Romæ antiquæ descriptio a view of the religion, laws, customs, manners, and dispositions of the ancient Romans, and others : comprehended in their most illustrious acts and sayings agreeable to history / written in Latine by ... Quintus Valerius Maximus ; and now carefully rendred into English ; together with the life of the author.

CHAP. XII. That we must yield to the best Masters of Art.

As was done by the ROMANS.

• 1. Furius and Caesellius in the Praediatorian Law.

By STRANGERS.

• 1. Euclid in Geometry.
• 2. Philo in Architecture.
• 3. Apelles in Painting.

NOW that we may not doubt but that every one is the best Actor and Discourser in his own Art, let us by a few Examples make it appear.

1. Q. Scaevola, a most famous and most certain Interpreter of the Law, as often as he was consulted upon the Praediatorian Stature, sent his Clients to Furius and Caesellius, who studied that part. Where∣by he rather commended his own Moderation, than lessen'd his authority▪ confessing that they were best able to give advice in that matter, whose daily practise it was. Therefore are they the wisest Professors of their Art, who have a modest esteem of their own, and a cunning respect for the Studies of others.

STRANGERS.

1. This opinion lodg'd in the learned breast of Plato. Who when the Undertakers came to confer with him about the manner and form of the holy Tower, sent them to Euclid the Geometrician, giving way to his Knowledge and Profession.

2. Athens glories in its Arsenal, not without cause: For it is a work worthy to be seen for its cost and

Elegance. The Architect whereof, Philo, is said to have given so eloquent an account in the Theater of his purpose, that the most eloquent of people were sway'd as much by his Eloquence, as by his Art.

3. Wonderfully was it done by that Artist, who suffered himself to be corrected by a Cobler, as to the Shoes and the Latchets: But when he began to talk of the Thigh, forbid him to go beyond the Foot.