an Army taking the Treasure out of a Temple to carry on his War I will restore it said he out of the Enemies Spoil One of the Ancients whose Books were ordered to be Burnt said they should Burn me too for I have them all by Heart A Philosopher accused for not Sacrificing said I did not believe the Gods had any need of Sacrifices The same coming to a man who was inconsolable for the Death of one told him that he would undertake to raise him to life again if he could name him any three Persons that had not thus mourned for some Body A Person desiring to lead him to the Temple to give thanks to the Gods for restoring his Son to Health Doest thou think said he that the Gods cannot hear us from this place A Roman Senator willing to revenge himself of a Cynick that had Scoffed at him for having his Hair pull'd off by the Roots For his punishment said the same Philosopher you should do the same to him One of the Ancients said of the Italians that they resembled Slaves of which the subtillest â—â—e ever the worst APOPHTHEGMES Purely PLEASANT SEmiramis having caused to be Written on her Tomb that whoever of her Successors was in want of Money should find some there Darius having broken it open found nothing but these words Without an extraordinary covetous desire thou couldst never have been so base as to rake into the Sepulchre of the dead I have taken this for â— raillery as well as Erasmus for altho there werâ— some kind of Sacriledge in this Act yet it was thâ— custom of the Eastern Princes to enclose their treasure in their Monuments Sardanapalus wrote on his Tomb that hâ—â— carryed away nothing with him but what haâ— served him in his pleasures Others say therâ— was Drink Eat and be Merry for all the rest 〈◊〉 nothing Cressus said to Cambyses who would needs equal himself to his Father that he had not yet got a Son like him The Young Cyrus inviting the Lacedemonians to quit the allyance they had with his Brother to joyn with him amongst other Reasons alledged that he Drank better then his Brother as a token of his Strength and Courage A King of Thrace said that he thought himself no better then his Groom when he was not employed in a War Another bestowing a Lyon upon one that had presented him a Panther told him he had â—o Reason to complain because he was paid in his own Coyn. But a Private man bestows more then he gives a Lyon then a Prince that gives a â—â—nther Which I have added to make an Apophthegme of what was but an Example The Athenians having out of respect made â—im a Citizen of Athons he made them Citizens of Thrace to return them said he like â—or like As valuing his Country as much aâ—â—hey did theirs The Ambassadors of Philip of Macedon meetâ—â—g with Silure who was currying his Horse 〈◊〉 dressing him he asked them whether their â—aster did the like and they answering Noâ—â—ow then said he dares he be so bold as to â—â—tack me Aristotle proves very clearly that 〈◊〉 most brutish are not the most brave as this â—â—barian believed Having heard a most excellent Musician he â—â—d the neighing of his Horse pleased him 〈◊〉 better A Grammarian who undertook to find fault with Homer complaining one day to Hieron that he had not enough to keep a serving man How can you have the confidence said he to reprove a man that maintains above ten thousand People so long after he is dead Denis the Tyrants Subjects complaining that he employed a wicked man That is to make them hate some body else more then my self said he It might have been said that is tâ— turn their hate from me upon him but in that iâ— contained a kind of instruction which belongs noâ— to this place which is only for pleasant sayings The Ambassadors of Corinth having refused his Presents You are greatly to blame said he to deprive your selves voluntarily of thâ— only good thing that Tyranny can do A Musician complaining that he gave hiâ— nothing after many great promises he haâ— made Then we are quit said he for you havâ— Flatter'd and tickled my Ears with a Sweeâ— sound and I have fed you with fair promises Having the Wind favourable at his returâ— from Locrida where he had Plundered thâ— Temple of Proserpine You see said he hoâ— the Gods favour the Sacrilegious I havâ— put this amongst the pleasant ones because the Reâ—son is not solid He took away the Mantle of Gold whicâ— Hieron had sent to Iupiter Olympus and tâ— excuse it said that it was too cold for Wiâ—ter and too heavy for Summer He likewise cut off Esculapius his Goldeâ— Beard upon a pretence that it was not decent the Son should wear a Beard the Father having none For Apollo was Painted Beardless Taking away the Offerings that were for the Gods he said that being so good as they were one might make use of their goodness and accomodate ones self with those things that they stood not in need of The Inhabitants of a City besieged by Agathocles crying out to him from their Walls Where wilt thou find money to pay thy Army poor Potter He replyed without any passion In your Purses And having gained the place Hereafter said he if you affront me I will not call you to account but your Masters For he sold them in chains as they did Slaves Those of Ithaca complaining that his Matiners had Stolen some Flocks upon their coasts We have said he more Reason to complain for your Prince not satisfyed to take away our Sheep put out our Shepherds Eye An impertinent Barber asking of Archelaus how he would be Trimmed In silence said he Or without Babbling One of the Beauties of an Apophthegme is to hit where one does not expect Some body at a Feast having made Courtship to a Lady somewhat aged who had been illustrious for her Beauty saies that Prince some Beauties are handsome in their very Autumn As the setting Sun looks oft times Rich and Glorious A Musician impatient because he gave him nothing turned his looks towards him and Sung these words Thou lovest money bred in the base Earth but he without concern replyed Doest thou think strange that I should love it when thy self does even pine to Death to get a little from me After the Battle of Cheronea Philip of Macedon having set at Liberty all the Athenian Prisoners they farther desiring all their Equipage I think said he they believe we did not Fight in earnest Having received a wound near his Throat and his Chyrurgeon beging every day some new grant of him Take all thou desirest said he for thou holdest me by the Throat I have accomodated it to our Language Upon a difference between two Rascals who mutually accused each other of great Crimesâ— he Banished the one and condemned the other to run after him Another making complaint
of his Family bâ— his Valour said he and refused him Zeno whom he esteemed above all the Philosophers being dead he said He had lost the Witness of his Actions and the Theatre oâ— his Glory Lysimachus being constrained to give uâ— himself and his whole Army for want of water cried out having drank great Gods foâ— what a small matter I have lost my Liberty and Country Antipater having heard of the Murther oâ— Parmenion If he were guilty said he iâ— whom shall Princes confide and if he were innocent where is the Prince we can confide in He said of Demades and Phocion That he had two Friends of a direct contrary humour for he could never satisfie the one nor ever get the other to accept of any thing Antiochus sent his Letters into all Parts at his first accession to the Empire That if there came any Orders from him contrary to the Laws they should not obey them He likewise withdrew himself from Ephesus fearing the great Beauty of Diana's Priestess should tempt him to violate her Antiochus surnamed the Hawk put himself â—â—to Mourning upon the report of the death 〈◊〉 his Brother though they made War against â—ch other and being after assured that he â— as living he caused publick Thanksgiving â—â—d Rejoycings to be kept To shew said he â—at the Law of Nature yet subsists amidst â—â—r disorders What was rare in those days â— now grown common A report being brought to Pergamos of the â—eath of Eumenes his Brother Attalus seized immediately on the Empire and married his â—â—iddow But the News proving to be false 〈◊〉 laid down the Crown and went to meet â—â—m in the habit of a private Person of which Eumenes took no other notice but only whisâ—ered in his Ear another time be not so haâ—y to marry my Wife till you have seen me â—id in my Grave He never after shewed aâ—y more resentment and at his Death left him â—is Wife and his Empire Attalus on the oâ—â—er hand did never raise any Children but reâ—â—ored the Diadem to the Son of Eumenes as â—â—on as he was of Age to Govern It would â—e difficult to find two such rare Examples the â—ne of Acknowledgment the other of Modeâ—â—tion He was wont to tell his Brothers If you treat me as your King I will treat you as Brothers and if you treat me as a Brother I will treat you as I am King To teach them to obey him Pyrrhus said He never had taken so many Cities by force as Cineas had taken by cunning The Inhabitants of a Town besieged haviâ—â— railed at him bitterly a thousand times duriâ—â— the Siege he told him as he was setling theâ— after the place was taken That they had greâ— need of Masters to teach them to rule thâ—â— Tongues Being asked which of two excellent Musiâ—â—ans he liked best he answered The Geneâ—â— Polyperque to shew that Kings ought to estâ—â—â—â— brave men and not Fidlers One who had never been in the Wars promising to instruct him in the Military Art 〈◊〉 told him That he never valued a General wâ—â— had never heard the sound of a Trumpet He said after the gaining of two battles against the Romans I am lost if I gain a thiâ— because they had cost him so many men aâ—â— therefore admiring their Valour he said thâ— he could easily conquer the whole World wiâ—â— the Romans or the Romans with him Otheâ— improperly attribute this to Antiochus wâ—â— was no great Soldier He said when he quitted Sicily I leaveâ— brave Field of Battle to the Romans and thâ— Carthaginiansâ— which proved true in the â—â—vent He bid those Commissaries whom he sent 〈◊〉 raise Forces be sure to chuse proper and luâ—â—â— Fellows and he would take care of the rest â— if courage and skill proceeded only from exercise which is not always so Being entred into Athens to Sacrifice â— praised the Athenians for the confidence theâ— had in him but withal told them that 〈◊〉 time they should have a care of letting in â—ny one that exceeded them in strength Having pillaged Laconia by surprize before â—ny War declared he answered the Lacedemoâ—ians who made Complaints to him that he did not use to divulge his secrets to any body His Children desiring to know of him at the time of his death to whom he left his Empire To him said he that hath the â—harpest Sword Though this were true in some sort it was ill in the mouth of a Father who thereby kindled the Flames of a Civil War in his own Family The great Antiochus having strayed from his Company at a hunting betook himself to â— little Caban where some People who knew him not discoursed of him some extolling his good Nature others saying that his Servants wrought upon it to ill purposes and that he spent too much of his time in hunting he at his return to his Company told them he had never heard so much truth spoken as that day At the Seige of Ierusalem the Iews having desired seven days Truce to celebrate their great Festival he not only granted their request but would needs honour that Ceremony in Person and himself conducted in great Pomp to their very Gates huge quantities of â—ncense and Victimes which touched them so sensibly that they surrendred to him as soon as the Festival was over To make an Apophthegme we should make him tell what he did but that would lessen it The Romans having lopp'd off a part of hâ— Empire he said He was obliged to them so having discharged him of a great portion 〈◊〉 his care Though this is truth yet Prince do not lay aside those burthens till they neeâ— must Pisistratus Tyrant of Athens finding hâ—â— Friends revolted who had seized on a Foâ—tress went and found them with his little Râ—tinue and when they inquired of him what 〈◊〉 intended to do Remain with you here saâ—â— he or get you to return with me Knowing that his Mother loved a younâ— man who durst hardly visit her out of the apprehension he had of him he invited him tâ— Supper and having treated him well Herâ—â— aâ—ter said he shew your self more complaisaâ— towards my Mother Another that was one of the finest shaped meâ— in the City having been so insolent as to kiâ—â— his Daughter in the open Street and the Mother desiring he would resent it If we punish those that caress us said he what shall we do to them that hate us This was but a colour to excuse the capriciousness or passion of the young man whom he presently sent foâ— to bestow his Daughter in Marriage on him Some debauched Fellows having done an injury to his Wife and coming the next day to beg his pardon You are mistaken said he my Wife was not out of doors yesterday but be more modest another time There is no pleasure in owning to have received an affront and especially in such cases and therefore Câ—â—sâ—â— deni'd that his Wife
than he that receives it That Anger differs from Madness but in the matter of time As being indeed a shorter Madness That Hope makes little things great and great things little We may say the same of all the Passions That he valued more a good Father of a Family than a good Senator Because they are harder to find or there is more need of them That by doing nothing one learns to do evil That Friendship was rather to be untied than broken Because that makes less noise That we do not envy those that make good use of their Fortune because envy respectâ— more the Fortune than the Person That it is equally Vicious to be sad in a time of rejoycing and over merry in sad times Or That those who are serious in trifles are ridiculous in serious affairs That worthy things have need of being well written as good Diamonds of being welâ— set That to let the same Person be too long iâ— the highest employments is to have too little regard of the deserts of others or the dignity of the Commonwealth That in a Battle the Voice did as much as the hand and that he could not love such Soldiers as snoared louder then they whooped and hallowed That the Mode does not only set a value upon Wares but upon Vertues Because People take a pride in being Modish That such as have raised themsevles by their Vices ought to endeavour to regain their reputation by Virtue That Wise men learn more by Fools than Fools do by wise men because the Wise are more capable of observing the defects of the Foolish than the Foolish are of observing the perfections of Wise men Or of learning from them That he had repented him particularly of three things Of having discovered a secret to a woman of having gone by water where he might have travell'd by Land and let one whole day slip without learning any thing That a Country House ought not to want Lands nor the Lands a House The rest belongs â—ot to this After the taking of Carthage the Inhabitants being fled into a Fortress and some advising the younger Scipio to draw some works about the Place to hinder them from making any Sallies It is ridiculous to fear those that are afraid said he In the Greek it is To fear the Enemy when the Town is taken Endeavouring to be Censor his rival scoffingly telling him he knew no body That is said he because I have always laboured more to make others know me then I to know them Having obtained it he saw a man pass by that had made a false Oath I know said he that Fellow is guilty but no body accusing him I cannot be Judge and Party both Finding some Mules belonging to an Officer loaden with things only to serve his luxury Thou makest thy self useless for a time said he to the Republique and for ever to thy self One bragging of the goodness of his Buckler he told him a Roman Souldier ought to trust more to his right hand than to his left He said a good General no more then a good Chirurgeon ought not to use his weapons but in extremity and they ought to expect a while to do things the more securely The People endeavouring to terrifie him with their out-cries while he was making a Speech in publick the cry of the Enemies never daunted me said he in the Field of Battle nor shall the Peoples in a sedition and when the Mutineers cryed out that they must slay the Tyrant It is true said he you must pass through me to attaque the Republick When Rome believed her self to be in most safety after the ruine of Carthage Scipio Nasica said She was then in most danger having no Enemies to keep them upon their Guard Which made Metellus say after a signal Victory That he knew not whether that Advantage would procure more good or harm to the Republick Because we are apt to run into pleasures and idleness Metellus deliberating whether he should make an assault a Captain assured him that with the loss of ten men they might carry the Fort Will you be one of those ten said he This was a good answer for a wary man but not of a Souldier who must not fear the loss of a few to be the sooner Master of a place Some body asking him what he would do the next day I should burn my own shirt replied he if it knew my secrets Designs in War must be kept private He lamented the death of Scipio though his Enemy and would have his Children carry him to his Funeral Pile adding that he â—anked the Gods that so great a Captain â—as born a Citizen of Rome and not of Carâ—age Popilius being deputed to carry some orders from the Senate to the great Antiochus delivered his dispatches to him without any saâ—utation and that Prince having told him â—e would consider of it he drew a circle â—â—ound about him with his Wand and said he must do it before he stirred out of that â—ring This confidence touched that Prince so sensibly that he promised to obey and thereupon Popilius saluting him embraced him Drusus being Tribune of the People had the insolence to say to the Senate who sent for him Why do not they come themselves to me which the Senate did Scevola having purchased an Inheritance which he never surveyed and having afterwards found it much better than he thought it gave a greater price for it proportionably alledging that he should have given as much at first had he known the true value Sylla committing great Murthers in Rome he said with whom shall we live henceforwards since we slay our Citizens in times of Peace as well as in times of War Catullus put himself in the Head of his Flying Army to make them believe said he they do not run away but only follow their Commander Scaurus accused of Treasons Sirs said he a Rascal accuses me of betraying the Republick I assert the contrary which do you believe He was absolved by the People without any further examination in the Cause Lucius Crassus refusing obedience to a Consul that treated him unhandsomely said he would not treat him as a Consul who did not treat him as a Senator An Architect having told Livius Drusus that for a small charge he could prevent any body from looking into his House I would give thee twice as much replied he if thou couldest make all the world look into it To show he lived exemplarily Marius having been denied a Command desired another much inferiour the same day not to be quite neglected said he and to compell fortune if we may so say Having Ulcers in his Legs he caused an incision to be made in one without being tied or making the least noise but when they would have done as much to the other Hold said he the remedy is worse then the disease and sent the Chyrurgeon packing Being solicited for
might have been easier to determine those differences by condescention then by force Or by prudence then c. He wrote to those of Elida who would needs assist the Arcades Quietness is a very pleasant thing Or not to be entangled in others affairs He said to the Allies who would know what every one was to pay towards the Peloponesian War that no certain measures could be taken in a War Looking on a new Engine to force Towns withal Farewel courage said he Or valour is at an end The Greeks would not make a breach with two Rings that were very Potent And said the Lacedemonians would be more insupportable then those if they became Masters The Sheep said he ever bleat in the same manner but men change their Tone according to the change of events Or according to their several Interests After Agis had lost the Battle against Antigonus some body asking a Lacedemonian whether they would now obey the Macedonians They cannot yet hinder us said he from dying with our liberty Another being fallen into an Ambuscade his Soldiers asked him what he would do Dye said he and save you Or whilst you save your selves Brasidas going forth to War said he would dy or drive the danger far enough from his Country Callicratidas having great want of Money to pay his Soldiers refused Fifty Talents that were proffered him if he would deliver up one they desired and said he never sold any mans life nor his Honor. I have shaped this into an Apothegme Going to Young Cyrus to demand some money to pay the Fleet they told him that Prince was at Table I will stay said he till he hath dined But not having been able to come to the Speech of him that day nor the next because he was in a debauch Let them be cursed said he that first made Courtship to Barbarians and added that at his return he would labour with all his might to reconcile the Greecians together and would come there no more that he might do nothing unworthy of Sparta Cyrus having sent him pay for his Army with Presents to himself he sent back the Presents and said that the general alliance was enough without making any particular one The same almost is in another Apophthegme Being â—eady to begin the Fight with the Arginuses his Pilot having told him that the Enemy was the Strongest Since a retreat is shameful and Death or Victory Honorable it is best to conquer or Dy said he When the Soothsayers had declared to him at a Sacrifice that he was threatned with death but that he should obtain the Victory The Fortune of Sparta said he does not depend upon the life of one Man Or she can lose but one Citizen by my death but shall agrandize her Empire by my Victory come on And having named his Successor he gave them battle and Dyed Chariles being Interrogated wherefore Lycurgus had made so few Laws Because there needs not many for those that talk but little replyed he It being asked wherefore the Virgins in Lacedemonia went bare-â—aced and the Women vailed it is said he because the one seeks to get a Husband and the other is afraid to lose a Husband for jealousie He told his Slave one time who had done some idle thing I would beat thee if I were not in wrath Others cannot Strike unless they be in passion This relishes more of the Philosopher then a Warriour He said that the Hair of the Head was the greatest Ornament of Man and which cost him the least And therefore the Lacedemonians let theirs grow That the best form of Government was that where there was much Emulation and little Envy As in Lacedemonia That the Gods were pourtray'd in Armour that so we might not have the boldness to offend them He told the Thebans they ought to speak more modestly or be more strong Which agrees with what Lysander said to those of Megaâ—a Clearques said that nothing could be done with an Army without Discipline and that a Soldier ought to fear his Captain more then his Enemy Cleombrotus said to a Stranger who contended in point of Honor with his Father He has not made or got a Son like me yet Cleomenes said that Homer was the Poet of the Bravo's because he speaks of nothing but Battles and Hesiod of Slaves treating of Agriculture Having agreed a Suspension of Arms for seven day with those of Argos he went and surprized them one Night and said to excuse it that the Nights were not comprehended in the Suspension and that it was lawful to do all the mischief one could to an Enemy But he could not make himself Master of the City for the very Women drove him thence and becoming frantick afterwards he mutilated his Members and Dyed The Deputies of Samos having made him a long harangue he told them he had quite forgotten the beginning which made him unable well to understand the middle of it and for the Conclusion he could not do what they desired Of a Rascally Fellow who was back-biting every Body he said it was to keep every one upon the defensive posture that so none might attack him Some body affirming that Kings ought to be ever courteous Provided it does not make them be despised said he After a long and dangerous Sickness giving ear to the Priests and Soothsayers he said to excuse it that being no more the same he was they ought not to admire that he had other Sentiments Or that having lost his Strength they need not wonder he had changed his Maxims A learned man having made a long discourse of valour he said smiling it was a very becoming thing for every one to talk of what he understood He drove a Prince out of Sparta who would have corrupted him for fear said he lest he should make the same profers to some that could not so well resist him as my self He said that the Lacedemonians would not ruine Argos that they might leave something to exercise their Youth withal Being asked why the Lacedemonians did not consecrate the Spoil of those they had conquered to their Gods It is because said he the Deities despise any thing belonging to those that suffer themselves to be beaten He reproved a Lacedemonian who had treated his Host after the Laconick way Because said he he should have dispenced with that rule towards a Friend Alexander having sent word to Sparta that they should render him divine Honors Let him be a God said Damis since he will have it so Some body saying that the Lacedemonians would suffer much by Philips Army which was entred into Thessaly what can he do said Dâ—midas to People that does not fear Death Damonide having been seated at the lower end in a great Assembly said they had a mind to make that place the most Honorable This resembles that of Agesilaus that it was not the place that gave the
Reason That being the Soul of Law That the wicked sought after power without probity but that the one could not be without the other but to the ruin of humane kind That Virtue is an Inheritance that could not be lost That Enemies are more necessary then Friends because they correct our errours whereas the other flatter us This agrees with another reprehension That there is nothing wonderful in the World but Vice Plato maintaining that a Prince ought to have no other aim but the good of his Subjects Denys the Tyrant told him that his discourse smelt of the old Dotard And thine replyed he of the Tyrant That Prince having Written to him that he should speak no more ill of him he said he had not leasure to talk of him Reproving a Young man for some folly Thou reprovest me said he for a small matter But Custom is no small matter replyed Plato He advised those that were given to Drink to View themselves in a Lookinglass when they were Drunk This hath some Analogy with the Lacedemonian Custom to shew their Drunken Slaves to their Children to make them abhor it He said that Greatness was the companion of Solitude Because the pride of great ones renders them insupportable Or unsociable He loved not Idleness and would have all leasure time employed in some useful thing He refused to give Laws to the Cyreneans because they were too Voluptuous Or too much at their ease which sort of people are hard to be Governed He said one should measure his discourse according to the Capacity of the Auditors and not to his own He blamed sorrowing for the Dead as useless and said we know not whether good or evil hath betided them I trample upon Plato's pride said Diogenes treading upon one of his Rich Carpets Yes said Plato but with greater Pride Diogenes Diogenes one terrible Frosty Morning came into the Market-Place and exposed himself naked to shew his Tolerance Many of the People came about him pitying him Plato observing it and knowing he did it to be seen said to the People as he went by if you pitty him indeed let him alone to himself To shew be did it to be admired Seeing one do an evil act Am I like to that man said he He would have one exercise the Body with the mind as inseparable companions He said his Reputation would serve him for a Monument and that there could be none more magnificent A small Bird pursued by a Hawk having flown into the Arms or Bosome of Xenocrates he sheltred it with his Cloak Not to betray said he those that fly or have recourse to our protection He rejected a Scholar who would have come to hear him before he had learned the Mathematicks as not being â—urnished as he said with the Key of Philosophy The Mathematicks opens the Eyes of the understanding and â—â—rges it from all matter He refused Alexanders's Presents and having treated his Ambassadors with his ordinary meal You may see said he that I have no need of them Because he was at no great exâ—ence He said one had often reason to repent for having spoken but never for holding ones peace And yet it might happen that for want of speaking a man might neglect or forfeit his Duty his Reputation or his Fortune but we must not examine an Apophthegme too soverely To avoid making any reply to the Scoffs of a Comedian he said That Tragedy never Vouchsafes to answer Comedy when she rallies He compares Philosophy to Tragedy because of it's gravity Denys the Tyrant telling Plato some body will take off thy Head Not before this said Xenocrates pointing to his own To shew he would defend him to the Death He said one should not carry ones Eyes nor hands into anothers House The Greek saies Feet That one should guard the Ears of Children with no less care then the Athletes did their own To speak nothing but what is good in their hearing The Athletes Armed their Ears with somewhat because a blow on the Temples is mortal He said that Pride was the great Obstacle to Learning Because having an Opinion of their own knowledge they will learn no more Polemon neglecting his words to keep closer to his matter faid that those were derided who spake well and did ill When Archelaus held with any opinion that was propounded to him He would say this is my own Sentiment and if he were against it he would say that is not the Opinion of such a one naming some-body Out of Modesty as unwilling directly to contradict another in his own Person Treating some Strangers and finding there was no Bread when they were sitting down to Table How little said he does a Philosopher understand Feasting He said that Poverty like Vlysses his Country was Barren yet the Nursery of brave Youth Because we are corrupted through plenty That there were many diseased where there were many Physicians and many Vices where there are multiplicity of Laws Many the like Observations might be made in other instances It being said that from other Sects they passed to that of Epicurus but from the Epicureans to no others That is because of Cocks one may make Capons said he but of a Capon one can never make a Cock. Having the Gout Carneades would needs leave him alone to bemoan himself in quiet Stay said he for what pain soever my Feet endure it hath not invaded my heart As much as to say he was not concerned at it Bion said that none had more care upon them then those that would take no care Because their want of care made them become overwhelmed with business at last To dissuade from Marriage he was wont to say that an ill favoured one made the Heart ake and a beautiful one the Head By reason of Iealousie Speaking of Riches he said that we ought not to value things bestowed by Chance kept by Vice and confounded or squandred away by Virtue By the first is meant Fortune the second Covetousness the third Liberality He compared those in high Offices to men walking on the Ice who are ever in danger of falling He said old Age was the Harbour of all Miseries Either because all mischiefs flow into it Or because it brings Death that puts an end to all Or the safest harbour is the Grave That it was a great Misfortune not to be able to undergo Misfortune That Fame was the Mother of Time Because it makes a man live after he is dead That the way to Hell was very easie since it is found out Blindfold He meant the Grave He called Beauty other Folks goods Because one is not properly Beautiful to ones self but to others He said Money was the Sinews of business It is said to be the Sinews of War because it cannot be made without money That Impiety was the Enemy of Assurance In Pythagoras 't is said nothing is so fearful as an ill Conscience This relates to the same Being siezed on
him double his usual Price Because said he I must both teach him to speak and to hold his Tongue A man of much Discourse Braging at Tableâ— if thou understoodest much said he thouâ— wouldest talk but little Being told he took too much for teaching he replyed that he would give twice as much to have that confidence he wanted Anacreon the Poet refusing a Princes money said that he would accept no Presents that should make his head ake But it troubles the head as much at least to be in want of money as to have more then one wants The Poet Philoxenes said to such as wondred why he represented Women bad whereas Sophocles made them all to be good that he represented them as they really were and Sophocles as they ought to be He quitted his Estate in Sicily because of the Debaucheries of that Island and said he would rather lose his Estate then his Estate should lose him To those that reproached him for his Birth he said that was part of his Glory to be beholding to none but himself for his Fortune Lysimachus asking a Poet what he desired of him what ever you please said he provided it be not your secret Pyrrhus having sent for some Young People that had spoken ill of him in their Cups instead of denying it they told him We had said a great deal more if we could have had more Wine They cunningly cast the Liberty they had taken on the effects of Drunkenness which obtained their pardon A man wrongfully accused before Augustus said after he had justifyed himself that another time he should inquire into nothing that was spoken of an honest man but amongst such as were honest That Prince having composed some Verses against Pollion it being admired at that he wrote no answer It is said Pollion because it 's not safe to write against ones Master In the Latin it is not to soribble against them that can proscribe A Night Bird breaking Augustus's rest was taken by a Soldier who having received no reward for it as he hoped I had rather it should live said he and let it go again A Veteran who had served him very well in his Wars coming to recommend a business of Importance to him he gave order to one about him to recommend it for him my Lord said the Veteran when it concerned your Service I did it always my self and never served you by Proxy Augustus Seeing a Poet come towards him who was wont to present him with Epigrams made one Extempore and gave it to him The Poet then drawing out his Purse The reward said he is not worthy your Merits but if I had more I would have bestowed it on you This Action touched Augustus so to the quick that he made him a very greatâ— Present not taking notice of his confidence which was a secret reproach for his covetousness because he had never gratifyed him An Artisan to whom a Pythagorician owed some money being dead the Pythagorician threw the Summ into his Shop that he might not accustome himself to withhold what was another mans due The Romans asking an Ambassador whether if they should consent to a peace it would be lasting Yes replyed he if it be just Asking another what he thought his Country-men deserved for their Revolting What ever brave men can deserve said he that think themselves worthy of Liberty A man whose Field produced a much better Crop then his Neighbours being accused of Witch-craft brought all his working Utensils into Court kept in good repair and order and pointing to them said behold here is all my Sorcery and Charms of Witchcraft Caesar willing to oblige a man to Disinherit one of his Sons It is easier for you said he to make me lose them all then to make me lose one voluntarily A wicked man Swearing before the Roman People the Roman People Swore aâ—oud they would not believe him Caesar the day he was Murthered said to an Astrologer who had predicted it that day Ha well said he it is come But it is not yet gone said he Or ended The Emperor Adrian having taken an ill Secretary it was told him that with all his Power he could not make an able man of a Fool. Some Body being put to Death unjustly said amongst other imprecations against the Author of his Death may he not dye when he desires it A Seditious man having caused a good man to be assassinated when he found that he was not dead of his Wounds he Summoned him to Justice and being asked what he would accuse him for for being still alive replyed he A Roman Consul threatning a man I have that will make thee obey said he And I replyed tother have that will prevent it Or exempt me Meaning he could kill himself A man who was condemned to Death swearing he dyed innocent No matter said his Adversary so he do but dye This made him be absolv'd A General killing his Horse on a day of Battle If I am overcome said he I shall want none and if Conqueror I shall get enow others While in a civil War they were consulting to Banish all the contrary party This will only be a means said one to bring divisions amongst our selves when we shall have no other Enemies left to keep us upon our Guard A Prince that had not wept for the Captivity of his Son nor his Daughter shedding Tears for his Servant said in excuse of it that we seldom bemoan any but small afflictions for the great ones are above all complaints and expressions Euripides reproved by the People in the Publick Theatre it is to instruct you that I write said he and not to receive Instructions from you Complaining to a Poet that he had been three days about making a few Verses and the other telling him that he made a hundred in a day And thine said he will last or live but three days and mine to Eternity Menander said to an ill Poet whom they Crowned in his stead Doest thou not Blush at thy Victory A Poet being asked wherefore he did not rather chuse to be a Barrister since the gains was much greater It is not at the Bar replyed he as on the Stage where we can make the Actors say what we please A Musician whose Songs were not acceptable said to comfort himself that he Sung for himself and the Muses another said he valued not a Publick approbation he desired none but his own Some body at a combate of Gladiators seeâ—ng the People cry out upon a great Blow a Gladiator had received tho he tâ—at was â—ounded said nothing Just thus it goes with â—he World said he those that undergo most â—y little whilst others make the noise A man excessively Fat and corpulent preâ—â—nting himself to make a Speech to a ppease â— Sedition they all burst out into Laughter â—â—s said he you Laugh because I am so overâ—own my Wife is yet much bigger then my â—â—lf notwithstanding when we agree togeâ—er one
then ever he had saved by his pleading for him That is said he because I have more truth then Eloquence Or my integrity is greater then my Eloquence The same asking him by way of reproach for the meanness of his Birth who is thy Father He replyed it would be harder to â—â—â—ess who is thine Because his Mother had an 〈◊〉 Fame These two Apophthegmes are elsewhere 〈◊〉 only by allegation Hortensius the Orator saying to him by â—ay of answer to some of his Railleries That 〈◊〉 understood no Enigma's And yet you â—ave a Sphinx at home replyed he To twit 〈◊〉 how he had been corrupted with Bribes amongst â—â—ich was a Sphinx of great value This was a â—â—â—nster that propounded Riddles Of a man who had very ill favoured Chilâ—â—en he said that he Marryed in despite of Veâ—â—â— and the Graces In the Original it is said â—pollo Some body who had made his escape out of â—â—sars Camp having left his Horse behind to â—â—oid Discovery He hath taken more care of 〈◊〉 Horse then himself said he As believâ—â—â— Pompey to be the weaker After the Battle of Pharsalia some body sayâ—â— there were Seven Eagles left yet That â—ere well enough said he if we were to Fight â—gainst the Mag-pies Being reproached in Pompey's Camp that â—e was come very late There is nothing reaâ—â—â— yet said he He made an allusion to Feastâ—â—â— and reproved those people for their negliâ—â—nce Pompey having bestowed the Freedom or â—â—ght of a Citizen to a Gaul He gives said 〈◊〉 Rome to a stranger and cannot restore 〈◊〉 to the Romans Of good old Wine lie said it bears it's â—â—ge very well His Son in Law who was very little wearing a long Sword he said his Son in Law was tyed to his Sword Or hung upon his Sword Observing a great Stone Statue of his Brothers head who was likewise a very little man the half of my Brother said he is bigger then the whole His Daughter walking very quick and his Son vere Slow my Daughter walks like a man said he my Son like a Woman Milon's accuser crying out at what Hour Sirs do you think that Clodius was kill'd he replyed late It was done indeed at a late Hour but his meaning was he should have been killed sooner Some body pretending to be Younger then indeed he was when we two studyed together said he you were not then it seems in the World A Stranger telling him that he was come to Caesar to obtain the liberty of his Country 〈◊〉 Get ours restored to us said he when thou hast obtained thine To a Lady somewhat old who would not own to be above thirty Years he said she owned the same about thirty Years ago To such as reproached an old man for taking a Young Girl She will be Woman tomorrow said he He told an Ancient Orator who alwayâ— began with an excuse for his Age that hâ— would never want an Exordium A Gowty Person telling him that he begaâ— to walk farther and farther every day It 〈◊〉 because the days grow longer said he Being grown thirsty whilst he was indeaâ—ouring to be chosen Consul he was constrained to Drink in the Publick Market-place when spying the Censor let us hide our selves said he that he may not see us Drink Water Because he was a Drunkard Going to visit Vatinius who was Consul but one day let us make hast said he before his Consulship expires He also said that he was very vigilant not having slept so much as once in all the time of his Consulship Some making much of a Fool upon his becoming Rich he asked whether any one had 〈◊〉 queathed him an estate of Wisdom Having bought a Horse which he had openly declared he would not purchase he said to excuse it that it was to get the better Penny-worth Excusing himself for having commended an 〈◊〉 man he said it was to Exercise his Wit As some have praised the plague or a Feaver Crassus having been to sup with him as a token of his reconciliation he said of another who was willing to be reconciled afterwards Is it because he would Sup with me likewise An old Senator having said That so long as he lived such a business should not be done We have not long to wait said he Some body that had been accused for Poysoning his Father at a Feast hapning to threaten him He told him that I would rather thou shouldest threaten me then treat me however Some body taxing Cato for Drinking alâ— Night long Thou forgetest said he that iâ— is after he has Gamed all the day To destroyâ— or contradict one lye with another more increâ—dible Caesar alledging in his defence of Nicomede the obligations he had to him Every onâ— knows well enough the reciprocal engagement you have to each other said he Caesar waâ— accused for having prostituted himself to thaâ— Prince He said of such as stole from the Writing of the Ancients that they did like thosâ— Thieves that changed the handle of theiâ— Neighbours Pot that it might not be known again So they disguised their theft to make thâ— things pass for their own compositions Caesar said of Sylla that he could not read because he deposed the Dictatorship Onâ— must know how to read to be able tâ— dictate Augustus having blotted out a Tragedy of Ajax which he had composed and did not pleasâ— him it being afterwards inquired of him what his Ajax did he hath stabbed himselâ— through the Body with a Spunge said he Alluding to the Death of Ajax We might more properly say with a Pen but the old way of Writinâ— was rubb'd out with a Spung. One presenting a Petition to him and trembling One would think said he that it werâ— a piece of bread thon wert presenting to an Elephant Because men are afraid to go near them One of his Courtiers telling him there is a report abroad that you intend to bestow a gift upon me Have a care you do not believe it replyed he A man whom he had set aside from an ill employment intreating he would bestow the like Present upon him as he had done upon others to take off the disgrace he received Say that thou hast had it replyed he and I will not deny it A Young Debauched Fellow whom he turned out of his Camp saying to him what shall I tell my Father when he sees me return home again Tell him thou couldest not comply with my humour said he A Coward shewing him an Honorable wound Have a care thou doest not look back said he the next time thou runnest away At the end of a Meal where he had not been too well treated I did not know said he that we were such good Friends Or so Familiar We use to say treat you as a Friend when we do it slightly Looking on some purple which was somewhat too dark and the Merchant telling him that it should be looked upon in a better light Must I walk always in the Sun-shine said he when
I put it on His Nomenclator who was a little defective in his memory going into the Market-place Take said he some letters of recommendation for thou knowest no body These Nomenclators made profession of knowing every body that so one might call them by their name◠when they saluted or met them Which was then ◠Mark of Honor and at present of contempt A man much in debt dying very old Le◠them buy his Bed for me said he it must be a very good one since he could Sleep so quietly in it under such Circumstances Those of Terragone coming to Congratulate him because a Branch of Palm-Tre◠sprung up upon an Altar consecrated to him It is a sign said he you have not often mad◠Fires there on Some body having made an Idle request to him and he observing another that stood ready to make a Second much like it I shall no sooner grant what you desire said he but shall grant what he requests likewise Being informed that Herod had put his own Son to Death he said he would rather have been his Hog then his Son The Iews killed no Swine because they eat none Being displeased that his Daughter kept only Young People about her and pointing to Livia who had none but such as were Aged Those were Young replyed she when she too◠them but are grown old in her Service Tiberius having seized on the Empire and out of Modesty refusing the proffers made him by the Senate it was said that others could hardly make good what they promised and he hardly promised what he made good◠A Grammarian whom he went to Rhodes to visit having put him off for Seven days he did no more but only put him off for Seven Years when he was Emperour and the other came to visit him Caligula called Livia a Gowned Vlysses and said that Virgil had no Wit and less Learning and that the Style of Titus Livius was too much extended and too much neglected and his Language relished of the Peasant A Senator going from Rome into the Country to be Purged and desiring a Prolongation of time he said They ought to Bleed him since Purging was ineffectual and so caused him to be put to Death A Judge falling asleep at a Publick Sale and nodding often with his Head he awarded him to pay an immense Summ for somewhat that was set up to be sold saying he made a Sign with his Head that he would have it at that price demanded for it When he Gamed he would Swear at every turn that his Chance was so and so and then Sweep up the stakes and going forth one day torefresh himself whilst another play'd his hand he confiscated the Estates of a couple of Wealthy Citizens and at his return said that he had never plaid a better Game Clodius complaining of his Poverty whilst those about him took from every one with both Hands he was told that if he would but go Snips with his Officers he might soon become Rich enough Nero having Poysoned him with a Dish of Mushrums◠did ever after call that Meat the Food of the Gods Because they consecrated the Emperours after their Death Having sent some to kill a Consul while he was at a Feast when he heard how much the rest of the company were affrighted he said they had paid dearly for the Honor of Eating with a Consul Being necessitated in his Flight to Drink some Water out of a Brackish Slough he said that that was none of Nero's Ptisane Vespasian informed by one certain Florus that he must Pronounce the O in the Latin words very open or broad the next Morning he saluted him by the name of Flaurus Having made a Present to a Lady that was Enamour'd with him his Treasurer asking how he should put that down in his account Put it replyed he to a Lady that thought me Handsome This is the more pleasant because he was very homely and ill favour'd looking like one that sits crowding on a Close-stool when too much bound which occasioned that repartee from a jeaster whom he would needs engage to say something I'l◠stay only till you have done your business Or empty'd your Belly One that waited upon him requesting a Favour from him for one whom he called his Brother he took this man aside and inquiring what he was to give him for doing it would needs have the Money himself and then told his Servant go and look thee out another Brother for this is mine Another time observing his Coach-man would needs stop and new Shoe his Mules to give one an opportunity to speak with him He afterwards asked him how much he had got for his shooing and would needs have the one half of it A certain City having designed or decreed to set up a Statue for him he told the Deputies that were sent to him about it I will have it here said he holding forth his Hand and made them pay down the money that was for it The Sepulchre of the Emperors opening of it self and a Comet appearing he said in a jeasting way that the first Prodigy concerned a Lady who was now forgotten being of the Caesars Family and the other the Parthian King who wore long Hair Dying he said he felt he was becoming a God As much as to say he was dying because they consecrated Emperours after Death Domitian said of one that trick'd up himself I wish I were as Handsome as such a one takes himself to be An old man having caused his Gray-locks to be dyed of a Youthful Colour requesting somewhat of the Emperour Adrian I have already refused your Father the same thing said he Alexander told another that he should rather change his Knees then his Hair Because old Age is most defective there and his Father added that such men were not to be trusted and set such a one aside from his place of Iudicature Knowing that a Woman had made some Secret reproaches to her Husband and hinting somewhat of it to him when he saw him Hath my Wife written the same things to you as she did to me replyed the Husband A Grecian whom Marcus Aurelius had sent for to be his Sons Tutor saying to him at his first approach that it was the Scholars part to go to the Master and not the Masters to come to the Scholar It has proved an easier thing for this man said the Emperour to come from Greece into Ità ly then from the City of Rome to the Princes Palace To tax his pride Heliogabulus called cowardly Senators long Gowned Slaves He said the price of Meats served to whet the appetite and could not relish or eat of such Food as was cheap Some condemning his great expence when he was but a private man I will be the sole Heir to my self said he Meaning he would devour all and leave nothing A Prince who Murthered his Brother having taken the name of Parthique afterwards it was said he ought to take that of Getique