DEMETRIUS, a cynic philosopher, disciple of Apollonius Thyaneus, in the age of Caligula. The emperor wished to gain the philosopher to his interest by a large present; but Demetrius refused it with indignation, and said, If Caligula wishes to bribe me, let him send me his crown. Vespasian was displeased with his insolence, and banished him to an island. The cynic derided the punishment, and bitterly inveighed against the emperor. He died in a great old age; and Seneca observes, that "nature had brought him forth to show mankind that an exalted genius can live securely without being corrupted by the vice of the surrounding world."