slaves. There, on turning the stone of that ring towards his hand, he was seen by no one; but he himself saw everything: be (lit. the same) restored the ring to its place, and was again visible. So by using this opportunity afforded by the ring (lit. of the ring), he slew the king, his master, and destroyed his enemies; nor could any one see him in (doing) these actions. So by the help of the ring he became king of Lydia.
XIX.TIT FOR TAT.
88.Scipio Nasica was most friendly with (lit. used most friendly) the poet Ennius. One day he came to his house (lit. to him) and asked about him at the door: but the maid said, ‘Ennius is not at home.’ But Nasica could see Ennius; yet he said nothing, but returned home. A few days after Ennius came to Nasica. Nasica himself called out to him, ‘I am not at home.’ Then (said) Ennius: ‘What! do I not recognise your voice?’ But Nasica replied: ‘You are an unconscionable fellow; for I believed your maid: you don’t believe myself.’
XX.A DISTINCTION WITHOUT A DIFFERENCE.
89.Alexander, king of Macedonia, questioned a captive pirate in these words: ‘By what right, pray, do you infest the sea?’ The pirate, fearing nothing, replied, ‘You and I use the same right: but I have one little ship; therefore I am called a pirate: but you are in command of great fleets and armies, so you are called a conqueror.’
XXI.SOLON’S PRECEPTS.
90.Solon is said to have taught youths these precepts. “You must value your word more highly than an oath: never tell lies: pay attention to great things; do not form friendships too quickly, do not break them when formed; (after) being thoroughly taught to obey orders, command others yourselves. Do not give the most pleasant advice, but the best; obey reason (as your) guide: be unwilling to associate with bad men: worship the gods, do not neglect your fathers and mothers.’
