Zenobius 3.44

Mandron too came to a fig-wood ship

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English

Proverb

Explanation

of those who, beyond hope and undeservedly, prosper, then plume themselves on their good fortune. For Mandron was elected admiral over the Hellespontine forces, although unworthy; they say he commanded a "fig-wood ship," that is, the cheapest sort. For figwood timber is cheap and useless.

Greek

Proverb

Ἐγένετο καὶ Μάνδρωνι συκίνη ναῦς

Explanation

ἐπὶ τῶν παρ’ ἐλπίδα καὶ ἀναξίως εὐπραγησάντων, εἶτα θρυπτομένων ἐπὶ τοῖς παροῦσι. Ναύαρχος γὰρ ὁ Μάνδρων ἐχειροτονήθη πρὸς τὰ ἐν Ἑλλης πόντῳ ἀνάξιος ὤν· φασὶ δὲ καὶ συκίνης ἄρχειν νηὸς, τουτέστιν, εὐτελεστάτης. Τὰ γὰρ σύκινα ξύλα εὐτελῆ καὶ ἄχρηστα.

urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0098.tlg001.1st1K-grc1:3.44