fears we have put them into for so many years It hath been said of him that he knew how to conquer but did not know how to make advantage of his Victories because he let slip his advantage after the Battle of Cannae An Armenian King seeing the Romans appear in small Parties before his Army which was innumerable said There were too many of them to be Ambassadors and too few to be Enemies It must be observed that the Ancients alway sent several together on an Embassy GREEKS A King of Syracuse having defeated the Carthaginians would grant them no peace but upon condition that they should not sacrifice their Children to Saturn This waâ— the more generous because the Conqueror herein had no other end but the advantage oâ— the vanquished However it is easie to make an Apophthegm of this by changing the Action into Speech which Plutarch hath omitted When his Soldiers went not to War he made them cultivate the untilled Lands to keep them as he said from idleness the Moâ—her of Seditions and make some Recompence for the Spoyls of War Having occasion for money he borrowed of his Subjects and repaid it when the Wars were ended boasting that by this means he had an unexhaustible Treasure in the Purses of his People While the Guests at a Feast took an Instrument turn by turn to make Musick and Mirth â—he called for his great Horse and began to maâ—age it before them to intimate that a Prince even in times of Peace should make it his Exercise and Meditation to prepare against a War A Curtezan having reproached him for his stinking breath he chid his Wife for not giving him notice of it that he might have sought a remedy but she replied That she thought all men had been so having never conversed with any one but himself The Grecian Dames had no frequent conversation with men being never admitted at Feasts and Publick Meetings with their Husbands Whereas the Romans had the same Liberty as the Ladies here with us Plutarch attributes this Apophthegme to the Princes Wife that follows Hieron said That he was always at leasure to hear those that would tell him the Truth and thereby banished all Flatterers and became of easie access to honest People He said likewise that those that discovered Secrets did not only offend those that had entrusted them but also those to whom they were revealed For when we would not have a thing known we do not only hate those that publish it but those that are made acquainted with it likewise He condemned a Poet to make satisfaction for having spoken somewhat too freely before the Queen and indeed it was an insolent Fellow for having once invited him to dinner at a Sacrifice he told him you would not invite me to that you made the other day hinting the execution of some great men These indiscreet Sallies of the Tongue produce more hurt to those that speak them then they do good to them they are addressed to Denys the Tyrant besieged in his Palace by a seditious Multitude cried out seeing an Oxe knocked down at one blow who would not venture so frail a thing as life is for an Empire His Son having violated a Woman of Quality he asked him in passion if ever he had seen him do the like That 's because you were not born Son of a King answered he You will never be the Father of one replied he if you continue these insolencies His Prediction was verified for his Son was dispossessed These are two excellent Apophthegmes in one Seeing in his Son's Chamber one day a great many Vessels of Gold and Silver which he had bestowed upon him Thou art not worthy to Reign said he since thou hast not been able to make Friends of these things all this while His Subjects complaining of a Tax he increased it so much that they laughed at the impossibility 'T is enough said he for this shews they have no more to lose Otherwise they durst not have derided him He said to his Mother who had a mind to marry again in her extream old age That Princes were able to alter the Civil Laws but not the Laws of Nature He severely punished those that robbed on the High-ways but pardoned such as pilfered Cloaks in the Night time to compel his Subjects to keep good hours and avoid debauchery In the Greek it is that stole Cloaths either at the bathing places or elsewhere Some body beseeching him to bestow a Talent upon him and to pretend that he had learned the Secret of him to discover all manner of Conspiracies He cried out aloud 'T is a most important Secret and bestowed the Talent upon him Another desiring to converse with him asked him whether he had nothing to do God defend said he there being nothing so insupportable as Idleness Others there are that think nothing so pleasing but we must distinguish one may desire to have Leasure but Idleness is to be hated It is a common thing to ask what shall we do to pass away the time Having been informed that two several Persons had spoken ill of him at time of a debauch he invited them to Supper and observing that one of them was very indiscreet and wild and the other very reserved He said that he forgave the first as having committed the fault by the frailty and lightness oâ— humour and caused the other to be put to death as guilty One of his Subjects having concealed a Sum of Money he caused it to be taken from him but being made acquainted that he had purchased a piece of Ground with the remainder he restored it to him again because he knows how to improve it said he He said a Prince ought not only to be aware of his Enemies but of his Friends It is because those that have the easiest access may the most easily destroy But this is trulier spoken of a Tyrant than a lawful Sovereign As a Herauld at a Sacrifice wished him according to their Custom a long Reign do not said he increase the rigour of Tyranny by endeavouring to make it Eternal A man condemned to death found a Friend so resolute as to be bound for him that he might have time to go abroad and settle his Affairs in order and having surrendred himself again Denys the Tyrant admiring the confidence and resolution of the one and the faithfulness of the other pardoned the criminal And for recompence I only desire of you said he to be received as the third in your Bond of Amity Accusing his Sister for having contrived her Husbands escape Do you believe me to be said she of so mean a Spirit as that I would not have stollen away my self from thy Tyranny had it been in my power His Son said he entertained men of Learning not for any esteem that he had for them â—ut for the esteem he gained thereby from oâ—hers A Grammarian finding fault with his Diaâ—ect
into One of his Courtiers intreating him not to let Judgment pass in a Cause where the Interest of his Friend was concerned I had rather said he that your Friend should lose his Cause than I my Reputation His whole Court advising him to chastise the Ingratitude of the Peloponesians who had publickly hissed at him in the Olympique Gamesâ— What will they not do said he if I should hurt them when they scoff at me though I have done them so much good This resemblesâ— that before spoken of a vile tongue that had spoken ill of him whom he would not banish least he should rail at him all the World over One day having lain long in Bed in his Camp he said he had slept his fill because Antipater waked for him excusing his sloth ingeniously with the vigilance of his Minister Alexander having tamed a very wild Horse whom none else durst mount Seek another Empire for thy self my Son said he embracing him for mine is too little Another time he said to him as he was valuing his own Singing art not thou ashamed to sing so well There are some things we ought to be ignorant of wherein it is shameful to be too skilful One day having fallen down on the ground and considering the extent of his Body in the dust Great Gods said he what a little place we take up and yet the World cannot contain us He told his Son who was endeavouring to win the Macedonians hearts by largesses dost thou believe that a man whom thou hast bribed will ever be faithful to thee Those who are tied by Interest are by Interest likewise lost Asking some Athenian Ambassadors after he had given them Audience whether he could do them any Service The greatest Service â—ou can render us says a Brute is to go hang â—our self at which Words without being â—oved though he perceived a muttering â—hrough all the Court Those that endure â—hese Insolencies said he are much more honest men than those that commit them which was the more to purpose because they came to complain of him Alexander while a Youth said his Father would leave nothing for him to conquer and when they told him that what his Father gained would be for him But I shall not have the glory of it replied he as esteeming more the honour than the profit of Conquests His Father advising him to run at the Olimpick Games to shew his Swiftness I would do it said he if there were any Kings to run with me for the Prize or contend with me The Governour of a Place having written to him that there were brought to him some lovely Boys that were to be sold he cried out in great anger hath he perceived any thing in my behaviour that could prompt him to send me such a Message So he was likewise displeased in his Youth against some of his People that had brought a young married Woman to lie with him and turned away one of his Courtiers for having introduced at dinner time a Lass that he entertained under the pretence of Singing The same Principle made him refuse to see the Wife of Darius who was one of the most beauteous Princesses in the World His Governour having reproved him foâ— casting whole handfuls of Incense into the fire at a Sacrifice and telling him that he should avoid being so profuse till he had conquered the Country that produced them He had no sooner made himself Master of Arabia but he sent him a great quantity with this reproach That he should not for the future be so sparing when it concerned the Service of the Gods I doubt whether ever he was Master of Arabia He bid his Soldiers at the Passage of Granique which was the Limits of the Persian Empire That they should make merry with what they had then for the next day they were to be entertained at the Enemies expences A Philosopher whom he loved having asked him to bestow a Portion to marry his Daughters he sent him fifty Talents who having told him it was too much and that ten would have been enough for them to have But not enough for Alexander to give replied he However our Gifts should be proportioned according to the Party that receives But this Prince was excessive in all his Actions whether good or bad Another time when his Treasurer came and acquainted him that the Philosopher Anaxarches demanded an hundred Talents for he had commanded that they should give him whatever he should ask He knows he hath to do with Alexander said he Another Huff of this Prince coupled with the Impudence of a Philosopher Beholding several Statues in Milet of those Atheletes that had won the Prizes in the Olimpick Games Where were all these Bravo's said he when your City was taken He answered the Queen of Caria who took a pride in the excellency of her Cooks and did often send him of her Dainties That he had much better of his own that his Governour had taught him to eat but little at Dinner that he might eat well again at Supper and to march all the Night to get a good Appetite in the Morning Darius having offered him ten thousand Talents and the one half of his Empire Parmenion was of Opinion he should accept of it and said if I were Alexander I would do it and so should I likewise if I were Permenion replied he He added that Heaven cannot contain two Suns nor Earth two Masters At the Battle of Arbella the Chief Officers complaining of the Soldiers insolence who threatned they would have all the Plunder to themselves Courage says he 't is a sign of the Victory for those that talk thus have no design to fly The Armies being drawn up in Battalia he stroke a Soldier that was mending his Javelin For this is the time for Fighting said he not to be mending or furbushing your Arms. As he was reading a Letter from his Mother perceiving that Hephestion overlooked him and read it likewise he took his Seal from his Finger and put it to his Lips to instruct him thereby to keep secret what he saw This is a dumb Apophthegme The Priests of Ammon having stiled hiâ— the Son of Iupiter he said That all honesâ— men were so thereby to allay the pride of thaâ— Title In the Greek it is that all men were so by Nature and the good men by Adoptionâ— which has some resemblance with the Christian Religion He spake to the same sence when wounded That it was not such Liquor which flows from the wounds of the Gods He replied to those that praised Antipater for being very modest in his Habit That within he was all lined with Purple and the Son of Antipater going to caress before him one that was beloved by a Musician he interposed and cried out What shall not Friendship it self be exempted from your Tyranny As he was sending back to Macedonia the maimed and the sick a Soldier that was in health having thrust in his
more glory to make others rich than to â—rich ones self Having asked a little Grammarian scoffingâ— who was the Father of Peleus The other â—turned briskly who was yours as a reproach â—f the meanness of his Extraction and when â—s Courtiers wondred that he shewed no reâ—ntment when a man will rally said he he â—ust expect to be rallied with again The â—me Apophthegm is attributed to Cicero for â—etellus asking him by way of scorn who was his Father It would be a harder thing to tell â—ho was yours said he because his Mother had â—n ill reputation Another Prince of the same name said That the greatest unhappiness of Tyrants â—as that they must ever suspect the greatest or bravest men and be compelled to make â—hem away This is true only in Elective Emâ—ires where every one has a right to preâ—end His Son Xenophanes being rallied at becaâ—â—â— he would not play at a forbidden Game ' Tâ—â— not said he for fear of losing my Money bâ— my Honour Antigonus set every Engine at work to eâ— rich himself and when they reproached hiâ— that Alexander did not use to do so Thâ— was because he reaped said he and I can bâ—â—glean Finding his Soldiers playing at Tennis â— armed he sent their Officers to make meâ—â— with them and being informed that they weâ— drinking too freely he cashiered them and pâ— those Soldiers into their places Because saâ— he those deserve best to Command who â— their duty best Admiring that he grew very mild in his oâ— Age having been very rough in his youngâ— days That 's because I would endeavour â— preserve that with gentleness which I gaineâ— by force said he His Son inquiring one day of him when 〈◊〉 would decamp Art thou afraid said he thoâ— shalt not hear the sound of the Trumpetâ— This shews it imports a General to keep hiâ— Marches secret Sending him to Greece to set them at liberty he said That Province was like the Theatrâ— of the whole World from whence his Glorâ— would be seen over all After his recovery from a fit of sickness hâ— said That it had been an Advertisement of the Gods to let him learn that he was mortal A Poet having called him the Son of a God My Valet de Chambre said he knows the conâ—ry full well A Flatterer telling him that the Will of a â—ng was the Rule of Justice Say rather that â—stice is the Rule to the Will of Kings reâ—ied he His Brother desiring he would in private â—termine a cause he was concerned in It were â—tter it should be before the whole World â—plied he to demonstrate I will do nothing â—justly Incamping in the Winter time in a place â—at was inconvenient he said to some Soldiers whom he over-heard murmuring near his â—ent Go farther off and complain least I â—e obliged to punish you He said to one that made a harrangue to â—m in a bombast flattering stile Art thou not â—hamed to speak to me as if I were a Fool A Cynique begging a Dragm of him That 's â—o little for a King to bestow said he and â—hen the other had desired him then to give â—im a Talent That 's too much said he for a â—ynique to receive The Medium had been to â—ive more than the first less than the last His followers counselling him to put a Garâ—ison into Athens to be a Bridle to Greece he answered There could be no stronger Garrison than the affection of the People Pyrrhus challenging him to come down from the Mountains and he would give him battle he said he made War as his own Judgment guided him and not as his Enemy would have him and that if Pyrrhus were weary of his life there were a thousand ways to death â— other on the like occasion said If he beâ— great a Captain let him force me to coâ— down Notwithstanding he affirmed that Pâ—â—â—rhus would be the greatest Soldier of his tiâ—â— if he lived to mature Age. In the height of his Conquests some boâ— having dedicated a Treatise of Justice to hiâ—â— This is very proper to him said he while I aâ— usurping the Rights of other men His Son at his return from hunting comiâ—â— and embracing him while he was giving Audience to some Ambassadors Tell this said 〈◊〉 to those that sent you hither There beiâ—â— nothing that can better establish a Throâ— than the mutual love of the Royal Family His Son Aleione being very harebrain'd wâ—â— killed in a Fight This happ'ned somewhâ—â— later said he than I expected or than he dâ—sired He said to another that shewed himself very proud do you not know that Royalty is bâ— a brave slavery and another time That if oâ—â— knew the weight of a Crown they would bâ— afraid to set it on their heads In the Greek â— is they would not vouchsafe to take it oâ— from the ground Antigonus having dream't that Mithridaâ—â— had reaped a golden Harvest resolved to make him away and communicated it to his Son Demetrius after he had made him promise not to divulge a word of it But Demetrius who loved Mithridates led him out immediately to walk upon the Sea Sands and wrote thereon with the point of a Javelin Begone Mithriâ—â—tes so that he made his escape to Pontus â—here he was chosen King If equivocations â—e at any time lawful 't is in such cases where man 's life is concerned The Rhodians having intreated him to preâ—â—rve a Picture of Protogenes which he had â—ken in their Suburbs he said he would keep as inviolably as his Fathers Having taken the Athenians by Famine he â—used them to be assembled in their Publick â—ace for Spectacles where while they dreadâ—â— some exemplary punishment for their reâ—olt he told them That he bestowed five thousand measures of Corn upon them to reâ—eve their misery and happ'ning to pronounce â—â—me word amiss at the same instant and the people reproving him for it openly he added and I will give you as much more for your â—ood Instruction Many would have been â—ngry at such a publick reproof and have recalled his Guift instead of increasing it so that this is an Example of Clemency of Libeâ—ality and a greatness of courage It was said of his warlike Engines in which â—e was very intelligent That they begot admiration amongst his Friends and astonishment â—n his Enemies Demetrius being taken by Seleucus sent word to his Son that he should give no credit to his Letters But that young Prince was so sensibly concerned for the imprisonment of his Father that he wrote to Seleucus with more Generosity than Prudence that if he would set him free he would surrender both his Person and Dominions into his power His Pilot telling him just at the beginning of a fight that the Enemy was stronger thaâ— he For how many do you reckon me said he A Soldier desiring the same allowances which one had who had done eminent Service â— was not the recompence
taken If I take Cities sleeping said he whaâ— cannot I do when awake 'T is the mark of â— good Apophthegm to retort their own Argument upon them He called money the Soul and Blood of civil Life and said that those that were deprived of it were like the dead without action That those that were not contented with any thing thought nothing dishonest He said to Plato who had entertained him That such Feasts as his were not only pleasing on the same day they were made but the next day also Because of the loathing that follows others A General glorying in his Wounds he said should be ashamed to have been wounded in our place To shew that a General ought â—t to hazard himself too confidently his â—hole Army depending on his safety In the â—reek it is when I commanded the Army I â—as ashamed that a Dart fell too near me Some body saying that Cares was a good General Not so replied he but a good Soldiâ—ier To hint that he wanted the qualificatiâ—ns for a Commander Chabrias affirmed the fittest to command â—ere those that best knew the Enemy He likewise acknowledged That he esteemâ—â— more an Army of Deer commanded by a â—ion than an Army of Lions commanded by â— Deer to shew of what importance a good General is not so much for Valour as for Conâ—uct and Discipline Hegesipus animating the Athenians against Philip of Macedon We shall draw great â—lagues upon our selves said one if thou art â—elieved and much greater yet replied he â—f I am not believed meaning their slavery Pytheas offered to harangue in publick to â—revent their allowing divine honours to Alexander when some crying out you are too young Him whom you would make a God replied he is younger yet than my self Phocion seeming to study in an Assembly they asked him the reason I am thinking said he whether I cannot leave out something of what â— have to say to the Athenians the shortest Speeches being the best The Oracle having answered That theâ— was a man in the City that found fault wiâ— every thing Do you trouble your heads â—â—bout that Sirs said he 't is I that cannot aâ— prove of any thing that is done here The People one day seeming to applaâ— what he had spoken to them he asked whâ—ther he had not let slip some foolish word orâ—â—ther so much did he suspect their approbâ—â—tion The Athenians going about to get a voluâ—â—tary Contribution towards their Sacrificesâ— It were a shame if I should give you any thiâ—â—â— and not pay this man said he shewing his Crâ—ditor The People will murther thee if ever theâ— grow into fury said Demosthenes to him aâ—â— thee when they recover their reason again saâ—â— Phocion That Orator exclaiming against Alexander who was falling like a torrent upon Thebes Miserable man said he to him to exasperate 〈◊〉 young discontented Prince against thy Country who has his Sword in hand Beholding an Army of Soldiers that were too gawdily cloathed he said they were fit for â— Show but not for a Fight His Friends advising him to forbear giving a Visit to a vicious Rascal in Prison who intreated him to come Where can I better go to see such an ill man said he than in a Prison being glad he was there The Athenians railing against those of Byzantium who would not admit their Soldiers 'T is not those Allies are to be blamed for their â—â—spicion but your Generals that gave them â—â—use for it and being elected in the stead of â—â—m that commanded before they were reâ—eived without any difficulty Observing a Soldier who was advanced out â—f his rank return niâ—bly into his place upon â—ght of the Enemy he told him chidingly â—hat he could neither keep the place his Capâ—in had given him nor that he had taken himâ—â—lf The Ambassadours of Alexander bringing â—â—m a Present from their Master he asked them therefore he sent that present to him only 〈◊〉 is because he finds you an honester man than â—e rest said they let him give me leave to â—e so still replied he because Presents corâ—pt us The People making some scruple of sendâ—â—g some Gallies to that Prince which he requiâ—ed of them I must advise you Sirs said he â—â—ther to be the strongest or be Friends with â—â—ose that are so Upon the news of his death the Orators â—â—lling aloud to take up Arms If he be dead â—id he to day he will be dead likewise to â—orrow without all this great haste of taking 〈◊〉 your Arms. An Orator having perswaded the City to a War by very specious pretences and fair hopes â—e told them Those sine Speeches were like â—press-Trees which are lofty and beautiful â—ut yield no Fruit. Their first success proving favourable the People asked him if he were not joyful Yes said he but I do not repent of what I said The Macedonians being come into the Couâ—â—try with their Forces he went forth againâ—â— them with all the strength of their Youth and finding every one would needs give hiâ— counsel Great Gods said he what a maâ—â—â— Captains and how few Soldiers It appears bâ— this and by Thucydides that there is no People resembles the French so much as the Athâ—â—nians A while after the Athenians having been defeated and compelled to receive a Garrisoâ— when he who commanded would needs maâ—â—â— him a Present I refused Alexander's Gifts saiâ— he and added upon a juster occasion Antipater endeavouring to oblige him 〈◊〉 something against his Will he told him Oâ—â— cannot be both a Friend and a Flatterer The People having made choice of him foâ— their General he made Proclamation that 〈◊〉 should take up Arms not excepting those oâ— Sixty years of Age and these alledging theâ— were exempted by the Laws and yet they dâ— not exempt me said he who am above Fouâ—â— score A corpulent man perswading them to Waâ— against his Opinion and being constrained tâ— drink several times because of the heat Whâ— will this man do in a Battle said he who sweaâ—â— so much with talking only Being condemned to death with his Party as he went to Execution in the midst of theiâ— Lamentations without a word speaking Rascal came and spit in his Face Take hence â—hat insolent fellow said he without being otherwise moved and it had been observed â—hat he was never seen to laugh or cry Some â—ill affirm that he said How ill favour'dly that â—ellow gapes or sneezes and attributes it to Aristides A wicked wretch despairing to dye at the â—â—me time Are you not happy said he to dye â—n Company with an honest man Being ready to take the poyson some body â—sking him if he would say nothing to his â—on Let him never desire to revenge my â—eath replied he He said It was better sleeping in peace on â—he Earth than lying unquiet on a soft bed That we must do our Duty and all the rest was nothing That it was difficult to act several Parts That we
theirs Reproaching the persidiousness of a Tyrant who had betrayed him Thou hast a great desire to dye said the Tyrant to him Yes replied he to bestow vengeance because it would enrage the Thebane The Tyrant's Wife being come to see him in Person and bemoaning his misfortune Thou art more to be pitied said he for suffering a Tyrant to be thy Husband When he was set at Liberty he said He owed this obligation to the Tyrant that he had made him know by experience the fear of death could not terrifie him His Soldiers crying out in a Battle that the Enemies were numerous The better said he we shall kill the more Another said we mow hay best when it is thickest Parmenion observing one day the Ambassadors from Greece murmured because Philip of Macedon made them wait too long for an Audience Do not wonder Sirs said he that he sleeps while you are waking for he was wake Whilst you slept This was because they had â—â—t him take his advantage during their Divisiâ—ns This is one of the Noblest Apophâ—â—egms because it bears two compleat Sences â—nd both very true the one Literal the other â—llegorical Demosthenes observed of Phocion that he deâ—royed by his reasoning all that ever he set up â—y his Eloquence He called him the hatchet â—f his Speeches He told the Athenians who would oblige him â—o accuse one unjustly That he should ever â—dvise them to what was just though they disâ—pproved it but he would never do any unâ—st thing though they should command it He had written on his Buckler To good â—ortune and having cast it away to save himself â—e said That his death would have been of no â—ervice to his Country but his life might some â—ther time be of great Service to him I would â—ot insert That he that flies may fight again which is but a Proverb Alexander would grant no pardon to the Aâ—henians till they delivered up ten of their Citizens to be named by him amongst which he was one Whereupon he said That the Wolves were once for making a Peace with â—he Sheep provided they would surrender up â—he Shepherd's Dog Endeavouring to save himself after his Condemnation being encouraged by one that held with the opposite Party Where shall I find â—aid he a Friend that is worth such an Enemy A Courtizan demanping ten Drachmes for one Night's Pleasure I will not said he buâ— my Repentance so dear Being obliged in a contest with another whâ— could rail most he said this was a Combâ—â— wherein the Victor must needs be the Worâ— man The greatest Slanderer He told a young man that talked too muchâ— That a wise man spake but sparingly and thaâ— Nature had furnished us with but one Tonguâ— and two Ears to teach us that we oughâ— to hear twice as much as we speak Another time he said how comes it that he that taught thee to speak did not teach thee likewise to hold thy peace Of a Covetous Wretch he said that foâ— want of knowing how to live in his life time he would leave a livelihood to others after hiâ— Death That there was nothing more easie than to deceive ones self being soon perswaded to what we like That Slander was easily sixed but time would discover the Fraud of it That he had spent more Oyl than Wine iâ— attaining to be an Orator by Study and Sobriety That nothing was more harsh to honest People than not to be allowed the liberty of speaking their minds That it was difficult to please a Multitude when one commanded a Multitude That what we had in us of the Image of God was the love of Truth and Justice That if we did but know what we must suffer from the People we should never desire to â—eddle with the Government That his return was so much more glorious â—an that of Alcibiades by how much it was â—etter to obtain it by way of perswasion than â—y force of Arms. That he neglected his Estate to cultivate â—is Knowledge because it was his Knowledge â—cquired him his Estate That he conversed with ill People as Physiciâ—ns do with the diseased and that the best Phyâ—cian was he that cured the incurable That is to say such as no others could cure That the Law is the Soul of a State because â—t subsists thereby Demetrius Phalereus counselled King Ptolomy to read History to learn as he said several things that no body dares tell you Becoming acquainted with the Philosopher Crates during his retirement at Thebes he curâ—sed his Affairs that had robbed him so long a time of the Knowledge of that great man The Athenians having pulled down his Statues they have not said he plucked down those Virtues that caused them to be erected He said we must not wonder if Riches were blind since Fortune who bestowed them was so too That Eloquence had as much power in Peace as force hath in War That real Friends while Fortune smiles do expect to be intreated but they are forward to proffer themselves when she frowns His Counsel to young People that they might not mistake themselves was to respeâ—â— their Parents at home Strangers abroad aâ— themselves when alone ROMANS MAnius Curius his Soldiers complained tâ— him that he had not given them Landâ— enough in the conquered Countries God defend said he but that a Roman should believe he hath enough when it is enough to maintaiâ— him And himself was satisfied with a Soldiers share They allotted Portions to the Vâ—terans for their Habitation He returned those Presents offered him by the Samnites with these Words That those who were contented with a little had no need of Riches and that he was more pleased to command over them that possessed Riches than to possess them himself Others say he replied That whilst he could command himself he should never want and attribute it to him that follows However he was found making his own pot boil Fabricius hearing they had lost the Battle against Pyrrhus 'T is not the Greeks said he that have vanquished the Romans but Pyrrhus that hath beaten our Generals Because he was a great Captain Being deputed to him to ransom the Prisoners he refused his Presents and having with â—esign to fright him caused a huge Elephant â—ppear just behind him Thy Gold said he â—â—uld not tempt me yesterday nor thy Elephant â—errisie me to day That Prince promising if he would stay â—ith him to make him the greatest he had â—fear said he if your Subjects had once tasted â—f my Government they would obey you no â—nger Pyrrhus's Physician having proffered to Poyâ—on his Master he sent the Letter to himself â—ith this Caution at another time he should â—ake a better choice of a Friend and an Eneâ—y For this favour Pyrrhus having sent him back â—â—l his Prisoners he would accept of them but â—n condition to send him a like number for â—hem and said that it was neither for love â—or fear that he
had discovered that Treason â—ut because the Romans never revenged themâ—elves of their Enemies but by open force Martius Coriolanus being Victorious was adâ—ised to repose himself who replied that Viâ—tory took away all weariness and refused â—hose Presents they offered as a recompence of â—is Valour Vertue being above all Reward He would therefore only accept of some marks of Honour and the Liberty of a Prisoner that was his Friend The same is related of a Roman Knight His Mother coming to him whilst he held Rome besieged would not salute him till he declared whether he did it as Friend or an Enemy my and obliged him to raise the Seige Manlius told the Romans who would maâ—â— him Consul that he could not bear with the Faults nor they with his Severity The Senate having sent him the Complainâ— that were brought in against his Son he spenâ— two days in the Examination and pronounce this Sentence on the third Seeing my Son 〈◊〉 guilty of Concussion or Extortion I forbid him my House and the Republick and comâ—mand him to depart immediately The Soâ— strangled himself in the Night and the Father would not be at his Funeral Fabius Maximus encamped always in place very advantageous that he might not be compelled to sight and being in derision nick named Hannibal's Pedant he would say 〈◊〉 shewed more Cowardize to be afraid of the Peoples idle discourses then to be afraid oâ— the Enemies and therefore Hannibal said he dreaded Fabius unarmed far more than Minâ—tius armed For this reason they called him the Buckler of the Romans as Marcellus their Sword Minutius making a great noise for a small advantage obtained against Hannibal he said he feared more the good Fortune of Minutius then an ill one because it puffed him with pride and the other envying him If he were wise said he he would consider that he hath nothing to do with me but with Hannibal Being informed that a stout Soldier went every day out of the Camp to see a Woman whom he loved he sent and had the Woman taken then said to him now we have something will keep you with us And then giving â—â—e woman to him pardoned his fault He being asked at the sacking of Tarentum Whether they should carry away their Images â—â—t of their Temples Let us leave the Tarenâ—es their angry Gods said he Being deputed to go to his Son who was Consul by the Senate he rode towards him without alighting from his horse till his Son â—â—nt and commanded him then running to emâ—â—ace him I meant to try said he whether â—ou knew what it was to be a Consul He was wont to say they were much in the â—rong that went roughly to work with such as â—ey intended to gain unto them since it is by nothing and caresses that the very Animals â—e tamed much sooner then by Whips and â—urs Going to Carthage to complain of the taking 〈◊〉 Sagunte and he who commanded speaking â—â—me what proudly to him he made a fold in â—â—e Skirt of his Garment and said In this I â—ring Peace and War and being answered what he might give which he pleased shaking â—â—s Coat he cried War the Carthaginians told â—â—m they accepted it with the same resolution â—â—at he profered it It being intended to give again the command of the armies to Terentius Varro after â—e Battle of Cannes he told them the Republick had need of a more Fortunate Geneâ—al than himself and refused it Nevertheless â—e continued the Command Livius in wrath against the People weâ—â— and made War in Spain and being advise not to give Battle till he was well informed oâ— the Enemies strength he replyed He would give it as soon as ever he came thither to bâ— revenged upon the Citizens or be crowneâ— with Honor. Words unworthy of an ancient Râ—â—man He would not totally defeat the whole Aâ—â—my of Asdrubal but said let some remainalive to carry the news of our Victory anâ— their loss Scipio said he was never less alone theâ— when he was alone Nor more employ'd theâ— when he was idle because the mind is alwayâ— most active when we have nothing else 〈◊〉 do After the taking of Carthagena his Soldier having brought him a lovely Woman prisoner he told them he would have accepted of heâ—â— if he had not been their General As having too much other business to think of Love At the siege of a City being very full of business he appointed some that sought to him to meet him in the principal Temple of the Town and having mastered the place within the time limited though the service was very hard he kept his word with them It being wondred at that he would venture over into Affrick with such small numbers he said pointing to three hundred of his Guards there is not one man amongst those that would not leap down from a Steeple if I commanded him The Carthaginians having offered him great â—ings to procure a Peace would have gone â—â—om their word upon the arrival of Hannibal â—â—t he without remission told them he â—ould have five hundred Talents more as a puâ—â—shment for their recalling him The Senate having ordained that he should â—â—ke some money out of the publick Treasury â—â—â—d those that had the keeping of it refusing open it upon some religious account Have â—u the insolence said he to refuse me enâ—ance me who am the cause of it's shutâ—â—â—g up By the great sums he had brought in â—ere A couple of Tribunes having accused him â—f divers Crimes he presents himself before â—â—e People upon the day assigned and without adeavouring to justifie himself Sirs said he â—was on this day I vanquished Hannibal and â—bdued Carthage let us go and return thanks 〈◊〉 â—the Gods and thereupon marched directâ—â— to the Capitol followed by all the People Some body taxing him that he was no â—ouldier I own it said he but I am a Capâ—â— He said that reason subdued men as bits â—nd curbs tamed horses This Saying is attributed to him That we must make a golden Bridge for an enemy and â—ever give Battle without a manifest advanâ—â—ge Flaminius who was chosen Consul before he â—ad undergone the other Offices said to the â—cheans who would needs undertake an enterprize without the Peloponese Remember you quit your Court if once you put your head out of the shell like a Tortoise Understood they were surrounded with the Sea and 〈◊〉 nothing to defend but the Straight into Orinth All Greece being in a consternation upon tâ—â— marching in of Antiochus he to encourage theâ— said once at a great feast as he was admiring the quantity of Dishes his entertainer toâ—â— him that all he saw was Pork disguised inâ— hundred several fashions and so this vast Aâ—â—my is only a crowd of cowardly Scythiâ—â— dressed in several garbs He told a turbulent fellow who was danciâ—â— in company and made a great deal of spoâ— that he wondered he could be so
of all opposition Sylla refusing him the honour of a Triumph because of his age he told him It is the rising â—un is adored the setting Sun neglected which made him relent But a Senator oppoâ—ing it with diverse Soldiers who claimed what he had promised them he said That Triumphs were not to be bought this made him appear worthy of it to the Senator himself â—hat had opposed it It was the custome of the Roman Horsâ— men after the appointed time for their Service was expired to lead their Horse before the Censor and give him an account under what Generals they had served He performed this Ceremony whilst he waâ— Consul and told him he had never served but under himself He commanded very young Finding amongst Sertorius's papers several Letters from the great men in Rome he saidâ— We must allow the means of repentance to those that have failed And burnt them all without reading one The King of Parthia having sent to intreaâ— the Romans to make the River Euphrates the limits of their Empire he said there ought to be no other but Justice Lucullus having quitted all Employments to follow his pleasures finding fault with him for keeping his Command he asked him whether lust were more commendable in an old man then ambition in a young His Physician having in a Fit of Sickness prescribed him some Wild-Fowl that was not to be had but of Lucullus What said he could not Pompey live if Lucullus were not dainty and refused it After the death of Sylla the Roman People having put all their Power into his hands When can I live at ease said he 'T is the wishes of all Ambitious Men but they will not quit their employments for it Having gotten together great quantities of Corn from all parts to be carried to Rome who were dying for want and his Pilot disswading him from failing because of the stormy weather It is necessary said he that I should go not that I should live It was necessary he should set forward because the City could subsist no longer It was not necessary he should live because some other might have performed that Commission Bold expressions are â—ot to be minced Cato reproaching him that he had often foretold him that the Power of Caesar which he abetted would prove one day fatal to the Commonwealth he replied That Cato was most clear-sighted and he most charitable or human He was wont to say that he had both taken up and resigned his Commands contrary to mens expectations for he did the first whilst very young and the last whilst very powerful When Caesar assaulted his Camp after his defeat What said he in our very Camp He thought he would not have utterly ruined him Going into the Vessel wherein he was murthered he said Whoever puts himself under another's power becomes a Slave how free soever he was This is a Verse in Euripides Caesar courting the Pontificat said to his Mother taking leave of her the day of Election That she should find he would be that day either Soveraign Pontif or banished Having repudiated his Wife for suspicioâ— of adultery some endeavouring to perswade him to shew his resentment he replied Than he did not believe her guilty but yet the wife of Caesar ought not only to be free from the Crime but the suspicion too This was 〈◊〉 avoid owning the Affront as I before noted in Pisistratus It is said he wept upon sight of the Statue of Alexander for not having performed any thing at that time of his Age wherein the other had subdued above half the World It was the same Ambition made him declare he would rather chuse to be the first in a Village than the second man in Rome He said that bold undertakings were to be put in execution without deliberation and having passed the Rubicon said the dice is cast as leaving the rest to Fortune Going into Spain he told them that he was marching against an Army without a General and that afterwards he would seek out a General without an Army One that had the keeping of the publick Treasury endeavouring to hinder him from having any of it he told him threatning to kill him That it were easier for him to do it then say it and that he ought to make a difference between the times when laws were in force and when Arms were so His Forces delaying to pass over into Illyria he got himself alone into a Challop to fetch them and perceiving the Pilot apprehend a Tempest Fear not said he thou carriest Caesar and his Fortune Being in one day twice beaten by Pompey he said I had been lost if my Enemy had known how to gain Or to improve his advantage Pharnaces being defeated he sent word to Rome I came I saw I overcame to shew with what speed he obtained a Victory He said he bore some envy for the death of Cato because Cato had enviously robbed him of some glory The Glory he should have had to Pardon him Some would have insinuated he ought to have a jealousie of Anthony and Dollabella but he replied There could be no just fear or apprehension of any treachery in such chearful and merry Countenances but of such pale and wan Complexions as Cassius and Bruâ—us Having upon a rout stopped an Ensign that was â—lying he turned his Face towards the Enemy and said 'T is there you must charge Crowning a Wrestler whose competitor he had favoured he told him Thou triumphest in despite of Caesar. Perceiving his Soldiers startled at the approach of Iuba in Affrick he told them That Prince came with ten Legions a hundred thousand foot lightly armed thirty thousand horse and three hundred Elephantsâ— and that they should not doubt the truth of it for that he knew it very well Thereby to turn their astonishment into railery A Tribune not rising up to him upon the day of his Triumph Call me to account for my Actions said he to him and afterwards wheâ— he granted any favours he would add If is pleaseth Pontius Aquilla which was that Tribunes name The People having saluted and called him King He told them I am called Caesar yet omitted not to punish those Officers who had imprisoned the Man that crowned his Statue Because said he they have robbed me of the honour of punishing him my self Or of refusing that honour Upon the information that they were laying Ambushes for him he said it were better to die once then to live ever in fear He was wont to say That if Laws were ever to be broken it should be to gain a Crown Falling down upon his first descent in Africa he said he held Africk under him To make a good Omen of an ill one Some few days before his death his Friends disputing in his presence which was the best he said the least foreseen death When they would have pardoned one of his Questors whom they had taken Caesar's Soldiors said he are wont to give others their lives
quality Demarat being a little rudely treated by Orontus told those who began to murmur at it It is those who flatter us that do us hurt and not those that treat us ill Being asked why such as lost their Bucklers were punished at Sparta and not those that threw away the rest of their Arms It is said he because they are permitted to forsake their own Defence but not that of others The joyning of several Bucklersâ— served as a kind of a Rampard to the bastaillon He said of a man that play'd well on the Lyre that man fools pleasantly enough In an Assembly where he was silent being asked whether it were out of stupidity or prudence A fool said he cannot hold his Tongue One having asked him wherefore he fled from Lacedemonia where he was King It is said he because the Laws have more power then the Sovereign A Persian Lord that had revolted from his Prince returned to Court at the instance of Demarat and when the Prince would have put him to Death It would be shameful said he to take away his life now he is your Friend since you could not do it while he was your Enemy Pyrrbus endeavouring to oblige the Lacedemonians to restore their King Cleonyme If thou art a God said Dercillidas we do not fear thee because we have done no ill and if thou art a man we are as brave as you can be An Ephory cutting the two Strings which a famous Musician had added to the Lyre Art not thou ashamed said he to corrupt Musick thus by rendering it low and effeminate whereas it was loud and Masculine Eudamidas told a Philosopher who talked of the art of War that none could discourse knowingly of it that had not been wakened by sound of Trumpet Or have practised what one would teach When they would have obliged him to make War upon the Macedonians after the Persians defeat It is not said he the same thing to have to deal with a thousand Sheep as with fifty Wovles Some speaking in praise of the City of Athens No man said he is become the better for having been thereâ— Another observing that the Lacedemonians were corrupted in Strange Countries but none said he are corrupted in Lacedemonia Alexander at the Olympick Games having caused Proclamation to be made that all such as were banished should be restored except the Thebans That is severe to them said he but it is Glorious Because Alexander feared them Observing an old Philosopher busy himselâ— still in the Search after Vertue When is it that the will put it in practice said he Another saâ—ing that none but a wise man could be a great Captain That 's very fine said he but it should be some great Captain that affirms it It being asked of a Lacedemonian wherefore the Ephori did Justice to private Persons To accustom themselves said he to do it to the Enemy They were the Soveraign Magistrates Having heard that at Athens they had condemned one because he did nothing Shew me said Herondas any one they have condemned for living nobly Because the Lacedemonians did nothing Upon the point of giving battle Agis would have sent home to Sparta an old man of Fourscore years to save him from danger Where can I find said he a braver place to dy in and would not go He dyed at his feet The Satrape of Caria having asked of Hippocratidas what treatment he would shew to a Lacedemonian who had not revealed a conspiracy If he were your Friend said he he hath deserved Death if not to be banished for not having courage enough to adhere to Vertue This is a little obscure Finding a young man much ashamed because he was met in ill company We ought to keep such company as will not make us blush said he One asking Leon where he should dwell to be in safety Where equallity reigns said he and whence injustice is banished at Lacedemonia At the Olympick Games seeing the Athletes making ready to take the advantage of starting upon the first Signal great Gods said he how much more passion have men for Honour then for Justice When Leonidas went forth to defend the pass of Thermopyles from whence he expected not to return his Wife asking whether he had nothing to say to her Nothing said he but only that you should marry again after my Death to some brave man that may get you Children like me The Ephori wondering he carried so few men for this enterprize Here are but too many said he to be â—lain And being asked what he would do with those few Companies Dye replyed he under the pretence of obstructing the Enemies passage To another that put the same question he said that all Greece did not equal those Enemies in number but these alone equall'd them in valour and being arrived let us lose no time said he the Enemy advances we must either dye or conquer Some body telling him aloud the Enemy approaches us and we them said he One telling him to amaze him that the very Sun would be darkned with the Persians Arrows The better said he we shall fight in the shade then Xerxes having sent him word that agreeing with him he would bestow the whole Empire of Greece upon him I had rather dye for my Country replyed he then command it unjustly He added that Xerxes deceived himself in believing it a Vertue to usurp anothers right That Prince having sent to him to Surrender his Arms he answered He should come and fetch them Being asked wherefore brave men preferred Death to life Because they hold one by Fate and the other from their Vertues said he Leotychides accused for being changeableâ— It is not I that change replyed he but the times Or affairs One asking him the way to preserve whâ—â— he had not to expose it to Fortune said he As some were telling another of that name that a Slanderer had spoken ill of him That is said he because a Slanderer can speak well of none The Prognosticators making it a great Prodigy that a Serpent had wound it self round the Key of his Chamber-Door No said he but it would be one if the Key should wind it self about the Serpent This alludes to that of Cato of the Mouse that had nibbled the Stockin A distressed wretch who was initiated in the Mysteries of Orpheus asserting that all such who were so should be thrice happy after their Death Why doest thou not die immediately then said he Lysander being reproached for doing things unworthy of Hercules from whom the Lacedemonians drew their Original We must piece the Foxes furr said he to the Lyons skin where it wants Alluding to Hercule's his Lyon Those of Argos alledging better reasons then the Lacedemonians upon some difference betwixt them He that hath the best Sword said he will have the most right This smells of the corruption of that Age for