Part 28

From Of the Benefit we may get by our Enemies: translated from Plutarch (1651).

1. [HOMER. ILIAD, I. 255-6.]

Sure Priam will to mirth incline, And all that are of Priam's line.

2. [AESCHYLUS. SEPTEM CONTRA THEBES, 600-1.]

Feeding on fruits which in the heavens do grow, Whence all divine and holy counsels flow.

3. [EURIPIDES. ORESTES, 251-2.]

Excel then if thou canst, be not withstood, But strive and overcome the evil with good.

4. [EURIPIDES. FRAGM. MLXXI.]

You minister to others' wounds a cure, But leave your own all rotten and impure.

5. [EURIPIDES. CRESPHONTES, FRAGM. CCCCLV.]

Chance, taking from me things of highest price, At a dear rate hath taught me to be wise.

6. [INCERTI.]

Knaves' tongues and calumnies no more doth prize Than the vain buzzing of so many flies.

7. [PINDAR. FRAGM. C.]

His deep, dark heart--bent to supplant-- Is iron, or else adamant.

8. [SOLON. FRAGM. XV.]

What though they boast their riches unto us? Those cannot say that they are virtuous.

From Of the Diseases of the Mind and the Body: translated from Plutarch (1651).

1. [HOMER. ILIAD, XVII. 446-7.]

That man for misery excell'd All creatures which the wide world held.

2. [EURIPIDES. BACCHAE, 1170-4.]

A tender kid--see, where 'tis put-- I on the hills did slay, Now dress'd and into quarters cut, A pleasant, dainty prey.

From Of the Diseases of the Mind and the Body: translated from Maximus Tyrius (1651).

1. [ARIPHRON.]

O health, the chief of gifts divine! I would I might with thee and thine Live all those days appointed mine!

From The Mount of Olives (1652).

1. [DEATH.]

Draw near, fond man, and dress thee by this glass, Mark how thy bravery and big looks must pass Into corruption, rottenness and dust; The frail supporters which betray'd thy trust. O weigh in time thy last and loathsome state! To purchase heav'n for tears is no hard rate. Our glory, greatness, wisdom, all we have, If mis-employ'd, but add hell to the grave: Only a fair redemption of evil times Finds life in death, and buries all our crimes.