There is more to be objected against your Actions who dare controul a Tyrant even in his own house Being driven from his Kingdom it was asked him what advantage Plato and his Phiâ—osophy was to him They have enabled me â—o undergo with more patience replied he so great a Revolution Of a King he became a School-master at Corinth Some body having reproached him that from being a King he was become a private man whereas his Father from a private Person had attained to be King My Father said he made himself a King when they were wearied with Popular Government and I lost my Crown when they began to hate Monarchy Which is one great reason of the divers changes that happens in Governments Another time he replied My Father left me his Kingdom but not his Fortune Agathocles from a Potter's Son becoming King of Sicily caused every day some earthen Ware to be served at his Table That he might not forget as he said his former condition and incite others to vertue by his Example Dion having heard that some of his Friends conspired against him It is better to dye once said he than to be troubled always to guard ones self both against ones Friends and ones Enemies After his Exile seeing his People murmâ—â— because they made him wait too long at a greaâ— man's Gate he said it was not the fault 〈◊〉 great Men but of Greatness Because of thâ— multitude of business which does so much overwhelm them A King of Macedon refused to give a Golden Cup to one of his Courtiers and bestoweâ— it upon Euripides and as the other wondred at it It is because he is as worthy to have iâ— without asking for it as you to beg it and goâ— without it Because of the Modesty of thâ— one and the Insolence of the other His Courtiers murmuring because some had thrown water upon him as he passed along the Streets How can those offend me said he when they never thought on me The Greek expression is That it was not him they had offended but the man they mistook him for But it is like it was done without any design and that they neither intended it for him or any other Philip of Macedon as illustrious for his Wit as for his Virtue and Fortune rallying one day with the Athenians for that they every year elected ten Generals told them they were very happy in finding so many men sit to be Commanders over Armies whereas in all his life he could find but one which was Parmenion Every Tribune chose his General to prevent them from usurping over the other In other respects there is nothing so pernicious as so many Generals but they know not who to confide in in a Common-wealth Having received Accounts of three several â—ood tydings in one day O Fortune said he â—end me some little misfortune to allay so great â—appiness The good tydings were the gainâ—â—g of a Battle the birth of a Son and the â—inning of a Prize at the Olimpique Games Being counselled to place Garrisons in the â—recian Cities he had taken I had rather said â—e keep them in their duty by love then â—hrough fear and be beloved all my life then â—e feared for a while Fear lasts no longer â—hen while the dread is upon them whereâ—s Love continues both in good and ill forâ—une His Courtiers advising him to banish one that â—ad spoken ill of him That were well indeed â—aid he to make him go and report the same â—hings all the World over There is nothing â—an be more prudent then for a man of judgment to find methods to prevent others from â—oing him mischief Another time endeavouring to oblige him to â—hastize a man of quality for the same Fact we must first said he consider whether we have â—ot given him just cause and being informed â—hat he was in â—â—me want and had received â—o kindness or supply from Court he beâ—towed some Favours which made him turn â—is railing into praises and begot another most excellent saying from that Prince That it was â—n a Kings Power to make himself be either beâ—oved or hated He also said That he was obliged to the Athenian Orators for giving him occasion to correct his faults by their often reproaching him of them Which is another excellenâ— Lesson for Princes to reform their Conductâ— instead of being in wrath with those thaâ— proclaim their Failings After the Battle of Charonea as some werâ— counselling him to put all the Athenian Prisoners to the Sword and destroy their City he said he would not lose the Theatre of his Glory Either because they would celebrate his Clemency or exercise his Valour He would have encamped in a place of great advantage for strength when they brought him word the Country was destitute of all Forage What a trouble it is cried he that the General of an Army must not only take care for his Men but for Beasts The Prince of Orange said to this same purpose That Waâ— was a Monster which began to be formed by the Belly because of the regard that must be had above and before all other things for the subsistance of their Troops Having been told that a Castle which he designed to attaque was impregnable he askedâ— whether an Ass laden with Gold might not get in This is particularly true in a Civil War where many change Party for Interest and so are the more easily corrupted He bid Alexander gain the affections of the Macedonians whilst he was not their Master for when he was so they would love him no longer because of the Taxes and other severities of Monarchies which makes Princes become hateful besides that it is natural not to love ones Master He likewise counselled him to gain the love of the bad as well as the good Subjects â—hat he might make use of either of them as his occasions required He meant it of bad men that had an interest and credit for without that it should be said to make the one fear you and the other love you Being present at the sale of some Captives â—n an indecent posture one of them stepping â—igh whispered him in his ear to pull down the skirt of his Garment Let that man be set at liberty said he for I did not know that he was my Friend One of his Friends being dead and some body telling him to comfort him that he had lived long enough long enough for himself said he but not for me who have not yet discharged the Obligations I owed him Having understood that Alexander was displeased because he took several Women and feared he would beget too many Children Let him said he shew himself worthy to be preferred Note that Kings formerly chose their Successors without any regard to Birth-right as appears by David's advancing of Solomon He bid him when he appointed Aristotle to be his Tutor learn under so good a Master to avoid those failings which his Father had fallen
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
Friends said he Stand in need of no recommendations to make them do Justice Some body shewing him the Fortifications of a Place and asking him whether they were not very fine yes for Women said he Another ask'd what Women dwell there and a third said there is a very fine apartment for the Ladies A celebrated Comedian admiring that he would not speak to him and inquiring whether he knew him yes said he are not you Callippides the Buffoon Because the Lacedemonians prized nothing but vertue otherwise that profession was not infamous amongst the Grecians tho it were prohibited in Lacedemonia When some would perswade him to hear a fellow that counterfeited the Nightingale â— have several times said he heard the Nightingale it 's self A Physician who would be called Iupiter as who should say the Saviour because he had wrought some famous Cures having sent a letter to him with this Inscription Menecrates Iupiter To King Agesilaus Health He replyed King Agesilaus to Menecrates Wisdome treating him as a Fool. Some telling him that the Lacedemonians took party with the Persians No said he it is the Persian hold Parties with the Lacedemonians So to those that called the King of Persia the Great King as we say at present the Grand Siginor he said he was not greater then himself unless he were more just not measuring his greatness by the Extent of his Empire but of his Vertues Being asked whether Valour were better then Justice It would be useless said he if all men were just He added that it would likewise be of no use unless accompanied by the other He said that the Inhabitants of Asia considered as free were nothing worth but they were passable for Slaves He said that we ought to teach Children that which would be of use to them when they are men One making an ill defence for himself before the Judges yet still imploring the benefit of the Laws In vain doest thou miplore the benefit of the Law said he unless thou make a better Plea This is the sence the Strictness of words are not so When the King of Persia sought his allyance he told him that were needless for if he were a true Friend to his Country he should be so to him A Friend of his Surprising him unawares as he was Sporting with his Children Stay said he and do no mock till you have Children of your own Or till you are a Father Such as were allied to the Lacedemonians complaining that they furnished them with more Souldiers then themselves raised he made it appear that they indeed furnished them with more men but not so many Souldiers because there was not one of them but had another Trade whereas the Lacedemonians practised nothing but the Art of War Necessity obliging them to do something that was contrary to their Laws he said that they must let them lye and sleep that day and on the morrow they would wake and rise with more Vigour To teach us that the Laws are made for men and not men for the Laws The Egyptians despising him because he had no great attendance nor extraordinary Equipage I will make them know said he that Royalty does not consist in vain pomp but in great vertues Philip having razed the City of Olynthia he cannot said Agesipolis in a long time rebuild such another To teach us that we ought not to resolve upon such great cruelties but in extremity Being twitted that he had been given in hostage in his youth It belongs to Kings said he to bear the faults of their Country A Stranger telling him the Dogs of Sparâ—a were good for nothing The men were no better at first replyed he but they are improved by study and exercise When the Athenians would have chosen those of Megara to be the Umpires or Judges in a controversy they had with the Lacedemonians It were a shame said Agesipolis that a small Village should know how to do Justice better then the two Capital Cities of Greece Agis said one should not inquire how many the enemies were but where they were This sounds more brave then wise as the most part of Apophthegmes have more of Gallantry then Solidity When they would have hindred him from giving battle at Mantinea because the Enemy was much Stronger When a few people said he would command over a great many they must not be afraid to Fight them He said to one who inquired how many Lacedemonians there were There are enough to beat the Enemy Anothersaid they were but few but would do much or to much effect Or they seemed to be many in a battle To one who was commendable for nothing thing but discourse he said when you are silent you are worth nothing The Argians having rallied after their defeat and coming furiously upon him he said to his men who were astonished Courage Companions if the vanquished have so much resolution what should the Victors have In the Greek it is if the Victors are astonished what shall the vanquished do A tedious Orator asking at the end of his Speech what answer he would give to those that sent him Tell them said he that I have given thee leave to say all thou hadst a mind to Or that I have let thee talk thy fill without interrupting thee To another he said tell them that you were much puzled to make an end and I to understand you In his presence as some were praising those of Elida for their well behaving themselves at the Olympick Games What a Miracle said he that once in four years they should do their duty well He said that envious people were very Miserable in being tormented as much at others happiness as their own Misfortune Or for their not being only troubled with their own Miseries but the good fortune of others As some were advising him in a battle to let those go by quietly that were flying How shall we assault those that stand to it said he if we fear those that run One talking very Magnificently of Liberty Thy discourses said he have need of power and wealth to maintain them His Father said it ought not be wondred at â—f things grew worse and worse but it would be more wonderful if things went better since all the World grew worse Being asked the means or way how to become free by despising death replyed â—â—e Demades saying in rallery that the Lacedemonians Swords were so short the Juglers of Athens swallowed them Yet we can reach our Enemies with them said Agis When they would have had him March to the assault of a place under the Conduct of a Traytor What reason is there said he to trust the lives of so many brave Soldiers under a man that hath betray'd his own Country A wicked fellow asking him who was the best of men in Sparta he that least resembles you replyed he Agis who was the last King of Lacedemonia and had been thrust into Prison because he would
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
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
but not to accept of it from any one and so killed himself Scipio perceiving one of his Friends to favour another man for the obtaining the Consulship said That Dignity would be too dearly purchased should he obtain it in opposition to his â—riend and desisted Having thrust his Sword through his Body after his defeat some asking him where is the General he is very well replied he Cato being blamed for his taciturnity no â—atter said he for my speaking provided I can act well When they would have given him the preâ—erence in a thing wherein his lot had not proâ—ed favourable I will not said he triumph 〈◊〉 despite of Fortune Beholding a world of Soldiers in a spacious Place in Arms against him O the great Coward Caesar said he to muster up so many men against me alone Never did any man call Caesar coward but this same Pompey desiring two of his kindred in marâ—iage the one for himself the other for his â—on thereby to engage him on his side I never give any Hostages replyed he against the Commonwealth Having refused the entrance into his House to a friend he excused it upon the account that too much Familiarity breeds contempt The Senate applauding him for having appeased the People by his Presence in a sedition But I cannot applaud you Sirs said he for exposing me or forsaking me Having rivall'd a friend in the pursuit of some dignity he pleaded that it was no strange thing to see two friends contend where their honour was concerned Observing that Pompey was unsuccessful wheâ— he took part with the good and fortunate when he opposed them he said The secretâ— of Providence were past our understandings After his Country was ruined he said That Cato was not overcome but his Fortune and chose rather to die then submit to the Conqueror Some disputing the Honour of the Command with him after Pompey's defeat we must not wonder said he that we have beeâ— vanquished having more regard to a vain Honour then for a Victory When Caesar demanded a Thanksgiving should be kept for a Victory he had gained by surprize he was of opinion they should rather resign him to the Enemy that they might revenge his treachery He said that of all those that had attaqued the Commonwealth Caesar only was wise the rest were all either Fools or Mad-Men He advised to bestow the Soveraign Authority upon Pompey because those that commit great Faults are the only Persons able to remedy them Cicero rallying upon his own Name which in Latine signifies a Pease said he would render it more illustrious then those of Scaurus Cato's or Catullus and to consecrate the Etymology after he had put the name of Marcus Tâ—llius upon an Offering which he dedicated to a Temple he graved a Pease thereon He said that Orators made most noise when â—hey had least reason as men get on horseback when they cannot go on foot That that was true honour which we deâ—ived not from any others but owed only to our selves That considering the spirit and ambition of Caesar he apprehended that he would make himself Master of the Common-wealth but on the other side his luxury and softness made his apprehensions vanish When he had declared himself he said â— find that I ought to flye but I doe not find that I ought to follow because one party was the more strong and the other the more â—ust At his coming to the Camp Pompey asked him where is your Son-in-law He replied with your father-in-Law which pinched him much more then he was pinched because from that marriage proceeded the â—uine of the Republik Caesar having caused the Statues of Pompey to be repaired after his defeat Cicero said he had thereby secured his own The remainder is amongst those Apophthegmes that are purely pleasant Antony said that the Roman Grandeur appeared more in what they gave then in what they took whereby he understood their conquests and their revenues Because sometimes they bestowed Crowns Upon the death of Cleopatra he said he did not so much bewail her death as he envied her glory in having prevented his dying first â— bâ— that report proved false for she died not till aâ—â—â—â— him His Son making a great present to one thaâ— was afraid to accept of it What doest thoâ— fear said he knowest thou not that I am the Son of Antony Brutus lifting his Eyes towards Heaven at the Battle at Philippi Do not forget Oâ— Iupiter saidâ— he who is the cause of all these troubles Being disswaded from engaging in that fight there can no ill betide me replied he for I shall be killed or be Conqueror and when he was wished to save himself after his defeat he said we must save our selves by our hands not with our feet by slaying themselves He would not have Antony murthered with Caesar that we may not stain said he so noble an enterprize with the Blood of the Innocent That caused the ruine of the Common-wealth His wife having wounded her self with a Knife a little before the battle or the conspiracy To practise said she to kill her self if the success were contrary Cassius being yet a Child gave a box on the ear to Sylla's Son who vaunted of the Tyranny of his Father and heing brought for the same before Pompey Assume again said he the confidence to brag of it here that you may have a second blow After the murthering of Caesar meeting with Antony and talking somewhat boldly to him Antony asked him whether he had his dagger still Yes replyed he for those that affect Tyranny Or that durst attempt against the Commonwealth Being treated as a King or Soveraign after the taking of Rhodes I am not so said he but the murtherer of a Tyrant A King of Thracia who had forsaken Antony's party to espouse that of Augustus bragged of it as a good action I love the Treason said Augustus but I do not love the Traitor Being counselled not to declare himself the Heir to Caesar because of the great power of his Enemies he told them he would not shew himself unworthy of the rank to which fortune had called him He said that to expose ones self to great dangers for small matters was to fish with a golden hook where one may lose more then can be gotten The Inhabitants of Alexandria fearing to be roughly treated after the defeat of Antony he told them he did pardon them as well for the honour of their founder and of their City as for the consideration of Arius the Philosopher who was his friend and made him sit down by him on his Tribunal Some having presented him a little note in Cicily wherein was written The Treasurer Theodorus is a thief he underwrit It seems a truth and put another into his place The History tells us he had displaced him before he received this note Athenodorus the Philosopher who was leaâ—â—ing the Court by reason of his great
none is obliged to perform an unjust promise and that if it be a fault to promise it it is a double crime to perform it He said we must have a regard from whence did proceed either reproof or praise before we could well judge of it and that there was a great deal of pleasure to be commended by those that might as well blame us without fear Because it is no credit to be praised by a Rascal or by one that has no understanding or to be blamed by any the like persons signifies no thing Having been seated at the lower end of the Table at a Feast This was to let you know said he that it is not the place that makes the Person honorable but the Person makes the place so The upper end is wherever the most eminent person is seated and it is him they first serve A Physician prescribing him a very strickt Diet. Should I take all the Drugs in the World said he it could never make me immortal A Mouse having in his sight bitten a little Boy that caught it If it be dangerous said he to attack the least Animal much more to assault a Man of Courage Brasidas upon the like occasion said there was no Animal so small or weak but was willing to defend its Liberty Tisaphernes having broken his Word with him he said I am obliged to him for having engaged the Gods on the Grecians side by his Perjury Selling in his presence many Slaves and much Plunder gained from the Persians and finding all the People run to the Plunder not minding the Slaves because of their effeminate breeding Behold what are the Combatants said he and what is the reward of combating He once refused some Presents from the King of Persia saying he gloried more in taking than in receiving from his Enemy and in making his Soldiers rich rather than himself He said he would rather be Master over himself than the best City in the Enemy's power and rather preserve his own Liberty then usurp anothers Though he was a great observer of the Laws yet he once wrote to a Judge a Friend of his who had imprisoned one to release him again whether he were Innocent or Guilty and that he would do this either for his Requests or for Justices sake Upon a precipitate Decamping wavering whether he should forsake a sick person whom he loved How difficult is it said he to love and to be wise He said a Prince ought to be distinguished from his Subjects by his Vertues and not by his Pleasures and therefore he went always simply clad ate accordingly and would lye no softer then the meanest Soldier and being told that he would one day perhaps be forced to alter his method of living I have used my self said he not to change in a time for change And indeed so he lived to his end to take away all excuse from young people when they saw a Prince and an old man do the same that he advised them to practise He said The Lacedemonian Laws for their chief foundation had the contempt of Pleasures and liberty for their reward Passing through a Country where the Inhabitants lived in all Licentiousness and they having brought him a great many Presents he took only their Corn for his Soldiers and when they earnestly pressed him to accept of the rest he caused it to be distributed amongst the Slaves and said Men of courage ought not to esteem of those things which were the delight of mean Spirits The same People having ordained divine Honors to be paid him he asked them whether they had the power to make Deities and if so wherefore they did not begin with themselves With the same austerity he rejected those Statues the Cities of Asta would have erected nor would suffer his picture to be made there being no Portraiture so good of any eminent man as his own Actions He used to say The Strength of a City did not consist in the Walls but in the courage of the Inhabitants The Remainder is in the Apophthegmes of Licurgus or Antalidas When he would have any thing done with expedition he put his own hand first to the Work and took a pride in labouring as much as any private Soldier The rest is elsewhere He said we ought not to heap up a provision of riches but of vertues A Cripple seeking to get a Horse that he might fight in a Battle Friend said he thou seekest for legs to run away withal for thine are good enough to stand in Fight with It is not so verbatim in the original but that is not so requisite in an Apophthegm as the good sence Another Cripple being rallied withal for going to the Wars said the question was not running away but standing stoutly to it He was asked how one should render himself illustrious By despising of Death replyed he another time to the same question he answered By saying well and doing the same To one that asked him wherefore the Lacedemonians went to battle with the sound of a flute he replyed To discern the cowards from the valiant by the Gate of their Marching Lycurgus gives another reason As some were admiring the felicity of a young Prince At the same Age saies he Priam was a happy man too In the height of his Conquests being recalled by the Ephores he said It was not â—ess the devoir of a Prince to obey the Laws â—hen to command over men Upon his return he asked whether they would have him pass as a Friend or an Enemy and some Barbarians requiring an hundred Talents and a hundred beautiful Women to let him pass quietly he told them they should come and fetch them and so Marching immediately against them defeated them Having asked the same thing of the Lacedemonian King and that Prince desiring time to consider Let him consider still said he in the mean time we will not stop our March Two of his Friends having been detained in a City of Thessaly whither they went to treat he replyed to those that would have counselled him to force the place That to gain all Thessaly he would no hazard the life of one of those Friends That Sounds more of an honest man then a Politician Hearing of a Bloody battle that had been fought near Corinth How miserable is Grecia said he to turn their Weapons against themselves since with much lesser numbers then have been lost we might have conquered all Persia. As much might be said of Christendom He Solicited his Sister to run with her Chariot in the Olympian Games for the prize To make them know said he that there was no thing either great or generous in that exercise He advised Xenophon to bring up his Children at Lacedemonia To learn the Noblest of all the Sciences which is to command and to obey He bestowed several Employments on his Enemies to turn said he their hatred into Friendship An Advocate desiring Letters of recommendations for a Judge that was his Friend My
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
the Lacedemonians were more reserv'd and indeed he would have altered the Laws of Lacedemonia with the Government and did introduce Riches His men fearing to give an assault on Corinth a Hare starting up in the Rampart Are you not ashamed said he to dread those Enemies that a poor Hare is not afraid of To a Deputy of Megara who spake a little too confidently he said your words require another-guess City To show ones courage must be measured to ones Fortune or Strength He said that truth was to be valued above leasing but that both might be made use of upon occasion and so confounded interest with honesty He added that Children were amused with Rattles and men with words which is a pernicious Maxim because it disbands all Faith which is the foundation of humane Society As he was consulting the Oracle of Samothrace the Priest examining him according to the Custom what was the worst Act he had committed in all his life he inquired of him whether he put this question in behalf of the Gods or himself and being answered that it was in behalf of the Gods Then I will stay to give account said he till they ask it me themselves A Persian asking him Which was the best sort of Government That where every one is treated as he deserves replied he Or where Dignities are the reward of vertues for this reason he would have made the Kingdom Elective A Flatterer and an honest man courting his friendship at the same time and the Parasite vaunting that he spoke in his praise every where I have said he a Yoke of Oxen in my Cart and I know which is the best of them tho it speaks never a word One speaking a great deal of ill of him Say all what thou wilt replyed he if it be to unload thy heart Having beaten a Souldier for going out oâ— his rank and the fellow crying out it was noâ— to steal you ought not to have given the leasâ— Suspicion said he Being worsted at a wrastling he said it was not for want of Strength but of Skillâ— Because the Children had no wrastling masters iâ— Lacedemonia that they might not make a Science oâ— an Exercise As they were extolling Namertus for hiâ— having so many Friends he asked if theâ— could tell how one might know them wheâ— â—hey inquiring of him how that was he replyed by Adversity It was told Nicander that the Argiâ—ns spoke â—ll of him It is punishment enough to them to speak evil of a good man said he By the â—samy that accrues An Athenian saying to him you love to do â—othing you Lacedemonians But we do not â—ommit a hundred crimes like you to attain â— said he To become Rich that they might live â—dly afterwards The Philosophers having bandied several â—are questions before Panthoida and asking â—im what he thought of them That those â—ne Discourses are to no purpose replyed he â—ecause you do not put them in practice Pausanias being asked wherefore they had â—iven the right of Burghership in Sparta to the â—oet Tirteus That they might not seem said â—e to have a Stranger for their Chief A little Fellow ill shaped advising him to â—ake War Wilt thou have us strip thee stark â—aked said he to make us see the weakness of â—im that prompts us to try our Strengths Several admiring amidst the plunder of the â—ersians the Riches of their Ornaments It â—ad been to better purpose said he that these â—ad been worth less and the Owners of them â—orth more After the Victory of Platea causing a Dinâ—er to be made ready according to the Persiâ—â— mode observing the Magnificence of the â—reparation What did these people dream of 〈◊〉 their abundance said he to come and attack â—â—r beggery Another of that name being asked why it was not permitted in Lacedemonia to change thâ— Laws Because those are to command saiâ— he and not to obey After his Exile being retired to Tegeum where he ceased not to praise the City of Sparta he being asked wherefore then he had leâ— it Because Physicians have nothing to do â— places where all are in health This was bâ— an evasion For he was condemned to death anâ— durst no return One asking him the way to conquer thâ— Thracians By chusing said he a good Gâ—â—neral Pedaret hearing some people commend man for his Modesty That 's the Vertue a Woman said he To one that would have terrify'd him with the numbers of the Enemies he saiâ— there will be the more Honor in overcoming them Not having been able to obtain an electiâ— amongst the three hundred of the most Hâ—â—norable in Lacedemon he said he rejoyced thâ— they had found three hundred Citizens bâ—â—ter then himself Plistarcus hearing that an envioâ—s man hâ— praised him He believes that perhaâ— I am dead said he Because the Dead are â— of the jurisdiction of envy Of a Counseller that plaid the jeaster â— said he will become ridiculous at last by â—vermuch acting so Polydore said to one who was eternaâ— threatning his Enemies that he spent all his Revenge in words for it is certain that Passions evaporate that way as well as grief does by tears Leading his Army against the Messenians one reproaching him that he would make War upon his Brethren No said he but take my portion of an Inheritance which is not yet shared That Country was in the Neighbourhood of Lacedemonia After the battle of the three hundred and the defeat of those of Argos that followed being counselled to assault the place which could not defend it self I will not said he undertake a new process Or take a Town when there is no dispute but to settle the Limits or Frontiers He was asked why the Lacedemonians were so brave because they love dangers replyed he or because they do not Fight so much out of fear as love In the Original it is because they have learned to respect their Commanders and not to fear them Polycratidas being sent with some other to the Persians he was asked whether they came on the behalf of the publick Yes said he if we obtain our demands if not no body sends us That their Republick might receive no â—ffront Telecres said to his brother who complained that he could not be made an Ephori as he was That he could not so well dissemble his injuries or undergo them Some body inquiring of him wherefore the Lacedemonians gave so much Honor to old men To teach them thereby said he to respect their Fathers Being asked how much Wealth he had as much as I want to keep me alive said he As if the rest did not belong to him since he enjoy'd it not Thearidas being questioned whether his Sword were very sharp sharper then Calumny replyed he Theopompus said the means to preserve an Empire was to give ear to the advertisements or admonitions of our Friends and not to
the Poyson one of his Friends having sent him a Fine Gown How said he will not that which hath served me all my life serve at my Death Observing a Philosopher who affected to wear a â—â—ttered Garment I Spy thy Vanity said he through the Holes of thy Coat To those that asked him whether Slandering did not offend him There is nothing but truths that can offend Another time he said if what they say of me be true it will serve to correct me if not it does not concern me for it is not of me they speak One of his Friends not being able to suffer his Wives Bawling he said he was accustomed to it as one is with the Gagling of Geese or the Cackling of a Hen But the Geese lay Eggs and Breed young ones said that Friend and she brings me Children replyed Socrates Some wishing him one day to strike her because she came and took his Cloak away from him in the midst of the Street 'T is to much purpose said he and by that means we shall call all the people together about us who will cry to him Xantippe to her Socrates He applauded the Apology which an Orator had made for him but he said it was not proper for him As Shoes said he may be well made and yet not Fit my Feet His Judges asking him what he believed he had deserved To be maintained said he at the Publick charge in the Prytanea As one should say in the Palace or the Town-hall He would have people refrain from Eating and Drinking such things as tempted one to Eat and Drink when they have neither hunger nor thirst and said there was no worse Food Because it begets Superfluous humors which produces Maladies It is added that some times he would not Drink when he was very thirsty But there is nothing that debilitates the natural faculties more then to deny them their Lawful desires and it is not so much a subduing ones self as a destroying ones self Aristophanes having exposed him in his Comedies he said he could endure Railery without Murmuring While he was reproving a Friend publickly Plato telling him it had been better to have done it in private And thou likewise to have advifed me so too said he Hearing a Dialogue of that Author recited where he speaks much of him How many Falsities said he does that Young man tell of me A Debauched Fellow complaining to him that he had no Money he told him that he should borrow some of himself by Retrenching his Expences Of a Prince whose happyness was much extolled he said he did not know whether he were happy because he had never talked with him Felicity depending more upon our selves then upon external things To one that asked him questions concerning the State of the Dead after this life he said that he had never been in that Region nor had seen any that were returned from thence He measured Riches by the use one had of them and said that the rest was not only Superfluous but incommodious another added that they were worse then Poverty He said to a Debauched man that bragged he had more Scholars then himself that it was not so easie to ascend as to descend Being in company and receiving the news of the Death of his Son Come said he let us go and Bury him Without being otherwise moved He said of a Prince who had expended much in the building of a Palace but had been at no cost to improve himself that People came Flocking from all parts to see his House But no body was desirous to come to see him He recommended three things to his Disciples Wisdom Modesty and Silence Being witness of the Massacre made by the thirty Tyrants he said to a Philosopher Let us comfort our selves that we are not like the great ones the Subject of Tragedies His Wife finding fault with him that he had refused Alcibiades's Presents I have said he my Ambition as well as he hath his He said there was no better Inheritance then a good Friend Some body treating ill his Servant before him Hast thou never taken notice said he that thou art more Guilty then he Some attribute is to Diogenes A man followed by a little Servant who carryed his Cloaths complaining of his weariness Art thou not ashamed said he to be weaker then a Child Against those that amused themselves in Fruitless and curious Studies he quoted a Verse of Homer where it is enquired what they do at home and said that those things that are above us concerns us not He meant the Heavens and the Constellations When his Friends were concerned that he having saluted another the other did not return his Salutation Wherefore should I be angry because another is not so Civil as my self said he He said that Sumptuous Cloaths were only fit to Act Tragedies in Of a man that loved to contend he said He could not live amongst honest good natured men but ought to wast his days in Solitude Some body complaining that every thing was very dear at Athens he made it apparent Leading him round the City that there was nothing dear but Superfluities He would not accept the Presents of a Prince because he could not return him the like nor would he go to wait upon him that he might not trouble his quiet nor lose his Liberty Saying one day to his Friends being returned from a Fair that if he had had Money he would have bought him a Cloak they all proffered him some But too late said Seneca for they should have prevented the shame of asking for it One saying his Travels had done him no good that is said he because you Travelled always with your self He commanded Xenophon to follow him To learn said he a Science which he Ignores which is to make a good man Or to make man good Walking in the Morning he said he was preparing a relishing Sauce for his Dinner Because it begets an appetite He called good Fame the perfume of Virtues because it ever follows and makes a lasting Sweetness To a Young man who was silent he said speak that I may see thee He believed Woman to be as capable of Discipline as man contrary to Aristotles opinion who holds her for a less perfect Animal Having adorned himself more then ordinarily to dine with the Fair Agathon said he we must make our selves Handsome to go to the Handsome However he was very ill-favoured and resembled the Pictures of the Silenes who are Painted flat-Nosed and great-Belly'd Feeling a pleasing itch when they took off his Chains he said that Pleasure was the Daughter of Pain Or rather that the one begot the other by turns Before he Drank off the Poyson he asked the Executioner as they ask a Doctor before they take Physick what he must do afterwards and said he was going to be delivered from all his troubles When he was told he ought to preserve himself for his Children and for his Friends he said
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
away An Orator being reproached in a full assembly for having given money to free himself from some accusations I do thank the Gods said he that in all the time I have been concerned in your affairs I have not been taxed for taking any thing but only for giving my own He avoids the strength of the question by a plausible evasion which is another perfection of an Apophthegme One speaking of his Antagonist in wrestling said That he managed it so bravely that when he hath received a fall he does even persuade the People that it was not he was thrown A Prince intending to destroy a City and seeing a Friend of his coming to endeavour to prevent it made Oath that he would never do any thing he should desire in it but the other hearing his expressions and resolutions intreated him to demolish it and by that means saved the place Another being commanded by the Oracle to Sacrifice the first thing he met would needs take an Ass-driver for that purpose whom he met by chance but the Ass-driver telling him that the Beast ever went before the driver the Fellow escaped and the Ass was Offered A Fellow with but one Eye being joaked at by another with a Bunched-back Thou bearest my repartee upon thy Shoulders said he An Orator making a Florid Speech to the Grecians concerning Peace and Unity some body rising up said Sirs it is a strange thing this man should pretend to unite all Greece since having in his own Family none but his Wife and one Maid-servant he could never yet persuade them to live a day quietly together Another blamed by the People for ordaining publick thanks-giving and rejoycing for some news which after proved false What great Crime Sirs said he to make you live merrily or comfortably three days together It being asked what does Antony since the loss of the last Battle He does replyed one like the Egyptian Dogs that Drink running He retreated in great hast and yet left not off his Debaucheries One accused defending himself with Vehemence his Accuser who was an extravagant Person told him This Obligation you will owe me at the least that I have made you Eloquent I wish replyed the other you could be obliged to me for making yon Wise. A great Drinker used to say that he did not Drink because he was thirsty but to prevent being thirsty A most excellent Actor leaving a Town where they had not given him those high commendations he expected What benefit can a man reap said he in a place where they are not liberal even in things that costs them nothing He meant Applause and Commendations One being Landed in a very bad Island asked his Host. Whether they did not banish guilty People from thence who saying Yes why doest not thou commit some Crime quickly then replyed he to be the sooner Banished A man observing an Oratory nigh a muddy Bath Sure they go thither to give thanks said he as soon as they have escaped out of that Bogg Or myre Another going out of a very Debauched Town in the Evening said It was because it were a shame to go out of an ill place till the twylight Some body walking very demurely thorough a Town that was full of Catch-Poles said it was for fear he should justle any one of them A Fisher-man being told that the Sea was common to all men True replyed he but the Fish belongs to those that Catch them It was said of an insipid Speech that in a whole torrent of Fine words there was not one drop of good Sence Some body Laughing because he saw others Laugh being asked why he Laughed It is because I am persuaded they do not Laugh without a cause A Prince reproaching of one that he was always begging of somewhat This is because I never remember I have asked said he when they give me nothing A Parasite belonging or being a hanger on to a great man seeing his Master wounded in the Thigh of which he dyed said The same Weapon that Stabb'd him in the Thigh Stabb'd me in the Belly Or cut my Throat A Master in some want having frighted one of his Servants I will take my turn to Fright him said he and asked him for some money Some body said of black Bread brought to the Table it was not so truly Bread as the shadow of Bread A man pretending to relate an Apophthegme said that one going to visit his Friend in want conveyed a bag of money under his Pillow it was told him this was not a good saying but a good Action I have adjusted it after this manner to make it an Apophthegme A Creditor enraged against his debtor who did not pay him swore he would make him repent the other swore he should not and paid him A man who was maintained by an old Woman being jeasted withal for his growing so over Fat What should I come to if I lay alone then said he Thou wouldest grow too lean said one to him Because he would starve for want Some body Drinking a small Wine tho it were old Said it is very small for it's Age. Two men Scuffling for a Whore Let not the vanquished weep said she for the vanquisher shall pay most Or it shall cost him dearest Phryne being grown old said that good Wine was Drinkable till it came to the sees It is storyed of her that playing with some other Curtezans at a sport where every one is obliged to do what the first begins she Washed her Face and thereby discovered their wrinckles and deformities which their Paint had concealed A Young man turned out of Doors by a Curtezan made great and expensive preparations to Force her House at which she in derision said You needed but to bestow that money upon me and I had let you come in quietly A Painter having promised the best Picture he had to one that had no judgment in Painting she on a sudden told him that his House was on Fire and chose the first that he endeavoured to save This is like the Artifice to know the best Puppy of a whole litter sometimes used or of any other such like Creature the Dam ever carrying away the best first out of the danger A Curtesan having laid a wager she would tempt a Philosopher finding she failed in the design I thought said she it had been a man and not a Statue Or a Philosopher not a Stone A Prince bragging of some Prefents made him by a Lady somewhat stricken in years My Grand-mother said another will give you Richer Presents if you will make love to her An Actor making a false gesture on the Stage they cryed out to him he made a Solecisme with his hand It has been said of Poetry and Painting that he that could deceive best was the most worthy Because that is the end of those Arts. One being sent back by a Prince without his Errand who came to demand money desired when he took his leave