Book iii
. Chap. x._
In every affair consider what precedes and what follows, and then undertake it.[746-1]
_That Everything is to be undertaken with Circumspection. Chap. xv._
There is a fine circumstance connected with the character of a Cynic,--that he must be beaten like an ass, and yet when beaten must love those who beat him, as the father, as the brother of all.
_Of the Cynic Philosophy. Chap. xxii._
First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.
_Concerning such as read and dispute ostentatiously. Chap. xxiii._
Let not another's disobedience to Nature become an ill to you; for you were not born to be depressed and unhappy with others, but to be happy with them. And if any is unhappy, remember that he is so for himself; for God made all men to enjoy felicity and peace.
_That we ought not to be affected by Things not in our own Power. Chap. xxiv._
Everything has two handles,--one by which it may be borne; another by which it cannot.
_Enchiridion. xliii._
FOOTNOTES:
[746-1] See Publius Syrus, page 712.
TACITUS. 54-119 A. D.
(_The Oxford Translation. Bohn's Classical Library._)
The images of twenty of the most illustrious families--the Manlii, the Quinctii, and other names of equal splendour--were carried before it [the bier of Junia]. Those of Brutus and Cassius were not displayed; but for that very reason they shone with pre-eminent lustre.[747-1]
_Annales. iii. 76. 11._
He had talents equal to business, and aspired no higher.[747-2]
_Annales. vi. 39, 17._
He [Tiberius] upbraided Macro, in no obscure and indirect terms, "with forsaking the setting sun and turning to the rising."[747-3]
_Annales. vi. 52_ (46).
He possessed a peculiar talent of producing effect in whatever he said or did.[747-4]
_Historiæ. ii. 80._
Some might consider him as too fond of fame; for the desire of glory clings even to the best men longer than any other passion.[747-5]
_Historiæ. iv. 6._
The gods looked with favour on superior courage.[747-6]
_Historiæ. iv. 17._
They make solitude, which they call peace.[747-7]
_Agricola. 30._
Think of your ancestors and your posterity.[747-8]
_Agricola. 32._
It belongs to human nature to hate those you have injured.[747-9]
_Agricola. 42._
FOOTNOTES:
[747-1] Lord John Russell, alluding to an expression used by him ("Conspicuous by his absence") in his address to the electors of the city of London, said, "It is not an original expression of mine, but is taken from one of the greatest historians of antiquity."
[747-2] See Mathew Henry, page 284.
[747-3] See Plutarch, page 726.
[747-4] See Chesterfield, page 353.
[747-5] See Milton, page 247.
[747-6] See Gibbon, page 430.
[747-7] See Byron, page 550.
[747-8] See John Quincy Adams, page 458.
[747-9] See Seneca, page 714.
PLINY THE YOUNGER. 61-105 A. D.
(_Translation by William Melmoth. Bohn's Classical Library._)
Modestus said of Regulus that he was "the biggest rascal that walks upon two legs."
_Letters._[748-1] _Book i. Letter v. 14._
There is nothing to write about, you say. Well, then, write and let me know just this,--that there _is_ nothing to write about; or tell me in the good old style if you are well. That 's right. I am quite well.[748-2]
_Letters. Book i . Letter xi. 1._
Never do a thing concerning the rectitude of which you are in doubt.
_Letters. Book i . Letter xviii. 5._
The living voice is that which sways the soul.
_Letters. Book ii . Letter iii. 9._
An object in possession seldom retains the same charm that it had in pursuit.[748-3]
_Letters. Book ii . Letter xv. 1._
He [Pliny the Elder] used to say that "no book was so bad but some good might be got out of it."[748-4]
_Letters. Book iii . Letter v. 10._
This expression of ours, "Father of a family."
_Letters. Book v . Letter xix. 2._
That indolent but agreeable condition of doing nothing.[748-5]
_Letters.