one of the greatest orators of Greece, was born at Athens, 436 B.C. He was the son of Theodorus, who had enriched himself by making musical instruments, and gave his son a liberal education. Isocrates was the disciple of Prodicus, Gorgias, and other great orators. He endeavoured at first to declaim in public, but without success; he therefore contented himself with instructing his scholars, and making private orations. He always showed great love for his country; and being informed of the loss of the battle of Cheronea, he abstained four days from eating, and died, aged 98. There are still extant 21 of his discourses or orations, which are excellent performances, and have been translated from the Greek into Latin by Wolfius. Isocrates particularly excelled in the justness of his thoughts, and the elegance of his expressions. There are also nine letters attributed to him.