STRANGERS .

CYrus Cyrus . was wont to say , That those that do no good to themselves , are constrained to do good to others . He meant in my opinion , to their Heirs , whom they en●ched by their covetousness ; though Eras●us hath taken it in another Sence .

Being yet a Child , he told Astyages who would perswade him to drink Wine , That ●e feared it was Poyson , having observed that ●rinces reeling , and other strange disorders in ●is drunkenness .

He said , One is not worthy to command , ●nless he be better , or worthier than those he ●s to command . At least in the Art of Government , for it is possible that an ill man ma● have Qualifications fit to Govern , Strangers . which ho●nest men are not always furnish'd with , thoug● he cannot have them all unless he be virtuou●

He would not suffer the Persians to qu● their barren and mountainous Country , 〈◊〉 possess a more fruitful one ; For fear , said he that should soften their courage : as if th● Spirits of men did change with the Nature o● the Soil , as well as Plants .

He would not be perswaded to let a beauti●ful Woman be brought into his presence th●● he might see her , while she was his Prisoner● For fear , said he , lest I should become a slave 〈◊〉 my slave .

His Steward asking what he would have 〈◊〉 be made ready for his Dinner , while his Arm● was on a march ? Some bread , replies he , for mean to encamp by a River ; To intimat● that all Luxury should be laid aside in a tim● of War .

He said at his dying , he could not be pe●●swaded that the Soul which had been able t● subsist so long in a mortal body , could possi●bly perish when it was freed from it .

Cresus Cresus . at the taking of Sardes , seeing th● Soldiers plunder and destroy every thing , ask●ed Cyrus what they were doing ? They ar● plundering your Riches , said he . Nay , rather yours , replied Cresus , for the Treasures of the vanquished are the Conquerors . This made him stop them from their pillaging .

Darius Darius . said , That dangers made him become wise , because they awaken our attention , and encrease our Experience .

Some body upon the opening of a Granade ●●pple , asking him , of what would you de●●e to have as many as here are Kernels ? he ●●swered , as many Friends . 'T is that indeed ●hich Kings stand most in need of , because of ●●e multitude of Flatterers .

One of his Subjects having horribly torn ●●d mangled his face and body to gain credit ●●ith the Babylonians , who were revolted , and 〈◊〉 that means insinuated himself , and recove●●d the City for him by that artifice , he ex●●essed much discontent , and said , he would ●ther have lost ten Babylons , than one such ●riend ; or he would rather see Babylon again 〈◊〉 the Rebels hands , than see his true Friend in ●●at condition .

His Treasurers having setled the Taxes as ●irly and equally as they could ; let them a●te one half yet , said he , that the burthen be ●sie .

The last King of Persia , admiring the Vir●es of Alexander : If the Gods , said he , will ●●ke this Empire from me , may they give it to one other but him .

Xerxes Xerxes . having reduced the Babylonians to ●●eir duty , brought all manner of Luxury and ●ebauchery in fashion , instead of the Exercise 〈◊〉 Arms they used before ; To prevent them , 〈◊〉 he , from making a second revolt . There ●ing nothing that so much effeminates the ●urage as debauchery .

Having a Present made him of Figs from ●●hens , let us forbear tasting them , said he , till we have conquer'd the Country that pro●duces them ; To teach us to despise Forreig●● Curiosities .

He said to those that admired to see hi● weep when he considered the infinite number of men that were in his Army ; It is becau●● that of this swarm of thousands , there shal● not one of them be living one hundred year hence .

Intending to pass over into Greece , he calle● all his Generals and Governors of Provinc● together , and told them , that he had not su●●moned them to that place to hear their Opin●●ons , but to tell them his . It had been mo●● modest to let them guess that , then to 〈◊〉 them so ; for the burthen of subjection shoul● be made as easie as possible .

Being unable to force a passage , he cried o●● he had a great Army , and but a few Soldiers and Arthemisa having acted wonders at the b●●●tle of Salamina , he said , the Men were turn●● Women , and the Women Men.

Artaxerxes Artaxerxes Longimanus . said , that it was more worth for a Prince to give than to receive : Becau●● Riches and Liberality is the portion of t●● Great , and cannot be exercised by Inferiors .

When his great Lords committed a●● faults , he caused their Garments to be whi●● instead of them : To punish them , said 〈◊〉 by their own shame . In the East , the Gr●●●dees are wont to be punished like Rascals , a● suffer the same as their Slaves .

One of his Officers having been promis● a sum of money , if he could obtain a thing ●im that was unjust , upon his Petition gave ●im the like sum of money , but would not grant his Petition ; For I will shew my self ●●beral , said he , but not unjust . This is the ●ore noble , because great men most commonly gratifie their own Officers out of other mens ●●urses .

Themistocles taking Sanctuary under his pro●ection after his banishment : May the Gods , ●aid he , inspire all my Enemies with the like ●houghts and resolutions , viz. of banishing ●heir ablest Counsellors .

As some would have hindred Cyrus the younger , Cyrus the younger . who made war upon his Brother , to be present in the battle ; a Prince , said he , who pretends to Empire must not shew himself unworthy to possess it : Especially ●uch a Conqueror as he , who needed but have ●emained at home if he feared ought .

Having amongst many other Curtesans brought him a Grecian Woman , who would not accept of his Caresses ; 't is for that , said he , that she deserves them most .

His Brother permitted every one to approach him , Artaxerxes M●mnon . and one day a Peasant presenting him some water in the palm of his hand , because they were not to come to their Persian Kings empty handed , and he had nothing else to offer him , he rewarded him● and said , he regarded the Will and not the Gift .

Another having presented him some Fruit of an extraordinary bigness , he said , that he that could improve his Fruits so well , might as well improve his Government , and make a little State become a great one , and thereupo● gave him a Government ; and yet there ar● good Gardiners that would make but very 〈◊〉 Governours ; though we may truly say , tha● the industry of man is like a general For● that is applicable to all things .

He caused the Queen to ride thorough th● Cities in an open Chariot unvailed , contrar● to the Custom of those Countries : That th● Faces of their Sovereigns , said he , be no Strangers to the People . In the Greek it is to b● the more accessible .

Being compelled upon a Retreat to eat dr● Figs , and Barley bread , his Provisions having been plundered , Great Gods , said he , what ● happiness have I been hitherto deprived of thorough too much plenty ? That shews tha● where there is the least Cookery , the appetit● is the sooner satisfied .

Thus having in an extremity of Thirst● drunk puddled water ; he said , he had never drunk any that relished better to him .

He said , to a man that spoke ill of him , you have the liberty to say what you list , and I to do what I list . It is a becoming Act to despise Injuries , when one hath the power to punish them .

A rash young Fellow that belonged to his Court , having had his Coat torn off from his back in hunting , had the insolence to ask him for his . I give it thee , said he , but with this injunction , never to wear it . To take away the scandal of a covetous refusal , and yet maintain his Dignity , for Monarchs of old wore a peculiar Habit , which other People were for●idden to use . Notwithstanding this young ●iddy-brain'd Nobleman having put it on , he was only pleased to say to him , that a Fool was ●ermitted to wear any Coat .

His Mother said , Parysatis . That Kings were to be ●reated with silken Words . For the Ears of great men being ever used to Flatteries , cannot endure to be grated with the plain naked Truth .

His Kinsman retiring himself from Court after some disgrace , Orontus . said , that Kings used their Subjects , as Men do their Counters ; sometimes they stand for a great deal , otherwhile but for a little . Sometimes a Counter stands but for one , anon it is 100 , and then perhaps ●it signifies 1000.

Memnon Memnon . the General to Darius , striking a Soldier who spoke ill of Alexander ; I took thee to fight against him , said he , not to rail at him .

The Egyptian Kings Kings of Egypt . forbad the Magistrates to obey them in things that were unjust , because Justice proceeded from a higher power than they claimed .

A King of Thracia broke to pieces several rare Presents of Crystal that were sent him , for fear , said he , lest I should be in passion , when any else should chance to break them . This was rather an Act of a Philosopher , than a King , unless his Passion were apt to exceed the bounds of Reason .

After the battle of Levetres , he said to the Thebans , who were proud of their Victory ; That Floods rose oftentimes above the natural Currents , but seldome lasted long .

Darius being entred into Scythia with ● Puissant Army , Ida-Thyrse . the King of that Country informed several petty Princes , who were Subjects to that Monarch , that they would do wel● to destroy the Bridge that he had made ove● the Danube , thereby to hinder his Retreat● But finding they would not do it , he said , they were good Slaves , but very bad Princes .

Another sent word to Alexander's Father● who resolved to make War upon him ; A●●as . That as the Macedonians knew how to fight well ; so● the Scythians knew how to fast long . To intimate they would starve them .

Another desirous to demonstrate to his Son● the advantage of their Union , Scilures . caused a Sheaf of Arrows to be brought , commanded them to break the whole bundle ; but when none could possibly do it , he drew them out one by one , and easily snapt them asunder . Thus , said he , so long as you remain linked together , you will be invincible ; but seperated you are easily destroyed . The States of Holland have since taken a Sheaf of Arrows for the Symbol of their Union .

Hannibal Hannibal . inclining to Peace after his Defeat , pulled down a Citizen from the Tribune , who animated the rest to carry on the War , and said to the People who murmur'd at it , Is it not strange that while I who have been a Soldier all my life do counsel you to Peace , this Fellow that never knew what a War signifies , should dare to incite you to make War .

The People weeping when they were forced to pay the money agreed to give the Romans , ●he fell a laughing , and seeing they were astonished at him , This is not the time for your Tears , said he , you should have wept when your negligence made you lose all the advantages of my Victories . Or when they ruined your Fleets and Armies , whose loss was the cause of the ruine of Carthage .

The Roman Army being drawn up in Battalia , a Fop came and told him , he found the order of it admirable . It is not their order that I do esteem so admirable , said he , but rather that amongst so great a Number of Men , there is not one so great a Sot as thou art . This changed their wonder into laughter .

Antiochus , to whom he had withdrawn himself after his Defeat , showing him his Army in Parade , who were all clad most Magnificently , asking him , whether that were not enough to satisfie the Romans : Yes , said he , though they were much more covetous than they are . Meaning their Riches and Plunder , whereas the other meant their Strength .

As some were talking of a peace between the Carthaginians and the Romans , at the beginning of the War , he stamping on the Ground , said , Before that comes to pass , one or other of these Nations must be dust and ashes . Which was a kind of Prophecy of the Event .

Discoursing with Scipio in Asia , concerning the great Generals of those Times ; he named Alexander first ; then Pyrrhus , and himself the third , at which the other seeming to wonder ; I would have put my self in the first place , sai● he , could I have conquered you .

Apprehending he should be delivered up to the Romans , he took some Poyson which he carried in a Ring , and said , let us free the Roman People from the fears we have put them into for so many years . It hath been said of him , that he knew how to conquer , but did not know how to make advantage of his Victories ; because he let slip his advantage after the Battle of Cannae .

An Armenian King seeing the Romans appear in small Parties , Tigranes . before his Army which was innumerable , said , There were too many of them to be Ambassadors , and too few to be Enemies . It must be observed that the Ancients alway sent several together on an Embassy .

GREEKS .

A King of Syracuse having defeated the Carthaginians , Gelon . would grant them no peace , but upon condition that they should not sacrifice their Children to Saturn . This wa● the more generous , because the Conqueror herein had no other end but the advantage o● the vanquished . However it is easie to make an Apophthegm of this , by changing the Action into Speech ; which Plutarch hath omitted .

When his Soldiers went not to War , he made them cultivate the untilled Lands , Greeks . to keep them , as he said , from idleness , the Mo●her of Seditions , and make some Recompence for the Spoyls of War .

Having occasion for money , he borrowed of his Subjects , and repaid it when the Wars were ended , boasting that by this means he had an unexhaustible Treasure in the Purses of his People .

While the Guests at a Feast took an Instrument turn by turn to make Musick and Mirth , ●he called for his great Horse , and began to ma●age it before them , to intimate that a Prince even in times of Peace should make it his Exercise and Meditation to prepare against a War .

A Curtezan having reproached him for his stinking breath , Gelon's Wife . he chid his Wife for not giving him notice of it , that he might have sought a remedy ; but she replied , That she thought all men had been so , having never conversed with any one but himself . The Grecian Dames had no frequent conversation with men , being never admitted at Feasts and Publick Meetings with their Husbands : Whereas the Romans had the same Liberty as the Ladies here with us . Plutarch attributes this Apophthegme to the Princes Wife that follows .

Hieron Hieron . said , That he was always at leasure to hear those that would tell him the Truth , and thereby banished all Flatterers , and became of easie access to honest People .

He said likewise that those that discovered Secrets did not only offend those that had entrusted them ; but also those to whom they were revealed : For when we would not have a thing known , we do not only hate those that publish it , but those that are made acquainted with it likewise .

He condemned a Poet to make satisfaction for having spoken somewhat too freely before the Queen ; Epicarmus . and indeed it was an insolent Fellow , for having once invited him to dinner at a Sacrifice , he told him , you would not invite me to that you made the other day , hinting the execution of some great men . These indiscreet Sallies of the Tongue , produce more hurt to those that speak them , then they do good to them they are addressed to .

Denys the Tyrant Denys the Tyrant . besieged in his Palace by a seditious Multitude , cried out , seeing an Oxe knocked down at one blow ; who would not venture so frail a thing as life is , for an Empire ?

His Son having violated a Woman of Quality , he asked him in passion , if ever he had seen him do the like ? That 's because you were not born Son of a King , answered he . You will never be the Father of one replied he , if you continue these insolencies . His Prediction was verified , for his Son was dispossessed . These are two excellent Apophthegmes in one .

Seeing in his Son's Chamber one day a great many Vessels of Gold and Silver , which he had bestowed upon him ; Thou art not worthy to Reign , said he , since thou hast not been able to make Friends of these things all this while .

His Subjects complaining of a Tax , he increased it so much , that they laughed at the impossibility ; 'T is enough , said he , for this shews they have no more to lose . Otherwise they durst not have derided him .

He said to his Mother , who had a mind to marry again in her extream old age ; That Princes were able to alter the Civil Laws , but not the Laws of Nature .

He severely punished those that robbed on the High-ways , but pardoned such as pilfered Cloaks in the Night time , to compel his Subjects to keep good hours and avoid debauchery . In the Greek it is , that stole Cloaths , either at the bathing places or elsewhere .

Some body beseeching him to bestow a Talent upon him , and to pretend that he had learned the Secret of him to discover all manner of Conspiracies ; He cried out aloud , 'T is a most important Secret , and bestowed the Talent upon him .

Another desiring to converse with him , asked him whether he had nothing to do ? God defend , said he , there being nothing so insupportable as Idleness . Others there are that think nothing so pleasing , but we must distinguish ; one may desire to have Leasure , but Idleness is to be hated . It is a common thing to ask what shall we do to pass away the time ?

Having been informed that two several Persons had spoken ill of him at time of a debauch ; he invited them to Supper , and observing that one of them was very indiscreet and wild , and the other very reserved , He said , that he forgave the first , as having committed the fault by the frailty and lightness o● humour ; and caused the other to be put to death , as guilty .

One of his Subjects having concealed a Sum of Money , he caused it to be taken from him , but being made acquainted that he had purchased a piece of Ground with the remainder ; he restored it to him again , because he knows how to improve it , said he .

He said , a Prince ought not only to be aware of his Enemies , but of his Friends . It is because those that have the easiest access , may the most easily destroy . But this is trulier spoken of a Tyrant , than a lawful Sovereign .

As a Herauld , at a Sacrifice , wished him , according to their Custom , a long Reign ; do not , said he , increase the rigour of Tyranny , by endeavouring to make it Eternal .

A man condemned to death found a Friend so resolute as to be bound for him , that he might have time to go abroad , and settle his Affairs in order , and having surrendred himself again , Denys the Tyrant , admiring the confidence and resolution of the one , and the faithfulness of the other , pardoned the criminal , And for recompence , I only desire of you , said he , to be received as the third in your Bond of Amity .

Accusing his Sister for having contrived her Husbands escape . Polyxene . Do you believe me to be , said she , of so mean a Spirit , as that I would not have stollen away my self from thy Tyranny , had it been in my power .

His Son said , Denys the Tyrant the younger . he entertained men of Learning , not for any esteem that he had for them , ●ut for the esteem he gained thereby from o●hers .

A Grammarian finding fault with his Dia●ect ; 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 Phi●osophy was to him ? They have enabled me ●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 , 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 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 murm●● because they made him wait too long at a grea● man's Gate ; he said it was not the fault 〈◊〉 great Men , but of Greatness . Because of th● multitude of business which does so much overwhelm them .

A King of Macedon refused to give a Golden Cup to one of his Courtiers , Archelaus . and bestowe● it upon Euripides ; and as the other wondred at it , It is because he is as worthy to have i● without asking for it , as you to beg it , and go● without it . Because of the Modesty of th● 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 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 ●ood tydings in one day : O Fortune , said he , ●end me some little misfortune to allay so great ●appiness . The good tydings were , the gain●●g of a Battle , the birth of a Son , and the ●inning of a Prize at the Olimpique Games .

Being counselled to place Garrisons in the ●recian Cities he had taken , I had rather said ●e , keep them in their duty by love then ●hrough fear , and be beloved all my life , then ●e feared for a while . Fear lasts no longer ●hen while the dread is upon them , where●s Love continues both in good and ill for●une .

His Courtiers advising him to banish one that ●ad spoken ill of him : That were well indeed ●aid he , to make him go and report the same ●hings all the World over . There is nothing ●an be more prudent then for a man of judgment to find methods to prevent others from ●oing him mischief .

Another time endeavouring to oblige him to ●hastize a man of quality for the same Fact , we must first , said he , consider whether we have ●ot given him just cause ; and being informed ●hat he was in ●●me want , and had received ●o kindness or supply from Court ; he be●towed some Favours : which made him turn ●is railing into praises , and begot another most excellent saying from that Prince . That it was ●n a Kings Power to make himself be either be●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 excellen● Lesson for Princes to reform their Conduct● instead of being in wrath with those tha● proclaim their Failings .

After the Battle of Charonea , as some wer● 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 Wa● 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 , And indeed it was said that it was not he , but his mony that conquered Greece . he asked● 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 , ●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 ; ●n an indecent posture , one of them stepping ●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 into .

One of his Courtiers intreating him not to let Judgment pass in a Cause where the Interest of his Friend was concerned ; I had rather , said he , that your Friend should lose his Cause , than I my Reputation .

His whole Court advising him to chastise the Ingratitude of the Peloponesians , who had publickly hissed at him in the Olympique Games● What will they not do , said he , if I should hurt them , when they scoff at me though I have done them so much good . This resembles● that before spoken , of a vile tongue that had spoken ill of him , whom he would not banish , least he should rail at him all the World over .

One day having lain long in Bed in his Camp , he said he had slept his fill , because Antipater waked for him , excusing his sloth ingeniously with the vigilance of his Minister .

Alexander having tamed a very wild Horse , whom none else durst mount . Seek another Empire for thy self my Son , said he , embracing him , for mine is too little .

Another time , he said to him , as he was valuing his own Singing ; art not thou ashamed to sing so well . There are some things we ought to be ignorant of , wherein it is shameful to be too skilful .

One day having fallen down on the ground , and considering the extent of his Body in the dust , Great Gods , said he , what a little place we take up , and yet the World cannot contain us .

He told his Son , who was endeavouring to win the Macedonians hearts by largesses ; dost thou believe that a man whom thou hast bribed , will ever be faithful to thee . Those who are tied by Interest , are by Interest likewise lost .

Asking some Athenian Ambassadors , after he had given them Audience , whether he could do them any Service . The greatest Service ●ou can render us , says a Brute , is to go hang ●our self ; at which Words , without being ●oved , though he perceived a muttering ●hrough all the Court ; Those that endure ●hese Insolencies , said he , are much more honest men , than those that commit them ; which was the more to purpose because they came to complain of him .

Alexander , Alexander . while a Youth , said his Father would leave nothing for him to conquer , and when they told him , that what his Father gained , would be for him : But I shall not have the glory of it , replied he , as esteeming more the honour than the profit of Conquests .

His Father advising him to run at the Olimpick Games , to shew his Swiftness . I would do it , said he , if there were any Kings to run with me for the Prize , or contend with me .

The Governour of a Place having written to him , that there were brought to him some lovely Boys that were to be sold ; he cried out in great anger , hath he perceived any thing in my behaviour that could prompt him to send me such a Message . So he was likewise displeased in his Youth , against some of his People that had brought a young married Woman to lie with him ; and turned away one of his Courtiers for having introduced , at dinner time , a Lass that he entertained under the pretence of Singing . The same Principle made him refuse to see the Wife of Darius , who was one of the most beauteous Princesses in the World .

His Governour having reproved him fo● casting whole handfuls of Incense into the fire at a Sacrifice , and telling him that he should avoid being so profuse till he had conquered the Country that produced them . He had no sooner made himself Master of Arabia but he sent him a great quantity , with this reproach ; That he should not for the future be so sparing , when it concerned the Service of the Gods . I doubt whether ever he was Master of Arabia .

He bid his Soldiers , at the Passage of Granique , which was the Limits of the Persian Empire , That they should make merry with what they had then , for the next day they were to be entertained at the Enemies expences .

A Philosopher whom he loved , having asked him to bestow a Portion to marry his Daughters , he sent him fifty Talents , who having told him it was too much , and that ten would have been enough for them to have ; But not enough for Alexander to give , replied he . However our Gifts should be proportioned according to the Party that receives . But this Prince was excessive in all his Actions , whether good or bad .

Another time when his Treasurer came and acquainted him , that the Philosopher Anaxarches demanded an hundred Talents ; for he had commanded that they should give him whatever he should ask ; He knows he hath to do with Alexander , said he . Another Huff of this Prince coupled with the Impudence of a Philosopher .

Beholding several Statues in Milet , of those Atheletes that had won the Prizes in the Olimpick Games . Where were all these Bravo's , said he , when your City was taken ?

He answered the Queen of Caria , who took a pride in the excellency of her Cooks , and did often send him of her Dainties ; That he had much better of his own , that his Governour had taught him to eat but little at Dinner , that he might eat well again at Supper , and to march all the Night to get a good Appetite in the Morning .

Darius having offered him ten thousand Talents , and the one half of his Empire . Parmenion was of Opinion he should accept of it , and said , if I were Alexander I would do it , and so should I likewise if I were Permenion , replied he . He added , that Heaven cannot contain two Suns , nor Earth two Masters .

At the Battle of Arbella , the Chief Officers complaining of the Soldiers insolence , who threatned they would have all the Plunder to themselves . Courage , says he , 't is a sign of the Victory , for those that talk thus , have no design to fly .

The Armies being drawn up in Battalia , he stroke a Soldier that was mending his Javelin : For this is the time for Fighting , said he , not to be mending or furbushing your Arms.

As he was reading a Letter from his Mother , perceiving that Hephestion overlooked him , and read it likewise ; he took his Seal from his Finger , and put it to his Lips , to instruct him thereby to keep secret what he saw . This is a dumb Apophthegme .

The Priests of Ammon having stiled hi● the Son of Iupiter ; he said , That all hones● men were so , thereby to allay the pride of tha● Title . In the Greek it is , that all men were so by Nature , and the good men by Adoption● which has some resemblance with the Christian Religion .

He spake to the same sence when wounded , That it was not such Liquor which flows from the wounds of the Gods .

He replied to those that praised Antipater for being very modest in his Habit ; That within he was all lined with Purple , and the Son of Antipater going to caress before him , one that was beloved by a Musician , he interposed , and cried out , What , shall not Friendship it self be exempted from your Tyranny ?

As he was sending back to Macedonia the maimed and the sick ; a Soldier that was in health having thrust in his name to follow a Woman whom he loved . We must try , said he , to perswade her to stay here ; for we cannot compel him .

He sent home all the Thebans , who were taken in Persia , and said , they were to be excused for coming thither to seek their Fortunes , after their own Country was destroyed . Note , that he pardoned no Grecians that were found in the King of Persia's Service .

Having taken an excellent Archer , who could shoot an Arrow through a Finger Ring , he commanded him to shew his skill before him , and upon his refusal , sent him away to be executed ; But being certainly informed that ● proceeded not from disobedience , but a fear ●f losing his Reputation , because he had not ●ractised it of a long time , he said , he esteemed ●im the more for it , and gave him his pardon .

An Indian King refusing to give him Battle , ●nd saying , they ought to contend with gene●osity , and not by power , and that the weakest ●ught to receive kindnesses from the strongest , That is the reason we must fight , said he ; that ●e may know which is the strongest , which the ●eakest .

Being told that such a place was impregna●le , but he that defended it was a heartless ●oldier : Then is it not impregnable , said he .

He told a Governour who had surrendred up ● City , which he could not take ; That he had ●ore reason to relie upon the Generosity of Alexander , than on the strength of the Works , ●nd restored him to the command again .

His Courtiers preferring him above Hercu●●s ; Not so , said he , for what I have done , hath ●een at the head of thirty thousand men , and ●hat he did , he did all alone . Not but that ●here have been Herculesses that have com●anded great Armys ; But the Greeks Hercules ●as single in the most of his Exploits .

He fined some of his Friends for being too ●●tent upon their play , and said , One should ● ever make a serious study of a pastime .

He honoured Craterus most , and loved He●hestion best ; because , said he , this loves Alex●nder , and the other loves the King .

He said of Xenocrates , who would not accept of his Presents , upon pretence that b● had no need of them . Ha , what hath he 〈◊〉 Friends ! and added , That all the Treasures ● Persia , had not been enough to satisfie his .

He asked of Porus how he would be treated who having told him , as a King . Then to trea● you as a King , said he , I restore thee all thy Te●ritories with an addition of some Provinces .

Knowing that some had spoken ill of him 'T is the property of Kings , Because of the ingratitude of Common People . said he , to d● good , and receive no thanks for it . Or , it is Royal Virtue to do good , without any hop● of a recompence .

He told his Friends when dying , That h● foresaw great Dissentions , and slaughte● would arise amongst them after his Death , an● the disorders of those Divisions would e●crease their sorrow for the loss of him .

He called the Persian Ladies , The disease ● the Eyes , because of their Beauty .

He thought it concerned his Dignity to l● none but the most excellent Painters and St●tuaries make his Effigies .

Being asked , when dying , where he ha● lodged his Treasure , he replied , they shoul● find it in the purses of his Friends .

Some People willing to compound wi●● him ; I come not , said he , to take what yo● are willing to give me : but to leave you wh● I have no mind to take .

He said he was by so much the more i● debted to Aristotle , than to his Father , by ho● much it is better to live well , than to live .

Dragging along the Priestess of Delphos● ●●e Temple , to hear an Oracle on a day in ●hich it was forbidden , she cried out , Thou ●t invincible . I will have no other , said he , ●nd left her .

Before he went forth to begin his Con●uests , having given all that he had amongst ●is Friends ; some asking him , what he had ●eserved for himself , he replied , Hope .

Leaning upon one Ear , as he was hearing the ●leading of a Cause , he said , he reserved the ●ther intirely for the adverse party .

Callisthenes the Philosopher controuling his Actions , he said , He did not love that Wise●an , who was not wise for himself ; Because ●hereby he lost his Fortune .

His Soldiers refusing to swim over a River , ●t the attacking of a place : why should not I ●wim , said he , & so passed over upon his Shield .

He cried out , over the Monument of Achil●es ; Happy was this Prince to have had Homer ●or the Trumpeter of his praises ! Others say , ●atrocles for his Friend , and Homer for his Historian ; and having found a little Trunk rich●y set with Jewels amongst Darius his Goods , he allotted it to preserve Homer's Works in . Another time , when they would have shewed him Paris's Syra , he said , he would rather see Achilles's meaning in Homer . One time an express being in much hast to tell him some good News ; he asked him , Whether Homer was ●isen again as judging nothing required such pressing haste , but such like tydings .

He said , He knew he was mortal , by two things , viz. Sleep , and the pleasures or act of Love , because the Senses are suspended .

He said , If he were not Alexander , he wou●● have been Diogenes . 'T is from the same ro● of Ambition to despise all , or to covet all .

Entring into Darius his Tent , glitterin● with Gold and precious Jewels , he said , This ● to Reign indeed . Though there are dive● Examples in his Life and Actions , that shew● how much he despised such Luxury and V●nity .

He would not take advantage of the Nig●● at the Battle of Arbella , because I will not ste● a Victory , said he .

Antipater making some complaints in wr●ting to him against Olimpias ; he does not know , said he , that one tear from a Mothe● eye , is enough to blot out all .

Being made acquainted that his Sister live● a little too freely , let us , said he , leave her , he● part of the Regency , Impunity and Licence .

He shed some tears , when it was said ther● were divers Worlds ; Because , said he , I hav● not yet been able to Conquer one .

He said , Homer had prophesied of him in th● Person of Agamemnon , when he said , That he was equally a good King , and a good Soldier .

The Mother of Darius having mistake● Hephestion for Alexander , because he was a more proper man ; he said , she was not deceived , for that he was also Alexander ; Because of the Friendship that united them .

Admiring that he should fall asleep , just before the beginning of a Battle : 'T is because I am come to the end of my labour , said he It was the last against Darius .

The Corinthians , having made him free of ●eir City , after the Example of Hercules , I ●e nothing of this Honour , said he , but the ●●mparison .

After Alexander had distributed all he had a●ongst his Friends , Perdicas . without reserving any ●ing but Hope : Perdicas said , he was content● with that alone also , and returned him his ●resent again .

King Ptolomee Ptolomee Son of Lagus . eat often at his Friends , and ●ade use of their equipage , as not being well ●rnished himself . His Excuse was , That ● was more glory to make others rich , than to ●rich ones self .

Having asked a little Grammarian scoffing● , who was the Father of Peleus : The other ●turned briskly , who was yours , as a reproach ●f the meanness of his Extraction ; and when ●s Courtiers wondred that he shewed no re●ntment , when a man will rally , said he , he ●ust expect to be rallied with again . The ●me Apophthegm is attributed to Cicero : for ●etellus , asking him by way of scorn , who was his Father ? It would be a harder thing to tell ●ho was yours , said he , because his Mother had ●n ill reputation .

Another Prince of the same name , Ptolomee-Philadelph● . said , That the greatest unhappiness of Tyrants ●as , that they must ever suspect the greatest ( or bravest ) men , and be compelled to make ●hem away . This is true only in Elective Em●ires , where every one has a right to pre●end .

His Son Xenophanes Xenophanes . being rallied at , beca●●● he would not play at a forbidden Game ; 'T●● not , said he , for fear of losing my Money , b● my Honour .

Antigonus , Antigonus . set every Engine at work to e● rich himself , and when they reproached hi● that Alexander did not use to do so ; Th● was because he reaped , said he , and I can b●●glean .

Finding his Soldiers playing at Tennis ● armed , he sent their Officers to make me●● with them , and being informed that they we● drinking too freely , he cashiered them , and p● those Soldiers into their places : Because , sa● he , those deserve best to Command , who ● their duty best .

Admiring that he grew very mild in his o● Age , having been very rough in his young● days ; That 's because I would endeavour ● preserve that with gentleness , which I gaine● by force , said he .

His Son inquiring one day of him , when 〈◊〉 would decamp : Art thou afraid , said he , tho● shalt not hear the sound of the Trumpet● This shews it imports a General to keep hi● Marches secret .

Sending him to Greece to set them at liberty , he said , That Province was like the Theatr● of the whole World , from whence his Glor● would be seen over all .

After his recovery from a fit of sickness , h● said , That it had been an Advertisement of the Gods to let him learn that he was mortal .

A Poet having called him the Son of a God My Valet de Chambre , said he , knows the con●ry full well .

A Flatterer telling him , that the Will of a ●ng was the Rule of Justice ; Say rather that ●stice is the Rule to the Will of Kings , re●ied he .

His Brother desiring he would in private ●termine a cause he was concerned in : It were ●tter it should be before the whole World , ●plied he , to demonstrate I will do nothing ●justly .

Incamping in the Winter time , in a place ●at was inconvenient , he said , to some Soldiers whom he over-heard murmuring near his ●ent . Go farther off and complain , least I ●e obliged to punish you .

He said , to one that made a harrangue to ●m in a bombast flattering stile ; Art thou not ●hamed to speak to me as if I were a Fool ?

A Cynique begging a Dragm of him ; A piece of about seven pence . That 's ●o little for a King to bestow , said he ; and ●hen the other had desired him then to give ●im a Talent ; That 's too much , said he , Two hundred Guineys . for a ●ynique to receive . The Medium had been to ●ive more than the first , less than the last .

His followers counselling him to put a Gar●ison into Athens , to be a Bridle to Greece , he answered , There could be no stronger Garrison than the affection of the People .

Pyrrhus challenging him to come down from the Mountains , and he would give him battle , he said , he made War as his own Judgment guided him , and not as his Enemy would have him ; and that if Pyrrhus were weary of his life , there were a thousand ways to death . ● other , on the like occasion said ; If he be● great a Captain , let him force me to co● down . Notwithstanding he affirmed that P●●●rhus would be the greatest Soldier of his ti●● if he lived to mature Age.

In the height of his Conquests , some bo● having dedicated a Treatise of Justice to hi●● This is very proper to him , said he , while I a● usurping the Rights of other men .

His Son at his return from hunting , comi●● and embracing him while he was giving Audience to some Ambassadors : Tell this , said 〈◊〉 to those that sent you hither . There bei●● nothing that can better establish a Thro● than the mutual love of the Royal Family :

His Son Aleione being very harebrain'd , w●● killed in a Fight ; This happ'ned somewh●● later , said he , than I expected , or , than he d●sired .

He said , to another that shewed himself very proud , do you not know that Royalty is b● a brave slavery ; and another time , That if o●● knew the weight of a Crown , they would b● afraid to set it on their heads . In the Greek ● is , they would not vouchsafe to take it o● from the ground .

Antigonus having dream't , Demetrius . that Mithrida●● had reaped a golden Harvest , resolved to make him away , and communicated it to his Son Demetrius , after he had made him promise not to divulge a word of it . But Demetrius who loved Mithridates , led him out immediately to walk upon the Sea Sands , and wrote thereon with the point of a Javelin , Begone , Mithri●●tes ; so that he made his escape to Pontus , ●here he was chosen King . If equivocations ●e at any time lawful , 't is in such cases where man 's life is concerned .

The Rhodians , having intreated him to pre●●rve a Picture of Protogenes , which he had ●ken in their Suburbs , he said , he would keep as inviolably as his Fathers .

Having taken the Athenians by Famine , he ●used them to be assembled in their Publick ●ace for Spectacles , where while they dread●● some exemplary punishment for their re●olt , he told them , That he bestowed five thousand measures of Corn upon them to re●eve their misery ; and happ'ning to pronounce ●●me word amiss at the same instant , and the people reproving him for it openly , he added , and I will give you as much more , for your ●ood Instruction . Many would have been ●ngry at such a publick reproof , and have recalled his Guift , instead of increasing it ; so that this is an Example of Clemency , of Libe●ality , and a greatness of courage .

It was said of his warlike Engines , in which ●e was very intelligent , That they begot admiration amongst his Friends and astonishment ●n his Enemies .

Demetrius being taken by Seleucus sent word to his Son , Antigonus . that he should give no credit to his Letters ; But that young Prince was so sensibly concerned for the imprisonment of his Father ; that he wrote to Seleucus with more Generosity than Prudence , that if he would set him free , he would surrender both his Person and Dominions into his power .

His Pilot telling him , just at the beginning of a fight , that the Enemy was stronger tha● he ; For how many do you reckon me , said he .

A Soldier desiring the same allowances which one had , who had done eminent Service : ● was not the recompence of his Family , b● 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 o● his Glory .

Lysimachus Lysimachus . being constrained to give u● himself , and his whole Army , for want of water ; cried out , having drank , great Gods , fo● what a small matter I have lost my Liberty and Country !

Antipater Antipater . having heard of the Murther o● Parmenion ; If he were guilty , said he , i● 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 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 Antiochus Hierax . surnamed the Hawk , put himself ●●to Mourning upon the report of the death 〈◊〉 his Brother though they made War against ●ch other , and being after assured that he ● as living , he caused publick Thanksgiving ●●d Rejoycings to be kept ; To shew , said he , ●at the Law of Nature yet subsists , amidst ●●r disorders . What was rare in those days , ● now grown common .

A report being brought to Pergamos of the ●eath of Eumenes , Eumenes ; his Brother Attalus seized immediately on the Empire , and married his ●●iddow ; But the News proving to be false , 〈◊〉 laid down the Crown , and went to meet ●●m in the habit of a private Person , of which Eumenes took no other notice , but only whis●ered in his Ear ; another time , be not so ha●y to marry my Wife , till you have seen me ●id in my Grave . He never after shewed a●y more resentment , and at his Death left him ●is Wife , and his Empire . Attalus on the o●●er hand did never raise any Children , but re●●ored the Diadem to the Son of Eumenes , as ●●on as he was of Age to Govern. It would ●e difficult to find two such rare Examples , the ●ne of Acknowledgment , the other of Mode●●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 Pyrrhus . said , He never had taken so many Cities by force , as Cineas had taken by cunning .

The Inhabitants of a Town besieged , havi●● railed at him bitterly a thousand times duri●● the Siege , he told him , as he was setling the● after the place was taken ; That they had gre● need of Masters to teach them to rule th●● Tongues .

Being asked which of two excellent . Musi●●ans he liked best , he answered , The Gene●● Polyperque ; to shew that Kings ought to est●●●● 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 , w●● 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 thi● because they had cost him so many men ; a●● therefore , admiring their Valour , he said , th● he could easily conquer the whole World wi●● the Romans , or the Romans with him . Othe● improperly attribute this to Antiochus , w●● was no great Soldier .

He said , when he quitted Sicily , I leave● brave Field of Battle to the Romans , and th● Carthaginians● which proved true in the ●●vent .

He bid those Commissaries whom he sent 〈◊〉 raise Forces be sure to chuse proper and lu●●● Fellows , and he would take care of the rest , ● if courage and skill proceeded only from exercise which is not always so .

Being entred into Athens to Sacrifice , ● praised the Athenians for the confidence the● had in him ; but withal told them , that 〈◊〉 time they should have a care of letting in ●ny one that exceeded them in strength .

Having pillaged Laconia by surprize before ●ny War declared , he answered the Lacedemo●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 ●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 The Great Antiochus . having strayed from his Company at a hunting , betook himself to ● 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 ●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 h● 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 nee● must .

Pisistratus Pisistratus . Tyrant of Athens , finding h●● Friends revolted , who had seized on a Fo●tress , went and found them with his little R●tinue , and when they inquired of him what 〈◊〉 intended to do ; Remain with you here , sa●● he , or get you to return with me .

Knowing that his Mother loved a youn● man , who durst hardly visit her out of the apprehension he had of him , he invited him t● Supper , and having treated him well : Her●● a●ter , said he , shew your self more complaisa● towards my Mother .

Another that was one of the finest shaped me● in the City , having been so insolent as to ki●● 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 fo● 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 C●●s●● deni'd that his Wife was guilty , though ●e well knew the contrary , and was divorced ●om her for that reason .

Going to marry a second time , his Children ●ame and asked him , whether they had given him any just cause to complain ; It is so far ●●om that , said he , that I find you so good , I am ●esolved to get more such as you are .

Themistocles Themistocles . his Tutor , was wont to say of ●im , that he would prove either the Safeguard ●●r the Ruine of his Country , and compared him ●o a ●iery Horse , that proves extraordinary good when reclaimed .

Having forsaken his debauchees , and become more vigilant after the battle of Mara●hon , he said , that the Trophies of Mil●iades would not suffer him to rest .

Being asked one day , whether he had rather ●e Homer than Achilles ; That 's as if one should ask , whether I had rather be the He●auld than the Conqueror . He alluded to the Publick Pastimes , where the Conqueror was proclaimed by a Herauld .

It his Wars with Xerxes , he gave money to him that commanded in Athens , upon condition he should renounce the Office of General , lest , said he , he should spoil all by his Avarice and Cowardize .

When Adimant would have deferred giving battle , alledging , that he that started too soon in his race , was to be punished ; But he that sets out too late , replied he , never gains the Crown .

He said , That the way which leads to Hell , was more to be wished , than that which lea● to Honour : Because of the bryars one mee● with in the management of publick Affai●● Nevertheless he called idleness the Grave ● the Living .

The People having raised him to Digniti●● after they had taxed him of Infamy , he sai● He could not love those that made use of t● same Vessel to such contrary purposes .

Before he began his march against the Per●●ans , he said to the People who were looki●● on a Cock-●ighting ; That those Creature though so valiant did not fight for their Country , but only for their Honour . Thereby t● encourage them , to shew the greater courag● against their Enemies .

The General of the Lacedemonians lifting up his Staff against him ; Strike , said he , so yo● will hear me .

An Inhabitant of a small Village , reproaching him that he owed all his Glory to Athen●● 'T is true , said he , that I should never have attained to Greatness in your City , nor you i● mine .

Simonides the Poet requesting somewhat o● him that was unjust ; as you would be no good Poet , said he , should you deviate from the rules of Poetry ; So should I be no good Judge if I prevaricated from those of Justice .

One telling him , He might be the first in the Republick , provided he would espouse no Party ; he replied , he desired not a Dignity , wherein he could not oblige a Friend , and disoblige an Enemy , which is a little contrary to the Definition he gives before of a good Judge ; ●r to take it strictly , a publick Person ought ●ot to have either Friends or Foes . There●ore one of the Ancients renounced all Friendship at his entrance to the Government : And Aristides declared he was of no Cabal that he ●ight authorize no injustice .

His Daughter being courted by a Fool , and ●y an understanding man , the first being rich , ●e other having no wealth ; he took the man ●f Parts for his Son-in-Law : For I had rather , said he , have a man that wants an Estate , than ●n Estate that wants a man .

Exposing a Country House to Sale , he said , ●t had a very good Neighbour , so much he ●hought that particular to be considerable . History tells us to the same purpose , that a ●rince after a Battle , beholding a Gentleman ●o grievously wounded , that his very Bowells ●ung out of his Belly , and some bemoaning his ●ad condition , he said , It was yet a worse thing ●o have an ill Neighbour .

To one that would instruct him in the Art of Memory , he said , he rather desired that of forgetfulness . Because of those Misfortunes which happen dayly , the remembrance whereof is troublesome .

He said , there was no Musick so pleasing , as ●o hear ones self praised in publick ; and hav●ng been received with great Acclamations at the Olimpique Games ; He told them , he was fully recompenced for all the Services he could ever render to Greece ; Or that he had ever done them .

He would not suffer Hieron to assist at tho● Sports , because he would not help the Gre●● with his Forces against the Persians , and sa●● It was not reasonable that he who would nev●● share in their Dangers , should partake of th● Pleasures .

After a Victory marching over the Sp●● of the Enemy , he bid one that followed hi● take up something for himself , because you 〈◊〉 not Themistocles . It does not become a Generel to load himself with Plunder .

Finding they had little respect for him a●●●● the War was ended , he said , he was like th●● great Trees which stand on the Plains , who● none regards , but to find shelter when a sto●● surprizes them .

Being arrived in Persia , he desired a yea● time of the King to learn the Language , th●● he might converse personally with him , b●cause a man expresses himself but by hal●● with an Interpreter ; and having been ev●● overwhelmed with all sorts of favour a●● kindness , he cried out , I had been lost , if I ha● not been lost ! as much as to say , he owed 〈◊〉 good Fortune to his Banishment .

The General Myronides Myronides . having caused it 〈◊〉 be proclaimed , that every one should be 〈◊〉 readiness for an enterprize , found at his se●ting forth that he was followed but by a very few , and being advised to stay for the remai●der ; all those that are to be of the Party , a●● here already , said he , ; Either not to delay th● Execution ; Or , that he had little reason t● value the help of those that came so slowly t● the Randezvouz .

Aristides , Aristides . surnamed the just , was a mortal ●●emy to Cabals , to avoid , said he , the autho●●zing of an Injustice .

Going an Embassy with Themistocles , who ●as his Enemy . Let us , said he , lay down all ●ur quarrels here , lest they should prejudice ●●e publique Affairs ; and at the breaking up ●f an Assembly , where they had thwarted ●ach other out of jealousie , he declared , they would do very well to throw them both into ●he River , because their enmity did hurt to the good of the Commonwealth .

Having been condemned to pay a Fine by ●he contrary Faction , the People of reputation ●id not only cause his Fine to be taken off , but made him be continued in the management of the publique Treasury , where shewing himself more favourable and easie to those that brought in their accounts , he was the third time elected Chief Treasurer ; But he told them , that he was more ashamed of his Election , than his Condemnation , because he had been condemned only for having done his Duty , ●nd was elected because he was grown remiss . And upon the Commission he had to allot the Sums which were to be imposed on all the Gre●ians , for the Wars against Persia , he shewed himself so little inclined to enrich himself , that he expended of his own .

He said to a rich man , who reproached him of Poverty ; Thy Riches does thee more hurt , than my Poverty does me .

He hindred the People from condemning a Criminal upon his bare word , and would needs have them try him by due Form of Law ; Fo● fear , said he , they should make this a Pre●●dent in favour of some hereafter that m● have less honesty .

Being Judge in a Cause , where one of t●● Parties alledged that his Adversary had spoke several injurious things against Aristid● Hold , said he , there is nothing in this Cau●● that concerns me , but your self .

Going into Exile , he besought the Deitie that the Affairs of his Country might be 〈◊〉 prosperous , that they might have no occasion to recal him , which they did soon after Whereupon , he said , That he was not trovbled he had been banished , for his own sake but for the Honour of his Country .

Themistocles having somewhat to propound which much imported to be kept secret , the People obliged him to communicate it to A●●stides , who having heard what it was , said , There was nothing could be more advantagious , nor more unjust . It was to have burned the Grecian's Fleet that lay in Port , which was not put in execution .

Themistocles scoffing at his being so sparing , and saying that to be able to keep money close , was the vertue of a strong Chest , and not of the General of an Army , he replied , That without this , all the other Vertues would prove useless , because there was still need of money to make them effectual .

Pericles said , that when ever he took the Command upon him , he made this Reflection , That he was going to Command a Free People , and which was more , Greeks and Athenians . That is to say , as free as men could be .

He prayed the Gods , before he mounted ●●e Tribune , that no Word might slip from ●im , that could scandalize the Athenians , or ●urt either the publick or his private Affairs .

One of his Friends intreating him to make ● salse Oath in his Favour ; We are Friends , said he , but no further than to the Altar .

The Poet Sophocles , who was his Collegue , ●aying , at the beholding a Beauteous Woman : Ah , how handsome she is ! A Magistrate , said ●e , ought not only to keep his hands pure , but even his Eyes and Tongue .

Being accused for consuming the publick Revenue in Offerings , and consecrating the best things to the Gods . Will you , said he , ●et me put in my name instead of yours , and I will pay the charge with my own money , which ●he People refused .

The Soldiers being astonished at an Eclipse of the Sun just before the beginning of a Naval Fight , he held his Cloak before the Pilot's Eyes , and asked him if that were not a mighty Prodigy . It is caused by the Interposition of the Body of the Moon ; yet , the Ignorance of those things formerly begot much Consternation .

Alcibiades not returning from an amorous Adventure , As was their Customs . he would not suffer him to be trumpetted ; Because if he be dead , said he , that would but make it known a day or two the earlier , and if he living , it would con●ound him with shame●

The People would have obliged him 〈◊〉 speak in Publique of a business wherein he w●● hot prepared , but he excused himself , eithe● out of respect , as he would have it believe● or to keep up his credit . The same thing 〈◊〉 related of Demosthenes .

Alcibiades Alcibiades . said , That he led the Life of C●stor and Pollux , being in the Heavens , when b● was well in the Peoples thoughts , and in H●● when he knew the contrary . Those Hero● were turn by turn in Heaven and in Hell .

He used to say , he wondred not , that the Lacedemomians despised Death , since their wa● of living was so miserable ; Because of their wretched food , and rigorous usage .

Wrestling with one , he bit him by the hand● and the other upbraiding him , that he bit lik● a Woman ; No , says he , but like a Lyon .

It is said , that he cut off the tail of a Dog of his own of great value ; That so the People having that to talk of , said he , may not mind the other things I do ; but there is nothing makes men discourse more of us than such extravagancies .

Coming one day into a School where they instructed Youths , he asked the Master for a Homer , who telling him , he had none , he gave him a box on the Ear. This is a mute Apophthegm , where the box on the Ear must pass instead of Words spoken , to shew the value should be held of Homer .

The Athenians having recalled him from his employment for some Capital Crime , he slipt away in his return , and being asked , if he doubted of Justice , he said , I would not trust 〈◊〉 own Mother , where my life is concerned , ●r fear lest by a mistake she should take the ●ack Bean for the white ; the first being the to●n of condemnation , the other of absolution .

Being informed that they had condemned ●m to death ; I will make them know , said he , ●at I will live yet , and going over to the Ene●y , was the occasion of many troubles to the ●ate .

Applying himself to Eloquence , instead of ●usick , which was in Vogue in those Days : ●et those sing , said he , that cannot speak .

The General Lamachus Lamachus . chiding an Officer ●ho had failed in his Duty , when the other as●red him , he would do so no more ; War , ●id he , allows no time for repentance .

Iphicrates Iphicrates : fortifying his Camp in a place ●here there was no appearance of danger , ●●id , to those that wondred at it ; 'T is an ill ●xcuse for a General to say , I did not imagine 〈◊〉 .

He was wont to say , that an Army was to ●e formed like a Human Creature , and ought ●o have the main Body composed of Foot well ●rmed , and the Wings lightly armed , the Ca●alry for Legs that they might run every where ●pon occasion , and a good General for its Head .

Taking great care to range his men well in his Service against the Barbarians ; It is because I fear nothing so much , said he , as that they will not know that I am here , to astonish them by his Presence , and Reputation .

Being haled to Justice in a time of W●● Unhappy man , said he , to his Accuser , thus ● oblige my Citizens to sit in Judgment upon 〈◊〉 instead of marching under my Conduct agai●● the Enemy .

He said , it was necessary to excite the Sold●ers to the love of Money and Pleasures , b●●cause that made them have the more courag● to gain wherewith to satisfie their desires .

A Sot of a good extraction reproaching hi●● of the meanness of his Birth ; I shall be t●● first of my Race , said he , and you the last 〈◊〉 yours .

An Orator bawling out to him in an Assembly ; What art thou , to shew this Vanity ? an● proceeding to a tedious enumeration of all th● Offices in an Army : I am none of all these said he , but him that commands them all .

Some that envied the Glory of Timotheus Timotheus . having painted him sleeping with a — in his hand , where the Cities came and were taken : If I take Cities sleeping , said he , wha● cannot I do when awake ? 'T is the mark of ● 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 , Or , were not subject to be repented of . 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 ●t to hazard himself too confidently , his ●hole Army depending on his safety . In the ●reek it is , when I commanded the Army , I ●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 Soldi●ier . To hint that he wanted the qualificati●ns for a Commander .

Chabrias Chabrias . affirmed , the fittest to command , ●ere those that best knew the Enemy .

He likewise acknowledged , That he esteem●● more an Army of Deer , Or , a Hare . commanded by a ●ion , than an Army of Lions , commanded by ● Deer , to shew of what importance a good General is , not so much for Valour as for Con●uct and Discipline .

Hegesipus , Hegesipus . animating the Athenians against Philip of Macedon ; We shall draw great ●lagues upon our selves , said one , if thou art ●elieved ; and much greater yet , replied he , ●f I am not believed , meaning their slavery .

Pytheas Pytheas . offered to harangue in publick , to ●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 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 ● have to say to the Athenians . the shortest Speeches being the best .

The Oracle having answered , That the● was a man in the City that found fault wi● every thing : Do you trouble your heads ●●bout that Sirs , said he , 't is I that cannot a● prove of any thing that is done here .

The People , one day , seeming to appla● what he had spoken to them , he asked , wh●ther he had not let slip some foolish word or●●ther , so much did he suspect their approb●●tion .

The Athenians going about to get a volu●●tary Contribution towards their Sacrifices● It were a shame , if I should give you any thi●●● and not pay this man , said he , shewing his Cr●ditor .

The People will murther thee , if ever the● grow into fury , said Demosthenes to him ; a●● thee when they recover their reason again , sa●● 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 ● 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 ●●spicion : but your Generals that gave them ●●use for it ; and being elected in the stead of ●●m that commanded before , they were re●eived without any difficulty .

Observing a Soldier who was advanced out ●f his rank , return ni●bly into his place upon ●ght of the Enemy , he told him , chidingly , ●hat he could neither keep the place his Cap●in had given him , nor that he had taken him●●lf .

The Ambassadours of Alexander , bringing ●●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 ●e rest , said they ; let him give me leave to ●e so still , replied he , because Presents cor●pt us .

The People making some scruple of send●●g some Gallies to that Prince which he requi●ed of them ; I must advise you , Sirs , said he , ●●ther to be the strongest , or be Friends with ●●ose that are so .

Upon the news of his death , the Orators ●●lling aloud to take up Arms ; If he be dead , ●id he , to day , he will be dead likewise to ●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 , ●e told them ; Those sine Speeches were like ●press-Trees which are lofty and beautiful , ●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 Cou●●try with their Forces , he went forth again●● them with all the strength of their Youth and finding every one would needs give hi● counsel : Great Gods , said he , what a ma●●● Captains , and how few Soldiers ? It appears b● this , and by Thucydides , that there is no People resembles the French , so much as the Ath●●nians .

A while after the Athenians having been defeated and compelled to receive a Garriso● when he who commanded would needs ma●●● him a Present ; I refused Alexander's Gifts , sai● he , and added upon a juster occasion .

Antipater endeavouring to oblige him 〈◊〉 something against his Will , he told him , O●● cannot be both a Friend , and a Flatterer .

The People having made choice of him fo● their General , he made Proclamation , that 〈◊〉 should take up Arms , not excepting those o● Sixty years of Age ; and these alledging the● were exempted by the Laws ; and yet they d● not exempt me , said he , who am above Fou●● score .

A corpulent man perswading them to Wa● against his Opinion , and being constrained t● drink several times , because of the heat ; Wh● will this man do in a Battle , said he , who swea●● so much with talking only .

Being condemned to death with his Party as he went to Execution in the midst of thei● Lamentations , without a word speaking , Rascal came and spit in his Face : Take hence ●hat insolent fellow , said he , without being otherwise moved ; and it had been observed , ●hat he was never seen to laugh or cry . Some ●ill affirm that he said , How ill favour'dly that ●ellow gapes , or sneezes , and attributes it to Aristides .

A wicked wretch despairing to dye at the ●●me time ; Are you not happy , said he , to dye ●n Company with an honest man .

Being ready to take the poyson , some body ●sking him , if he would say nothing to his ●on ? Let him never desire to revenge my ●eath , replied he .

He said , It was better sleeping in peace on ●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 must promise little , and perform it ; but we do the quite contrary .

That when one eats more than one should , One hath more Diseases than can be cured .

That he left his Son Estate enough , if he were wise , and if he were not so , all that could be left him would signifie nothing .

Nicostrates , Nicostrates General of the Argiens , said to King Archidamus , who sollicited him to do somewhat that was unjust ; You are not of the Race of Hercules , who travelled over the whole World to punish the wicked , since you endeavour to corrupt the good .

Epaminondas Epaminondas . acquitted himself very well in an employment put upon him , though it was an Office beneath him ; and said in his ow● defence ; It was the man that made the Offic● considerable , and not the Office the man .

He would not allow for so much Oyl , in a● account brought him for a Feast ; Because , said he , it is impossible that we should have eaten so much and not be sick with it .

He withdrew from a sacrificing Feast , because of the great Pomp and Splendor , saying they called me to a Sacrifice , and I meet with a debauch .

Walking very pensively one time , when all the City was rejoycing he told those that asked him the reason of it ; I am sad , that you may take your fill of Mirth .

He would not render up a Criminal to Pelopidas , but did it to a Curtizan , giving this reason , that it was a fit Present for a Curtizan , but not for the General of an Army .

The Lacedemonians having declared War against Thebes , having gotten divers Oracles , some favourable , others not , he put them some on one side of the Chair , others on the other hand , and said ; If you behave your selves well , these are for you , shewing them the good ones , if not you must expect the others : Like a good Politician , he makes our good or evil Fortune depend on our Actions , not our Actions on them .

It hapning to thunder extraordinarily , whilst he was marching an Army , some having inquired of him what that signified ; That our Enemies are astonished , replied he , and shewed where they had entrenched themselves upon the Hills , like men that were afraid ; or , 〈◊〉 disadvantageous ground , like People that ●new not what they did .

He owned that the Battle of Levetres did ●●t please him so much for its importance , as ●●r the having gained it in his Father and Mo●●ers life time .

Appearing melancholy and thoughtful the ●ext day , against his wonted Custom , asking ●im the reason ; It is to allay , replied he , the ●xcess of Joy I felt yesterday .

The General of Thessaly having sent two ●●ousand Crowns to him , to defray the expence ●f an Enterprize which they had contrived ●ogether , as knowing that he was very poor ; ●e quarrelled at him for it , as if he would have ●orrupted him , Thirty or forty Shillings . and satisfied himself with bor●awing some small matter of a Friend of his ●or that purpose .

He refused Darius his Presents with the ●ame Moderation , saying , he ought not to do ●t , if he desired nothing but what was just from ●im ; if not , all the Riches he had could not ●corrupt him : Or , it is to no purpose if he be ●our Friend , if not , I can never be his ; but this ●is to be found elsewhere .

Being informed that a Soldier had enriched himself by the ransom of a Prisoner : You are now too wealthy , said he , to be a Soldier , go and set up a Tavern in some good City . As a Soldier too much at ease is not fit for the War .

Talking how the Athenians were entred into Peloponese , excellently well armed : A good Musician , says he , never dreads to meet anothe● provided with a good Instrument .

So soon as he was Director of Beotia , b● bid the Thebans furbish their Weapons , becaus● he intended to make use of them , and not l● them rust in idleness ; and some advising the● to live in peace , he said , that under that fa● pretence they designed to impose the great●● slavery upon them .

He called his Country the Theatre of War● and said , it could not be defended unless the● always had the Sword in hand .

Some comparing him to Agamemnon , sai● he , That Prince was ten years taking of o●● Town , and I for my part have set free a●● Greece in one days time , by the Battle of L●ctres .

He patiently endured the ill humour of th● Thebans , and said , that one must no more tak●● revenge of ones Country , than of ones Father● Likewise he affirmed the noblest death was 〈◊〉 dye for ones Country , and obtained what h● commended .

A Rich man refusing to lend a Friend of his money , who was in necessity : Art not tho● ashamed , said he , to deny assistance to a good man ? It is not just so in the Original , but ● have put it thus to make it better , for in an● Apophthegm it is not so material for the truth , as the force of the expression .

It being controverted who was the greatest Captain , he , or some other : Stay till our deaths , said he , to judge aright ; because , one oversight does sometimes sorfeit all their reputation .

Being brought to judgment with his Col●egues for having kept the command of the Ar●y four Months after his time was expired ; he ●rdered them to lay all the fault upon him , ●nd presenting himself at the day appointed : ● am the sole Author , said he , of the Crime ●harged upon us , and do not resuse to dye , provided they add to the sentence , That I am ●ondemned to death for having set Greece at li●erty , and made my ingrateful Country tri●mphant over the Lacedemonians , ever till now ●nvincible . This assurance did so astonish his Judges , that they withdrew , without daring to put it to the Vote . He added , that no Arguments were capable of justifying them , if what they had done would not suffice , because Deeds are better then Words , how pompous soever they could be . This serves to shew us , that we must not juggle with the Actions of great men , nor examine them by the strictness of Law .

Being wounded to death at the Battle of Mantiniea , hearing that such as had been able to take the Command of the Army were all slain in the Fight , he advised them to make a Peace , since there were none left fit to carry on the War , and the Event proved that he was in the right .

He would not suffer them to draw the Weapon out of his Wound , till he was assured , he had gained the Victory , and finding they had saved his Buckler , he told them , He dyed contentedly , to live eternally in the memories of men .

Some attribute to him , the killing a Senti●●nal whom he surprized asleep , saying , by wa● of excuse , I left him as I found him .

Pelopidas Pelopidas . took no great care to enrich himself , and when his Friends put him in min● that money was necessary ; Yes indeed , said he , to that man there , shewing them a poo● Cripple .

Going to the Wars , his Wife recommended to him the care of his own Person ; Give tha● caution , to others , said he , for it belongs to m● who am their Chief to have a care of theirs .

Reproaching the persidiousness of a Tyrant who had betrayed him : Thou hast a great desire to dye , said the Tyrant to him ; Yes , replied he , to bestow vengeance , because it would enrage the Thebane .

The Tyrant's Wife being come to see him in Person , and bemoaning his misfortune : Thou art more to be pitied , said he , for suffering a Tyrant to be thy Husband .

When he was set at Liberty , he said , He owed this obligation to the Tyrant , that he had made him know by experience , the fear of death could not terrifie him .

His Soldiers crying out in a Battle , that the Enemies were numerous : The better , said he , we shall kill the more . Another said , we mow hay best , when it is thickest .

Parmenion Parmenion . observing one day , the Ambassadors from Greece , murmured because Philip of Macedon made them wait too long for an Audience . Do not wonder Sirs , said he , that he sleeps while you are waking , for he was wake Whilst you slept . This was because they had ●●t him take his advantage , during their Divisi●ns . This is one of the Noblest Apoph●●egms , because it bears two compleat Sences , ●nd both very true , the one Literal , the other ●llegorical .

Demosthenes Demosthenes . observed of Phocion : that he de●royed by his reasoning , all that ever he set up ●y his Eloquence . He called him the hatchet ●f his Speeches .

He told the Athenians who would oblige him ●o accuse one unjustly ; That he should ever ●dvise them to what was just , though they dis●pproved it ; but he would never do any un●st thing , though they should command it .

He had written on his Buckler , To good ●ortune , and having cast it away to save himself , ●e said ; That his death would have been of no ●ervice to his Country , but his life might some ●ther time be of great Service to him . I would ●ot insert , That he that flies may fight again , which is but a Proverb .

Alexander would grant no pardon to the A●henians , till they delivered up ten of their Citizens to be named by him , amongst which he was one ; Whereupon he said , That the Wolves were once for making a Peace with ●he Sheep , provided they would surrender up ●he Shepherd's Dog .

Endeavouring to save himself after his Condemnation , being encouraged by one that held with the opposite Party ; Where shall I find , ●aid he , a Friend , that is worth such an Enemy .

A Courtizan demanping ten Drachmes for one Night's Pleasure ; I will not , said he , bu● my Repentance so dear .

Being obliged in a contest with another , wh● could rail most , he said , this was a Comb●● wherein the Victor must needs be the Wor● man . The greatest Slanderer .

He told a young man that talked too much● That a wise man spake but sparingly , and tha● Nature had furnished us with but one Tongu● and two Ears , to teach us that we ough● to hear twice as much as we speak . Another time , he said , how comes it that he that taught thee to speak , did not teach thee likewise to hold thy peace .

Of a Covetous Wretch , he said , that fo● want of knowing how to live in his life time , he would leave a livelihood to others after hi● Death .

That there was nothing more easie than to deceive ones self , being soon perswaded to what we like .

That Slander was easily sixed ; but time would discover the Fraud of it .

That he had spent more Oyl than Wine i● attaining to be an Orator , by Study and Sobriety .

That nothing was more harsh to honest People than not to be allowed the liberty of speaking their minds .

That it was difficult to please a Multitude , when one commanded a Multitude .

That what we had in us of the Image of God , was the love of Truth and Justice .

That if we did but know what we must suffer from the People , we should never desire to ●eddle with the Government .

That his return was so much more glorious ●an that of Alcibiades , by how much it was ●etter to obtain it by way of perswasion , than ●y force of Arms.

That he neglected his Estate to cultivate ●is Knowledge , because it was his Knowledge ●cquired him his Estate .

That he conversed with ill People , as Physici●ns do with the diseased , and that the best Phy●cian was he that cured the incurable ; That is to say , such as no others could cure .

That the Law is the Soul of a State , because ●t subsists thereby .

Demetrius Phalereus Demetrius Phalereus . counselled King Ptolomy to read History , to learn , as he said , several things that no body dares tell you .

Becoming acquainted with the Philosopher Crates , during his retirement at Thebes , he cur●sed his Affairs that had robbed him so long a time of the Knowledge of that great man .

The Athenians having pulled down his Statues ; they have not , said he , plucked down those Virtues that caused them to be erected .

He said , we must not wonder if Riches were blind ; since Fortune who bestowed them , was so too .

That Eloquence had as much power in Peace , as force hath in War .

That real Friends while Fortune smiles do expect to be intreated ; but they are forward to proffer themselves when she frowns .

His Counsel to young People , that they might not mistake themselves , was , to respe●● their Parents at home , Strangers abroad , a● themselves when alone .