said, it was they that broke their covenant first, in coming all together.

of

122. The Lacedamonians were besieged by the Athenians in the port of Pyle, which was won, and some slain, and some taken. There was one said to one of them that was taken, by way scorn; were they not brave men that lost their lives at the port of Pyle? He answered; certainly a Persian arrow is much to be set by, if it can chuse out a brave man.

123. Clodius was acquitted by a corrupt jury, that had palpably taken shares of money, before they gave up their verdict; they prayed of the senate a guard, that they might do their consciences, for that Clodius was a very seditious young nobleman. Whereupon all the world gave him for condemned. But acquitted he was. Catulus, the next day seeing some of them that had acquitted him together, said to them; what made you ask of us a guard? Were you afraid your money should have been taken from you?

124. At the same judgment, Cicero gave in evidence upon oath and when the jury, which consisted of fifty seven, had passed against his evidence, one day in the senate Cicero and Clodius being in altercation, Clodius upbraided him, and said; the jury gave you no credit. Cicero answered, five and twenty gave me credit; but

there were two and thirty that gave you no credit, for they had their money beforehand.

125. Diogenes having seen that the kingdom of Macedon, which before was contemptible and low, began to come aloft when he died, was asked how he would be buried? He answered; with my face downward: for within a while the world will be turned upside down, and then I shall lie right.

126. Cato the elder was wont to say; that the Romans were like sheep; a man were better to drive a flock of them, than one of them.

127. When Lycurgus was to reform and alter the state of Sparta; in consultation one advised, that it should be reduced to an absolute popular equality but Lycurgus said to him; sir, begin it in your own house.

128. Bion, that was an atheist, was shewed in a port city, in a temple of Neptune, many tables of pictures, of such as had in tempests made their vows to Neptune, and were saved from shipwreck and was asked how say you now? Do you not acknowledge the power of the Gods? But saith he; Ay, but where are they painted that have been drowned after their vows?

129. Cicero was at dinner, where there was an ancient lady that spake of her own years, and said; she was but forty years old. One that sate

by Cicero, sounded him in the ear, and said; she talks of forty years old; but she is far more out of question. Cicero answered him again; I must believe her, for I have heard her say so any time these ten years.

130. There was a soldier that vaunted before Julius Cæsar, of the hurts he had received in his face. Julius Cæsar, knowing him to be but a coward, told him; you were best take heed next time you run away, how you look back.

131. There was a suitor to Vespasian, who to lay his suit fairer, said it was for his brother; whereas indeed it was for a piece of money. Some about Vespasian told the emperor, to cross him that the party his servant spoke for, was not his brother; but that he did it upon a bargain. Vespasian sent for the party interested, and asked him; whether his mean employed by him was his brother or no? He durst not tell untruth to the emperor, and confessed he was not his brother. Whereupon the emperor said, this do, fetch me the money, and you shall have your suit dispatched. Which he did. The courtier which was the mean, solicited Vespasian soon after about his suit : why (saith Vespasian) I gave it last day to a bro

ther of mine.

132. Vespasian asked of Apollonius? what was the cause of Nero's ruin? Who answered,

Nero could tune the harp well, but in government he did always wind up the strings too high, or let them down too low.

133. Diogenes, one terrible frosty morning, came into the market-place, and stood naked, shaking, to shew his tolerance. Many of the people came about him pitying him: Plato passing by, and knowing he did it to be seen, said to the people as he went by; if you pity him indeed, let him alone to himself.

134. Mr. Marbury the preacher would say, that God was fain to do with wicked men, as men do with frisking jades in a pasture, that cannot take them up, till they get them at a gate. So wicked men will not be taken up till the hour of death.

135. Pope Sixtus the fifth, who was a very poor man's son, and his father's house ill-thatched, so that the sun came in, in many places, would sport with his ignobility, and say; that he was, nato di casa illustre, son of an illustrious house.

136. Cæsar, when he first possessed Rome, Pompey being fled, offered to enter the sacred treasury to take the monies that were there stored: and Metellus, tribune of the people, did forbid him and when Metellus was violent in it, and would not desist, Cæsar turned to him, and said; presume no farther, or I will lay you when Metellus was with those words somewhat

dead.

And

astonished, Cæsar added; young man, it had been easier for me to do this than to speak it.

137. Caius Marius was general of the Romans against the Cimbers, who came with such a sea of people upon Italy. In the fight there was a band of the Cadurcians of a thousand, that did notable service; whereupon, after the fight, Marius did denison them all for citizens of Rome, though there was no law to warrant it. One of his friends did present it unto him; that he had transgressed the law, because that privilege was not to be granted, but by the people. Whereunto Marius answered: that for the noise of arms he could not hear the laws.

138. Pompey did consummate the war against Sertorius; when Metellus had brought the enemy somewhat low. He did also consummate the war against the fugitives, whom Crassus had before defeated in a great battle. So when Lucullus had had great and glorious victories against Mithridates and Tigranes; yet Pompey, by means his friends made, was sent to put an end to that war. Whereupon Lucullus taking indignation, as a disgrace offered to himself, said; that Pompey was a carrion crow, when others had strucken down the bodies, then Pompey came and preyed upon them.

139. Antisthenes being asked of one what learning was most necessary for man's life? Answered, to unlearn that which is nought.