(), was an eminent Stoic
philosopher, who lived c. 35-118 AD.
According to Philostratus
,Philostratus, Vitae sophistorum
i. 7, Vit. Apoll.
i. 13 he was a native of Tyre
, and according to Stephanus of Byzantium
; whereas Eunapius
calls him an Egyptian
. At the time when Pliny the Younger
served in Syria (c. 81 AD), he became acquainted with Euphrates, and seems to have formed an intimate friendship with him. In one of his lettersPliny the Younger, Epistles
, i. 10Euphrates is possessed of so many shining talents, that he cannot fail to strike and engage even the somewhat illiterate. He reasons with much force, penetration, and elegance, and frequently embodies all the sublime and luxuriant eloquence of Plato
. His style is rich and various, and at the same time so wonderfully sweet, that it seduces the attention of the most unwilling hearer. His outward appearance is agreeable to all the rest: he has a tall figure, a comely aspect, long hair, and a large white beard: circumstances which though they may probably be thought trifling and accidental, contribute however to gain him much reverence. There is no uncouthness in his manner, which is grave, but not austere; and his approach commands respect without creating awe. Distinguished as he is by the sanctity of his life, he... Read More