him to that lofty position of authority and importance which he shortly occupied. But, this silly imposture apart, his great and varied learning, the excellence and purity of his moral precepts, and the essential elevation of his mind, which were the real basis whereon stood his true reputation and the genuine greatness of his character, have secured him immortal fame. Had he not possessed these truly valuable qualities and acquisitions, his imposing semblances, and his pretended communion with the Deities, would not have availed him long; like every baseless fabric of ephemeral splendor, and every pretender to excel-
