Chapter V. Clearchus on the Same, From Bk. I, On Sleep

[JOSEPHUS] [1] ‘BUT Clearchus the Peripatetic philosopher, in his first book Concerning Sleep,attributes to Aristotle the philosopher a statement such as follows concerning the Jews, writing word for word thus:

‘But though it would be too long to tell the greater part, it will not be amiss to go through those of his statements which are alike marvellous and philosophical. Now, said he, understand clearly, Hyperochides, I shall seem to you to relate what is as marvellous as dreams. Then Hyperochides modestly replied, Yes, that is the very reason why we all desire to hear it.

‘Well then, said Aristotle, according to the rule of the rhetoricians, let us first describe the man’s origin, that we may not disobey the teachers of the narrative style.

‘Tell it so, if you please, said Hyperochides.

‘Well then, the man was by origin a Jew, from Coele-Syria. Now these are descendants of the philosophers of India; and philosophers, it is said, are called among the Indians Calani, but among the Syrians they are called Judaeans, having taken their name from the place. For the place which they inhabit is called Judaea: and the name of their city is very awkward, for they call it Hierusalem.

‘This man then, who was hospitably entertained by many on his way down from the inland districts to the sea-coasts, was Greek not only in language but also in spirit. And as at that time we were dwelling in Asia, the man having landed in the same neighbourhood fell into conversation with us and some others of the studious sort, to make trial of their wisdom. And as he had lived in intimacy with many of the learned, he imparted somewhat more than he received.’

Such is the story of Clearchus.