APOPHTHEGMES OF Diverse Persons.
DEmades the Orator,* after the Death of Alexander, compared his Army to Polyphemus, who was Blind.
Dining one Day with Phocion, who fed ve∣ry coursly: how can a man, said he, that is satisfyed with so little, medle with Publick affairs? Or, trouble himself with the Govern∣ment.
To a Prince, who did some Actions unwor∣thy of his Dignity, he said, that Fortune had made him a Prince, and he had made himself a Sordid Fellow.
Antigonus observing a brave Soldier, whom he had caused to be cured of a long Sickness, to be less daring afterwards, aud demanding the Reason of it. It is your self, replyed he, that are the cause of it, by having cured me of that distemper which made me hate my life.
Page 260Alexander reproaching a Pirate for his thefts I am a Pirate, said he, because I have but on• single Ship: For if I had a good Fleet, should be a Conquerour.
Sulpitius Gallus, having repudiated hi• Wife, who had walked abroad unveiled said in his own excuse, that a Woman of repu∣tation ought to be known by none but he• Husband.
Some body having heard that Musick ani∣mated Alexander to Fight;* It would have been much better for mankind, said he, if it ha• dispirited him, Or, cooled his courage.
Themistocles having demanded money o• those of Andros in the name of two great Gods, Power and Justice, they excused them∣selves in the name of two greater, Poverty and Impossibility.
The Athenians being assembled to Banis•• one of their Citizens according to their Ostracisme; a poor man, not knowing Ari∣stides, desires of him to write the name o• Aristides down for him, and Aristides inquir∣ing of him the Reason: Because I am vext said he, to hear him called the Just. The pride of that surname displeased him, tho he ha• deserved it.
A Carthaginian not daring to go to the Ro∣mans, because some treacherous thing had been done to one of their Magistrates; Fear not, said the Consuls, the Roman Generosity se∣cures thee from all dangers. Or Treache∣ry.
Those of Numantia chiding their Young¦men Page 261 for Flying upon the approach, of Scipio, when they had so often beaten the Romans: This is the same Flock, indeed, said they; but it is not the same Shipherd.
The Poet Simonides, called Poetry a speak∣ing Picture, and Painting, silent Poetry.
Being asked, whether was better to be Rich, or to be wise: There would be no difficulty in determining this question, replyed he, if we did not so often find the Wise-men, at the Rich mens Doors.
Pausanias intreating him to give him some good Counsel; Remember, said he, that thou art man. His Ambition ruining him.
He told such as reproved him for Cove∣tousness, that he would rather leave some∣thing to his kindred, then Beg any thing of his Friends.
He said, the Thessalians were too dull to be cheated by a cunning man.
Hieron asking him, what opinion he had of the Gods: The more I think on't, said he, the more difficulties I find about it.
An Ambassador from the Athenians speak∣ing a little boldly to Philip of Macedon; and that Prince threatning to take away his life: My Country, said he, will give me ano∣ther that shall be immortal.
One of the Ancients said, that he who had got a good Husband for his Daughter, had gained a Son; and he that met with a bad one, had lost a Daughter.
Isocrates used to say of two of his Scholars, that the one wanted a Bridle, the other a Page 262 Spur: And that himself was like a Whet∣stone to• sharpen Knives, which does not cut it self, tho it gives other things an Edge. Because he had made the greatest Orators, yet durst not speak in publick.
To a Young man that loved to Work, he said, that he heaped up a Treasure for old Age.
A Talkative Fellow willing to Learn of him he asked him double his usual Price: Because, said he, I must both teach him to speak, and to hold his Tongue.
A man of much Discourse Braging at Table• if thou understoodest much, said he, thou• wouldest talk but little.
Being told he took too much for teaching, he replyed, that he would give twice as much to have that confidence he wanted.
Anacreon the Poet refusing a Princes mo∣ney, said, that he would accept no Presents that should make his head ake; But it troubles the head as much, at least, to be in want of money, as to have more then one wants.
The Poet Philoxenes said, to such as won∣dred why he represented Women bad, where∣as Sophocles made them all to be good; that he represented them as they really were, and Sophocles as they ought to be.
He quitted his Estate in Sicily, because of the Debaucheries of that Island, and said, he would rather lose his Estate, then his Estate should lose him.
To those that reproached him for his Birth, he said, that was part of his Glory, to be Page 263 beholding to none but himself for his For∣tune.
Lysimachus asking a Poet what he desired of him; what ever you please, said he, provided it be not your secret.
Pyrrhus having sent for some Young People, that had spoken ill of him in their Cups; instead of denying it, they told him; We had said a great deal more, if we could have had more Wine. They cunningly cast the Liberty they had taken on the effects of Drunkenness, which obtained their pardon.
A man wrongfully accused before Augustus, said, after he had justifyed himself, that ano∣ther time, he should inquire into nothing that was spoken of an honest man, but amongst such as were honest.
That Prince having composed some Verses against Pollion, it being admired at, that he wrote no answer; It is, said Pollion, because it's not safe to write against ones Master. In the Latin it is, not to soribble against them that can proscribe.
A Night Bird breaking Augustus's rest, was taken by a Soldier, who having received no reward for it, as he hoped, I had rather it should live, said he, and let it go again.
A Veteran who had served him very well in his Wars, coming to recommend a business of Importance to him, he gave order to one about him to recommend it for him; my Lord, said the Veteran, when it concerned your Ser∣vice, I did it always my self, and never serv∣ed you by Proxy.
Page 264Augustus Seeing a Poet come towards him, who was wont to present him with Epigrams, made one Extempore and gave it to him. The Poet then, drawing out his Purse: The re∣ward, said he, is not worthy your Merits, but if I had more, I would have bestowed it on you. This Action touched Augustus so to the quick, that he made him a very great• Present, not taking notice of his confidence, which was a secret reproach for his covetousness, be∣cause he had never gratifyed him.
An Artisan to whom a Pythagorician owed some money, being dead, the Pythagorician threw the Summ into his Shop, that he might not accustome himself to withhold what was another mans due.
The Romans asking an Ambassador, whe∣ther, if they should consent to a peace, it would be lasting: Yes, replyed he, if it be just.
Asking another, what he thought his Coun∣try-men deserved for their Revolting: What ever brave men can deserve, said he, that think themselves worthy of Liberty.
A man whose Field produced a much bet∣ter Crop then his Neighbours, being accused of Witch-craft, brought all his working Utensils into Court, kept in good repair and order; and pointing to them, said, behold here is all my Sorcery, and Charms of Witch∣craft.
Caesar willing to oblige a man to Disinherit one of his Sons: It is easier for you, said he, to make me lose them all, then to make me lose one voluntarily.
Page 265A wicked man Swearing before the Roman People, the Roman People Swore a•oud, they would not believe him,
Caesar, the day he was Murthered, said to an Astrologer, who had predicted it that day; Ha, well, said he, it is come. But it is not yet gone, said he, Or, ended.
The Emperor Adrian having taken an ill Secretary, it was told him, that with all his Power, he could not make an able man of a Fool.
Some Body being put to Death unjustly, said, amongst other imprecations against the Author of his Death; may he not dye, when he de∣sires it.
A Seditious man having caused a good man to be assassinated, when he found that he was not dead of his Wounds, he Summoned him to Justice, and being asked what he would ac∣cuse him for; for being still alive, replyed he.
A Roman Consul threatning a man; I have that will make thee obey, said he: And I, re∣plyed tother, have that will prevent it. Or, exempt me. Meaning he could kill himself.
A man who was condemned to Death, swearing he dyed innocent: No matter, said his Adversary, so he do but dye. This made him be absolv'd.
A General killing his Horse on a day of Battle: If I am overcome, said he, I shall want none, and if Conqueror; I shall get e∣now others.
While in a civil War, they were consult∣ing Page 266 to Banish all the contrary party: This will only be a means, said one, to bring divisions amongst our selves, when we shall have no o∣ther Enemies left to keep us upon our Guard.
A Prince that had not wept for the Capti∣vity of his Son, nor his Daughter shedding Tears for his Servant, said in excuse of it, that we seldom bemoan any but small afflictions, for the great ones are above all complaints, and expressions.
Euripides reproved by the People in the Pub∣lick Theatre; it is to instruct you that I write, said he, and not to receive Instructions from you.
Complaining to a Poet that he had been three days about making a few Verses, and the other telling him, that he made a hundred in a day: And thine, said he, will last, or, live, but three days, and mine to Eterni∣ty.
Menander said to an ill Poet, whom they Crowned in his stead: Doest thou not Blush at thy Victory?
A Poet being asked, wherefore he did not rather chuse to be a Barrister, since the gains was much greater: It is not at the Bar, reply∣ed he, as on the Stage, where we can make the Actors say what we please.
A Musician whose Songs were not accepta∣ble, said to comfort himself, that he Sung for himself and the Muses: another said, he valued not a Publick approbation, he desired none but his own.
Page 267Some body at a combate of Gladiators, see∣•ng the People cry out, upon a great Blow a Gladiator had received, tho he t•at was •ounded said nothing: Just thus it goes with •he World, said he, those that undergo most •y little, whilst others make the noise.
A man excessively Fat and corpulent pre∣••nting himself to make a Speech to a ppease • Sedition, they all burst out into Laughter: ••s, said he, you Laugh because I am so over∣•own; my Wife is yet much bigger then my ••lf; notwithstanding when we agree toge∣•er, one Bed contains us both very well; •t if we fall out, the whole City is not wide •ough to hold us, This appeased the Sedition.
A man saved as it were by Miracle from •eat Peril and Danger, cryed out, To what •est thou reserve me, Fortune? As distrust∣•g her very Favours.
It was the saying of a Prince, that we must •spence with Justice in small matters, to keep • in greater. Or do Iustice in great Occasions •er then in small.
It hath been said of Tyrants, that he that •s much feared, had much to fear.
An Actor walking on his Tip-toes, to re∣•esent the great Agamemnon,* they called out • him and said, he made him tall, but not •eat, and that he ought to seem pensive, and •otriving.
Another reproved by the People for not •eping enough Gravity when he acted the •t of Hercules; he pulling off his Vizard, •ld them aloud: You Fools, I am acting a Page 268 Furious person. He was to act Hercule• Furens.
Another acting Oedipus, his companion• said, you see plainly. As not counterfeiting • blind man well.
One of the Ancients said of the Romans that they did undergo Evil better then goo• Fortune, and Labour better then Idleness It may be said of all Nations, and almost of a mankind.
A Philosopher said, we choose evil, whe• weary, or cloyed with good. This is ver• true in the change of Modes, and many other suc• like things.
Some body said to a Prince, who made the• drive away the Flies, That those were not th• worst. He meant Court Flies, or Flatter∣ers.
One said, the best Fish were those that di• not smell too much of Fish. As much may • said of wild Fowl; the best, or most conven••ent Navigation, is along the Shoar and the pleasantest walking, near a River• side.
A Prince pretending to find fault with som• Pictures in a Painters House, the Painte• told him, he made the very Prentices Laug• at him, whereas they had a respect for him while he said nothing.
Another having Painted a Bunch of Grape• so well, that the Birds came to peck at the• His Antagonists to out-vie him, Painted Curtain so dexterously, that the first comin• to see it, went to draw aside the Curtain tha• Page 269 •e might see the Picture, and finding his mi∣stake, acknowledged he was out don•: For, ••id he, I only cheated the Birds, and you •ave cheated, or deceived a man.
Another time having Painted a little Boy •arrying a Bunch of Grapes in his hand, and •he Birds coming to eat them likewise, he said, ••e Grapes were livelier Painted then the Boy; •therwise the Birds •durst not have come so •ear.
Some admiring to see vast quantities of use∣•ss Houshold-Stuff at a Rich mans; he said, •man is Rich only in these, viz. in super∣••us things.
An excellent Sculptor having made two ••gures, one according to the Rules of Art, •e other by the directions of the people; •e first being most admired, he said, that it •s the people had made the other. As done by •or directions.
Some body going about to deface a Tyrants ••ure; he was told, that he ought to make •ar against the Tyrant, and not against the •inter.
Some certain Soldiers being terrify'd at •ne Prodigies: Leave the consideration of •ose things to the Astrologers and Sooth∣•ers, and their Captain, and do your du∣•.
A General that had done eminent service • his Prince, being Poysoned upon Suspici∣••, or the like occasions; said, this we get • great men, in serving them. Thus many •e Perished through jealousie, or fear.
Page 270One •aking some Security or Writing fro• a Frien• to whom he lent money; said, th• is not because I would demand it as a Credito• but as a Friend.
A man that looked very ill, showing h• Doctor a Sore-finger: 'Tis not there thy • stemper resides, go and make thy Will.
One seeing a man fallen into a Well, a• asking him how he came in there: That not the question, replyed he, but how to g• out.
A Physician having cured a Patient, and t• Patient another time using the same Medici• without effect; 'Tis, because it was not I, sa• he, that prescribed it. It was to let him kno• that it is not enough to know the Receipt, but • Season and other Circumstances to apply it.
It is said, that the worst of all Winds, a• those which uncover us. Because they take way that which was intended our Shelter.
A Lady meeting her Gallant who had s•∣saken her, after he had given many Rich p•∣sents: Why, said she, will you lose all you h• bestow'd on me?
A Woman wooed by her Husbands Murth∣•er, agreed to Marry him, at which some miring: It is to revenge my self the more curely, said she, and Poyson'd him.
One about to Marry a handsome Woma• but ill spoken of, he was told, That in M••riage, he was not only to consult with Eyes, but with his Ears also.
One having preferred her Brothers saf• before either that of her Son, or her Husba• Page 271 said, that she might have other Sons, or Hus∣bands; but no Brothers.
An old Woman wishing long life to a Ty∣rant, said to such as wondered at it; It is for fear lest a worst succeed him. Old Women are great observers of Proverbs, and this is one, seldom comes a better.
A Sick man fretting at every thing, was told, the things you find fault with are not ill. It is your self. One of the Ancients speaking of Voluptuous pleasures said, we tast Honey on∣ly with the tip of the Finger.
A Gouty Fellow said, he had Hands and feet only to endure pain. Because he would not use them.
Some endeavouring to make a man in trou∣ble Laugh: The afflicted, said he, are not to be comforted but with Tears.
An Orator that had not considence to speak in publick, said to excuse himself, that he was not afraid of others, but of himself.
A Grammarian told an Emperour, who spoke a word that was not Current, or in use, that he might make a meer Stranger a free Denizon, but not a Syllable with all the power he had.
A Widow excusing her self because she did not Marry again, said her first Husband was still living in her Heart.
One of the Ancients said, that he that ha∣ted Vice, hated men, because they are vicious. It is also said for another Reason, that we must hate the Vice, but not the Person, Because man ought not to be the object of our hatred; but the Page 272 defects he is• subject to, from which being purged, he becomes m•st justly an object of our Love.
A Lady being asked, which was the best complexion: she replyed, Bashfulness. Or a Blushing Modesty.
One of the Ancients speaking of the times he lived in, said, that formerly they reck∣oned but Seven wise men; but now every one thought himself one.
Another speaking of Riches said, that it cost but little to heap up much, and much to heap uplittle. Because when one has nothing it is hard to bear up any thing; but when one hath some, it is casie to make it more.
Papinian told an Emperour, who would needs oblige him to defend a Parricide, that it was easie• to make one, then to defend one.
One of the Ancients compared the Dia∣lectick Art, to the Spiders Webs, wherein there is much curiosity, and little solidity. Another compared it to the Cray-sish where there is more picking then meat. Another to a Thorn bush, which pricks where ever one touches. Ano∣ther to sish full of little Bones.
One told a Treacherous Fellow, he was glad to be his Enemy, because his Malice was only against his Friends.
Another said, that one must no more ex∣pect a kindness from a usurer, then an answer from a dead man.
Of one who was Prodigal of his favours, it was said, that of Virgins, he had made them Courtezans.
Page 273A Prince told his people, who desired Bloody Spectacles that he did not delight in Cruelty.
Xantippe said of Socrates, that he always re∣turned home, with the same Countenance as when he went forth.
A Blind man said, that the night had it's Pleasures, as well as the day.
One of the Ancients said, that good sence was the part, or perfection, of an Orator, and that the voice and gesture were to be reserved for the Comedian.
A Father being reproached that he expend∣ed too much in the Education of his Children, said, he would give all he was worth to make them more virtuous then they were.
When some would have engaged a Philo∣sopher to talk at a Merry, or rather a Drunk∣en Meeting, he said, it was not time then to tell what he knew, nor did he know, what it was then time to tell.
Pompey telling a Young man that had under∣taken a Friend of his, that nothing remained now but to attack him: Give me security, said he, that you will not trouble the Common∣wealth, and I will do it.
A Consul haranguing with great Acclama∣tions against the Power of Pompey: You do well, said he, to applaud what I say at present, for very shortly you will not have so much Liberty.
A man whose Friend had refused him some unjust favour, telling him he would have nothing to do with his Friendship, since it Page 274 was useless to him: Nor I with thine, reply∣ed he, since it cannot be maintained without injustice.
Polybius advised Scipio the African never to go out of the Court,* till he had obliged some Body; which he called making a Friend.
A Captain coming to demand the Consul∣ship for Augustus, said to the Senate who re∣fused it: Here is that which will give it him, laying his Hand on his Sword. Others name Caesar, instead of Augustus.
A Tarentine observing the Citizens make merry while they were threatned with a Fierce War: said, courage, good people, you do well to rejoyce now, for in a short time you will have no cause for it. As the Proverb has it, a short life and a merry.
Cineas asked Pyrrhus, who was every day undertaking some new enterprize, what he would do in the end: Then I will rest my self, or live at ease, said he: What hinders thee, replyed Cineas from doing that now?
A General boasted otherwhile, that he had never made his Citizens put on Mourning. It cannot be said so of Pericles, but must be some other.
The Son of Papyrius earnestly importuned by his Mother, to tell her what had been done in the Senate: They debated, said he, whe∣ther a Husband should be allowed several Wives, or the Woman several Husbands. He was applauded by the Senate for finding out this seigned Story, to avoid discovering the secrets of that Council, tho it begot a great deal of trouble in Rome.
Page 275One of the Ancients said, that, Wine was the Looking-glass of a man, Becaus• it shews us the very bottom of his Soul.
A Musician used to make such people Sing before his Scholars as had no skill in Musick: To teach them, said he, how they must not Sing.
Some body pursued by his Son to the very Door:* Stop, said he, for I pursued my Father no further.
An Orator being asked, what Master he had had to teach him his Art, replyed, the Bar. A great Painter said, the people.
A Prince told his Mother, who would en∣gage him to do some unjust thing: She made him pay dearly the nine Months she had car∣ryed him in her Womb.
Another to whom all things succeeded well: It is your best time now to dye, said some, while the Splendor of your life is not clouded with any Misfortune. And therefore the An∣cients held, that such as were beloved by the Gods dyed Young.
As some were advising to break down a Bridge that the Enemy might not escape: You ought rather to make two, said others, that they may retreat the sooner. The decision of this question deponds upon the consideration of their forces.
To a Father who bemoaned his Son too much; it was said, if you did not weep for him before he was Born, why do you weep so now he is dead.
One of the Ancients said of Thieves, that Page 276 the little ones lay in Chains, whilst the great ones triumph'd in all abundance.
The People absolving a Criminal whom Ca∣to had condemned, said in excuse, that he was punished enough by having displeased Cato. Or, having his ill will.
That Roman being asked what usury was: A long Death, replyed he.
Of cruel and jealous Princes it hath been said, they might rid themselves indeed, of all whom they suspected, yet could they never destroy their Successor.
It being marvelled at that a man should be∣stow his Daughter on his greatest Enemy: It is to be revenged on him, said he.
Of a man who Counterfeited the Fool to save himself: It was said, he had been one, if he had not done so. Or, a Fool, if he had not plaid the Fool.
A Prince refusing to give Battle, because the Omens were not favourable: Do you give more Faith, said an old Captain, to the Intrails of a Victime, then to my Experience?
To another, who upon the same account, made a doubt whether he should keep an im∣portant Place, or not, it was said: If he be a Soothsayer he should surrender it, and keep, or, defend it, if a Statesman.
A wicked Fellow affirming something with an Oath, they cryed out, That they were not to give credit to Oaths, but to Honesty, Or, Probity.
A Prince being commended for several vir∣tues, which he wanted: I will do all I can pos∣sible, Page 277 said he, that you may not prove Lyers.
The Ancients said, that to blame any one before his Face, was Impudence; and to Praise him was Flattery.
A Philosopher weeping at the loss of a Son: It is Nature, said he, that sheds these Tears, not I.
The City of Athens was wont to be com∣pared to a Curtezan, whom some are content to entertain a while but none loves to Marry withal.
One repeating to another some injurious things that had been spoken of him: They had not been told to thee, said he, but that they knew thou wouldest tell them again.
A Lady of quality, said, she had gained her Husbands favour by doing what pleased him, and concealing what did not please her self.
Some admiring a man did not cause himself to be sent to the other World, in his extream old Age, (as the Custom then was) it is be∣cause, said he, I have no cause to complain of it.
Another said, it was fit to continue life, till one found by Experience, that Death was more to be desired then life. The Ancients made away themselves in their afflictions.
Another said, that there was nothing more Charming then Beauty: Nor nothing that decayed so soon.
Caesar leading Cato Prisoner, a Senator cry∣ed out, that he would rather be a Prisoner with Cato, then at Liberty with Caesar, and followed him to Prison.
Page 278A Philosopher said, he did not abstain from Lusts, out of Temperance, but of Pleasure. Because of the smarts that attends it.
It is said of old, of the Mul•iplicity of Laws, they are Marks of the Corruption of a Nation; as the great numbers of Physicians are a sign of many diseases.
A Judge refusing a Present from a Party: Said, it was, for fear he should shew himself either ungrateful or unjust.
A Philosopher being asked, wherefore he had not Learned Musick: We do not find, said he, Iupiter either Singing, or playing on a Fidle, like the other Petty Deities in the Poets.
Another said of the Grandees, that they do all they can to lose the use of their Feet and Hands, which is the greatest Curse that can befal a man. Because they make their Servants put on their Shoes and Cloaths, Ride in Coaches: and in a word do all they can by the Ministry of o∣thers, while their own Laziness destroys, or weakens them to inability of their natural Functions.
Some Body complaining one day of his mean Fortune, he was told, that whoever was not content with a little, would never be satisfyed with a great deal.
A Philosopher accused for corrupting such as frequented him. It is, said he, because they take that with their left hand, which I present them with my right.
A Learned man submitting in a point dis∣puted with an Emperour; said, it is not safe con∣tending with one, that hath twenty Legions at his command.
Page 279A Young Prince being admonished to for∣bear Fighting, or, making War, till he were of riper Age: I am afraid, said he, I should lose my courage with my Youth.
A Conqueror sending to demand money of some to Purchase their Peace: They answered, that they had no money to buy a peace withal; but they had Swords to defend it.
The wife of Phocion dressing her self very modestly, said, her Husband was her Orna∣ment and Bravery.
One of the Ancients said, that it were ea∣sie for one to become Rich, if one would be∣come wicked. This alludes to the Proverb, poor and honest.
Another said, upon the consideration of Plato, and Denis the Tyrant, whereof the one went into Sicily, and the other was a School∣master in Corinth: That it was not so strange to see a Prince dethroned as a Philosopher am∣bitious, viz. A true Philosopher.
A Courtier said, he profer'd his Service to all the World, but performed it only to that that deserved it.
An ill man, holding his peace in company; it was told him, that a wicked, or Treache∣rous man's silence, was more to be appre∣hended then his discourse.
It being inquired of an old man, how long he had lived; But a little time, replyed he, and many years. It being no living, while we live not in ease.
Another being asked whether he desired to dye, said, it is good to be always ready to quit a falling House.
Page 280One restored from a long Sickness, said, it was but troublesome to begin the Journey again, which must be gone early or late. Or, a trouble to return back when he was almost at his Iournies end.
A Statesman was wont to say, that in Coun∣sel it was not so proper to debate what should be done as what could be done. Or, not what was in their wills but in their power.
Philip of Macedon being at Variance both with his Wife, and his Son, and asking of De∣marat, whether the Greeks were in unity? It becomes you well, said he my Lord, to iniquire after the disorders of the Grecians, whilst you are at discord in your own Family.
When some would have persuaded a Prince to resent an Offence committed by a Drunkard: Would you be angry, said he, with a man for running against you, if his Eyes were Blind∣folded?
A Prince driven from his Throne, cryed out, that he never knew his Friends from his Ene∣mies, till it was out of his Power to do them either good, or harm!
A Declamator having made a very tedious discourse of the Art of War before an Emi∣nent Captain, the Captain told him, he had never seen any thing so insolent. It being ve∣ry impertinent to speak of those things before a man that understands them better then our selves.
An Orator said of an arrogant Fellow that shewed but little respect towards his Prince: He thinks it reflects on his Honor to stand in fear of his Sovereign.
Page 281One of the Ancients said, that those that love too much, were more troublesome to those they loved, then those that hated them.
Some wondering at the great Poverty of an Orator; it is because I know the Art of speak∣ing, better then the Art of getting said he. Or, I have Study'd to speak well, not to grow Rich.
A great Captain fallen from his Seat just before the beginning of a Battle: Courage, said he, 'tis a Sign we ought to be sitting no longer, but stand up to our business.
A great talker that disturbed every mans Brain in the Company, was told, that he would certainly speak less if it were but as much trouble to him to prate so, as to them to hear it.
A Courtier who had heaped up a great deal of Wealth, said, it was by returning Thanks, when they did him injury.
A Prince inquiring of a Philosopher how he should do to reign a long time: You must, said he, do good to all and trust but few.
As Nero was putting to Death the Consede∣rates in a conspiracy against him, asking an Officer of his Guards, wherefore he joyned with them: Because, said he, I could find no other remedy against your Crimes. Another told him, I loved you while you deserved it; But I hate you since you are become a Par∣ticide, Buffoon, Coach-man, and Incendi∣aty. He delighted in driving a Chariot, and set Rome on fire.
A Prince that was too easie having succeed∣ed Page 282 a Tyrant, it was said, that it was a great unhappyness to live under the rule of a Prince where nothing was permitted; but it was not a less to live under the reign of one that per∣mitted every thing.
A Prince admiring the curious Houshold Stuff of a Private Person; and asking him where he had gotten all that: When we enter under anothers Roof, said he, we should be Deaf, and Dumb.
A man much applauded for an Act of Va∣lour, said, he had only lent his Arm, and the Deities had done the Execution.
A Philosopher said, we ought to desire of the Gods, only, Beauty, Health and Wealth; for the rest we might attain our selves.
The General of an Army taking the Trea∣sure 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 or∣dered 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 incon∣solable 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 Tem∣ple to give thanks to the Gods for restoring his Son to Health: Doest thou think, Page 283 said he, that the Gods cannot hear us from this place.
A Roman Senator willing to revenge him∣self 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 ••e ever the worst.
