Zenobius, one proverb at a time

1.1 An Abydene dessert said of unpleasant things. Eudoxus mentions it in his Hypobolimaeus. They say the Abydenes had the custom, after the dinner and libations, of bringing in their children with t... Illustrated

1.2 An Agathonian flute-tune a soft melody, neither shrill nor slack, but well-tempered and most sweet. Said from Agathon the flute-player, who was lampooned in comedy for his softness. Illustrated

1.3 The Goods of Cillicon supply "he has." For this Cillicon, a Milesian by birth, was a traitor who grew rich by betraying Miletus. Illustrated

1.4 The life of Habron said of the extravagant. There was a certain Habron who was rich and luxurious. The name may also be derived from habros ("dainty"). [Pun: Habrōn / habros "luxurious."] Illustrated

1.5 A Cercopes' market said of the wicked and ill-natured. The Cercopes were certain swindlers who tried to deceive Zeus. Illustrated

1.6 Wells of Agamemnon of great works. They say Agamemnon dug wells around Aulis and in many places throughout Greece. Illustrated

1.7 The Mirthless Rock said of things that bring grief. This rock is in Attica, on which Demeter sat down when she was searching for her daughter. For Pluto, having fallen in love with Persephone, car... Illustrated

1.8 You have eaten of a wild beast as if of a wild animal. Those who have eaten are wont to yawn. [Pun: those who have feasted on game gape, like the beast itself.] Illustrated

1.9 A sea of good things said of an abundance of blessings. Illustrated

1.10 A heap of good things said of great prosperity. Illustrated

1.11 An anthill of good things of abundant good fortune. Illustrated

1.12 Even barley-cake is good after bread said of those who give some persons second place. Illustrated

1.13 An Agamemnon's sacrifice of the stubborn and intractable. For when Agamemnon was sacrificing at Troy the bull ran off and could barely be caught and brought back. Illustrated

1.14 The good are quick to tears of those much inclined to pity. Illustrated

1.15 Despise not a rustic orator the proverb advises us not to despise even those of mean station. Illustrated

1.16 Most unbending is a dry bramble said of one harsh and self-willed in temper. Illustrated

1.17 God is in want of nothing a proverb, inasmuch as God needs no man. Illustrated

1.18 An Admetus song the song sung to Admetus, a song of mourning. This Admetus was king of Pherae, whom Apollo served as a labourer for the following reason. Asclepius son of Apollo, having been ta... Illustrated

1.19 To sing to the myrtle-branch it was the custom that one who could not sing at a banquet, taking a sprig of laurel or myrtle, should sing to that. Illustrated

1.20 The beetle midwifes the eagle proverb. For the beetles destroy the eagles' eggs by rolling them away, since the eagles pick up and devour the beetles. Illustrated

1.21 Bread already ground, dough already kneaded of what is ready, at hand, and effortless. Illustrated

1.22 Another life, another way of living of those who have changed to a better life. Illustrated

1.23 You sleep though carrying salt of those who sleep and take their ease in the midst of great peril. For when a certain merchant had filled his ship with salt and was sleeping, the bilge-water rose and dissolve... Illustrated

1.24 Be at one time one thing, at another another, and follow the country that each man should make himself like to those among whom he finds himself; from the metaphor of the octopus. Illustrated

1.25 Salt and bean of those who pretend to know something but do not. Since seers were accustomed to set salt and a bean before those consulting the oracle; whence also they used to set a bean bef... Illustrated

1.26 The heavenly goat Cratinus says: just as Amalthea is the goat of Zeus, so the "heavenly goat" is of those who take bribes. They are wont, in comic mockery, so to call those who furnish to others... Illustrated

1.27 The goat at the knife proverb of those who do themselves harm, from such a story. The Corinthians, performing their yearly sacrifice to Hera — to her established by Medea and called Acraea — used to... Illustrated

1.28 A tearless war of those who succeed in their affairs most easily and beyond hope, free from any danger. Illustrated

1.29 You hunt the impossible of one undertaking things beyond his strength. Illustrated

1.30 Adrastean Nemesis from Adrastus; applied to those once prosperous and afterwards unfortunate. For Eteocles and Polynices, after the destruction of their father Oedipus, having received the kingsh... Illustrated

1.31 The Looting of Cinnaras Callimachus mentions this in his iambics; and Timaeus said that Cinnaras was a brothel-keeper of Selinus. Having grown extremely rich from his trade, while alive he kept proclai... Illustrated

1.32 A Scyrian sovereignty proverb of cheap things bringing no profit, inasmuch as Scyros is rocky and barren. Illustrated

1.33 A burning robe of those who kindle, ruin, and stir up slanders. Said because Deianira sent Heracles a robe by which he was burnt up and destroyed. For when Heracles had defeated the Centaurs,... Illustrated

1.34 To weep blood by hyperbole, weeping not tears but blood. Illustrated

1.35 We took, and were taken of those who hoped to overcome certain men but were themselves caught by them. Illustrated

1.36 The Graces are naked either because one ought to bestow favours unstintingly and openly; or because the ungrateful have stripped themselves of their proper adornment. Illustrated

1.37 The cranes of Ibycus said of those who, beyond expectation, are punished for their crimes. For Ibycus, while being murdered by robbers, saw cranes flying overhead and called them to witness. Some ti... Illustrated

1.38 You speak to the shore of the unhearing. Like the saying, "You converse with the wind." Illustrated

1.39 To row the windless air of those who toil in vain. Illustrated

1.40 Beginning from Hestia transferred from rites at the altar. For it was the custom to make first-offerings to Hestia. Illustrated

1.41 The cap of Hades against those who hide themselves by sundry contrivances. Such was the cap of Hades, by use of which Perseus cut off the head of the Gorgon. The story is as follows. When Acrisi... Illustrated

1.42 The goat hasn't yet given birth, but the kid plays on the housetop of things not yet born of which men nevertheless speak. Illustrated

1.43 Ajax's laughter of those who laugh madly. For Ajax fell sick of madness when Odysseus was preferred to him for the arms of Achilles, and rushed sword in hand against the Greeks; turned, by the... Illustrated

1.44 To satiety there was a proverb, "That man is insensible to satiety"; and "He was a fraudster to the limit." Illustrated

1.45 Sing the songs of Tellen set down for jesters. Tellen was a flute-player and lyric poet, who left behind playful pieces of the most rhythmical and graceful sort, and the most polished jokes. Illustrated

1.46 Scrubbing an Ethiopian of those who labour in vain at an unaccomplishable task. Illustrated

1.47 The blood of Aesop of those held fast by reproaches and ills hard to wash off; since the divine power was angry with the Delphians for unjustly killing Aesop, and on account of this they say the P... Illustrated

1.48 The Aegieans, neither third nor fourth of cheap, worthless men. The Aegieans of Achaea, having defeated the Aetolians, asked the Pythia which of the Greeks were the best; she answered, "But you Aegieans are neither t... Illustrated

1.49 More fruitless than the gardens of Adonis said of those incapable of producing anything noble; Plato mentions it in the Phaedrus. These gardens of Adonis are sown in earthen pots and grow only as far as a green shoot;... Illustrated

1.50 Untimely goodwill differs nothing from enmity they say Hippolytus said this to Phaedra when she declared that she loved and cherished him beyond all men. Illustrated

1.51 An Acanthian cicada said of the voiceless and unmusical, since the cicadas of Acanthus do not sing. Illustrated

1.52 Acesias healed it of those who make a thing worse by healing it. Aristophanes gives the whole in tetrameters: "Acesias healed his backside." For there was a certain Acesias, an inept physician, w... Illustrated

1.53 Acco of fools. Acco was a woman notorious for foolishness, who, they say, used to look in a mirror and address her reflection as if it were another person; whence the verb "to acco-i... Illustrated

1.54 Hearken to him who has four ears of the disobedient. An oracle was given to Entimus the Cretan and Antiphemus the Rhodian, to beware of "the four-eared one"; this was a Phoenician pirate; they neglected the ora... Illustrated

1.55 To stir what should not be stirred by hyperbole; that one ought not to disturb either altars, tombs, or shrines of heroes. Illustrated

1.56 The works of Aceseus and Helicon of things worthy of wonder. These two were the first to weave the robe of Athena Polias — Aceseus by birth a Patarean, and Helicon a Carystian. Illustrated

1.57 Take the tip and you will have the middle of obscure and hard-to-understand sayings. The colonists who settled Aegina, having been driven by war from their country, consulted the god, who delivered to them the above res... Illustrated

1.58 To feed a whetstone of those who eat much yet add nothing to their bodies. Illustrated

1.59 A headless tale of those who tell incomplete things. Plato: "If I should willingly leave my tale headless." Illustrated

1.60 More fruitless than a wild olive said of those wholly destitute. The Laconians call the wild olive agrippos. Illustrated

1.61 To touch with the fingertip of those who are not properly trained; e.g., "Not, as the proverb has it, having so much as touched it with a fingertip." Illustrated

1.62 Not to transgress salt and table since one must treat as friends those who have shared these with us. Illustrated

1.63 There's no salt in him said ironically of the brackish [tasteless] and unpleasant person. [Pun: "salt" = wit; the man has neither flavour nor wit.] Illustrated

1.64 But like a hero on his shield I wish to entertain you said of those who benefit their friends by means of their own works or crafts; inasmuch as the heroes of old were entertained as guests in their armour. Illustrated

1.65 Some toiled, others enjoyed of those who, contrary to expectation, inherit what belongs to others. Illustrated

1.66 You needn't deliberate at the very altar that one ought not to take counsel in the midst of affairs themselves but before them; inasmuch as those who bring victims for sacrifice deliberate before performing the offering. Illustrated

1.67 But not a second time will the fox supply: "be caught in snares"; inasmuch as having once escaped the snares, she will not fall in a second time. The proverb is said of those who have escaped a wicked sycophant. Image pending

1.68 To find fault with a cock's gizzard of those luxurious and dainty in their manner of life. Image pending

1.69 The owl says one thing, the crow another of those who quarrel with their betters; or of those who do not agree with one another. Image pending

1.70 To play the fox against another fox of those who try to deceive their like. Image pending

1.71 The fox is not bribed of those not easily caught by gifts. Image pending

1.72 You sing in vain of those who labour to no purpose. Image pending

1.73 Some have a tongue, others have molars inasmuch as some are talkers, others gluttons. Image pending

1.74 Leuco says one thing, but Leuco's ass carries another said of those whose words do not agree with their deeds. Leuco was a certain farmer who put skins of honey into baskets and conveyed them to Athens. He had also put barley into... Image pending

1.75 We baled out one batch, and another keeps flowing in of those who toil and accomplish nothing more. For when, the ship leaking, the sailors bale out the bilge-water, and yet more flows in, they seem to labour in vain. Image pending

1.76 To meet with better omens of those who pass from evils to good. Image pending

1.77 Word and deed at once of things accomplished swiftly and sharply. Image pending

1.78 Sloth's corner of those who sit idle and lazy. There is also a place in Libya called "Sloth's Corner." Image pending

1.79 More unmusical than the Leibethrians of the unmusical and uneducated. The Leibethrians are a Pierian people, having no notion at all of either melody or poetry. They are said to be the most unmusical, since the dea... Image pending

1.80 To count the sand of impossible and unattainable things. Image pending

1.81 No sooner pitied than the favour is dead of those who, when benefited, straightway forget the kindness. Image pending

1.82 We once were a Laconian proverb. The older men in Sparta, dancing, used to say, "Ammes pot' ēmes" — that is, "We once were." Image pending

1.83 They asked for shovels, but the others denied having tubs of those asked for one thing who deny having something else. Image pending

1.84 If meat be not at hand, salt-fish must do it teaches that one must be content with what is present. Image pending

1.85 Not even gods fight against necessity. Not even gods fight against necessity. Image pending

1.86 A man in flight does not stop for the sound of the lyre of those who must do each thing swiftly and sharply. Image pending

1.87 The Lydian had no troubles, but went out and bought some of those who draw evils on themselves; inasmuch as Croesus drew Cyrus upon himself as an enemy. Image pending

1.88 A scorpion-fish in place of a perch of those who choose the worse instead of the better. Image pending

1.89 The doors of the Muses stand open of those who readily obtain the fairest things in education. Image pending

1.90 When a man fares ill, his friends are out of the way of those who in misfortunes find no helper, their friends having fled. Image pending

1.91 Man is a god to man of those who, beyond expectation, are saved by a man, or prosper through one. Image pending

1.92 If he asks for wine, give him a fist of those who ask for good things and get cruel ones. The story is from the Cyclops, inasmuch as he asked Odysseus for wine and lost his eye for it. For the Cyclops, having shut... Image pending

1.93 If the lion's skin won't reach, sew on the fox's if you cannot harm openly, use cunning. If what is set before you cannot be accomplished by force, let what is lacking be brought to pass by stratagem and craft. The proverb is... Image pending

1.94 To stork-back [antipelargein, "return like a stork"] of those who repay favours. For storks are said to feed their parents in old age, and, when they cannot fly, to carry them on their shoulders. Image pending

1.95 Climbing onto the roof with unwashed feet of those who come ignorantly to certain works and undertakings. Image pending

1.96 An old man's skull is a raisin of things useful for nothing, since the whole body of old men is feeble. [Pun: dry, withered, and good-for-nothing — like an old raisin.] Image pending

1.97 Never look at an old man's rump of things useless for some purposes. Image pending

1.98 To bale with both supply: "hands." Of those doing something with eagerness. Like the saying, "Shake out every reef." Image pending

1.99 You farm the winds against those who labour and gain no share. Since the wind makes everything grow and increase, but itself receives nothing, or carries off only chaff. Image pending

1.100 Instead of a bad dog, you ask for a pig of those who demand good things in place of bad. Image pending

2.1 The treasure has turned out to be coals of those disappointed in their hopes. Lucian mentions it: "And so, as the saying goes, our treasure has turned out coals." And again, "You have made my treasure show as coals." Image pending

2.2 Worth the whole of things exceedingly precious. Image pending

2.3 You are worthy of the shield in Argos of the modest and well-born; inasmuch as in Argos boys who are pure and free from outrage, by some ancient and lawful privilege, march in procession bearing the shields. Image pending

2.4 Worth a hair of cheap and worthless men, inasmuch as a hair is worth nothing. Image pending

2.5 From slow-footed asses a horse leapt up of those who jump from cheap things to greater. Image pending

2.6 An insatiable jar of those who eat much and are gluttonous. Transferred from the myth of the Danaids and the jar into which they pour the water they draw. For this jar is said to be in Hades, nev... Image pending

2.7 From the starting-line that one ought to be good from the very start, whether in craft or in any common matter. Image pending

2.8 The thunderbolt's stroke met the highest pitch of ruin of those who suffer fitting reward for their deeds. Image pending

2.9 All things are easy for the wise of those who through prudence overcome even difficulties. Image pending

2.10 An Attic into harbour the proverb is of those who display their courage [in harbour]. For Attic sailors, when sailing home, used to row more eagerly to show off to their kin. Image pending

2.11 In return for kindness, the Achaeans bound Agamemnon said against the ungrateful. They say it was composed by Maeson the Megarian. Image pending

2.12 A salt-bought slave equivalent to "barbarian and cheap." For merchants going up into the interior used to bring salt, in exchange for which they got slaves. Whence also the comic poet says, "A nobl... Image pending

2.13 The promises of Chares of those who readily promise much. For Chares was an Athenian general full of forward promises. Image pending

2.14 A struck fisherman will learn his lesson this is much like, "Even the fool learns once it is done." For a fisherman, as they say, was handling fish caught in his net, and being stung by a scorpion-fish, said, "Once stu... Image pending

2.15 Sing the songs of Tellen this Tellen was a flute-player and composer of irregular tunes. Dicaearchus of Messene mentions him. Image pending

2.16 You have spoiled the wine by pouring water on it in the play Cyclops Polyphemus says this to Odysseus, whence it became a proverb. Image pending

2.17 Truer than the events at the Sagra Menander, Sophron, and Alexis mention it. They say that the Epizephyrian Locrians were at war with the Crotonians, and sent to Sparta begging for an alliance; the Spartans answe... Image pending

2.18 A Scyrian goat Chrysippus says the proverb is set down for those who overturn benefits, since the goat often overturns vessels. Others say it is used of profit-bringers, because Scyrian goats... Image pending

2.19 Of their own accord, good men come to good men's feasts Heraclitus used the proverb thus, of Heracles' visit to the house of Ceyx of Trachis, where he so spoke. But Eupolis, in The Golden Race, gives the proverb otherwise: "Of their... Image pending

2.20 The cargo of salt came whence it came, and went whither it went since a certain merchant, they say, sailed his ship loaded with salt; the sailors having fallen asleep, the sea broke in, dissolved the salt, and sank the ship. Image pending

2.21 They have "turned-Parian" [aneparíasan] said of those who change their minds and turn back. Since the Parians, being warred upon by the Athenians and asking for a truce, obtained it on promise of surrendering their ci... Image pending

2.22 In place of Hermione the proverb is said of those who save suppliants; since at Hermione in the Peloponnese there was a sanctuary of Persephone and Demeter giving safety to those who fled there. Ari... Image pending

2.23 You are un-caprified the proverb is found in Hermippus' Soldiers. They say that in the fruit of the wild fig that bears the early figs, certain little creatures are produced called psēnes (gall-wasp... Image pending

2.24 Avarice will take Sparta and naught else — said of those who chose to make gain at any cost. Transferred from an oracle given to the Lacedaemonians, in which the god foretold that the Spartans would per... Image pending

2.25 Comparing a cat to Athena proverb of those who badly compare the better to the worse on account of some slight resemblance — as if one should compare the cat to Athena because of its grey-green eyes. Image pending

2.26 The Attics keep the Eleusinia with "to themselves" understood. Duris says that whenever some persons gather and do anything by themselves, they say of themselves, "The Attics keep the Eleusinia." Image pending

2.27 Let him be taken care of, but at "the House" Aristophanes mentions it in the Farmers, and Plato the comic poet. This was a large house that received paying visitors. Image pending

2.28 An Attic neighbour Duris says of it that, since the Athenians cast out those who dwelt round about and bordered them, the proverb gained currency. Craterus says the proverb was used of the colonis... Image pending

2.29 Eat the turtles yourselves, you who caught them fishermen once dragged up turtles in their nets and tried to share them with passers-by. Those who would not take them said to the fishermen, "Eat the turtles yourselves, you wh... Image pending

2.30 An Aspendian harper Zeno of Myndus says the proverb is set down for the avaricious, saying: "Just as Aspendian harpers send no note outward, but keep all within the instrument, so the lover of mone... Image pending

2.31 Basket and all set down against those who utterly destroy a thing. For Didymus says that dinners used to be brought in on baskets. As Plato says in Griffins: "They've snatched up everything, b... Image pending

2.32 An anchovy-fire proverb of things that come quickly to an end, inasmuch as anchovies are cooked through the moment they see the fire. Image pending

2.33 From horses to asses we use this proverb of those who descend from honour to dishonour; e.g., from grammarian to man-of-affairs, or to anything else of the basest sort. Image pending

2.34 The eyes of Atreus as it were, unturning and harsh. Said from the lawless deed of Atreus, who, suspecting on a slander that his brother Thyestes was committing adultery with his wife Aerope, chopp... Image pending

2.35 Hipparchion the silent in our forefathers' time there were two famous citharodes, Hipparchion and Rufinus. When the quinquennial contest at Heliopolis was held according to custom, Hipparchion stood m... Image pending

2.36 With the bear at hand, do not seek tracks the proverb is said of cowardly hunters. Bacchylides mentions it in his Paeans. Image pending

2.37 You sing as if sailing to Delos of one carefree and luxury-loving. For the voyage to Delos is easy, and those putting in there used to sing as they sailed without a care. Image pending

2.38 An eagle's old age, a lark's youth inasmuch as even an aging eagle is better than any young bird. The eagle is said to end his life when the curve of his upper beak grows down so as to lock with the lower. Image pending

2.39 An Arabian flute-player they say the Arabians, in their night-watches, used a long flute; and one flute-player relieves another, and they pipe, kindling fires, until day comes. Image pending

2.40 Enough of acorns the proverb is said of those passing from a meaner diet to a better. For in early times men, fed on the acorns of the oak, later took to the fruits of Demeter when they were dis... Image pending

2.41 Knock acorns from another oak the proverb is said of those who keep asking favours or borrowing from the same persons. For men once lived on acorns, and they used to call those who gathered this fruit for hi... Image pending

2.42 There's always someone at Cydon's of the hospitable, ever ready to receive guests; inasmuch as Cydon the Corinthian was most hospitable. Image pending

2.43 Always next year the farmer's rich of those forever fed on the hope of escaping their troubles, but always falling into the same. Image pending

2.44 The dice of Zeus always fall well of those fortunate in everything; or, as some say, of those worthily honoured. Image pending

2.45 Agon admits no excuse nor does friendship — Mylon the proverb-collector calls this proverb "Ibycean," as Ibycus was first to use it. Image pending

2.46 Uninvited friends go revelling to friends a proverb like, "Of their own accord, good men come to good men's feasts." Image pending

2.47 Always jackdaw sits by jackdaw of those who consort with their like. Since not only is the bird affectionate to its kind, pairing and flying in flocks, but it is even caught by means of its own reflection, go... Image pending

2.48 The horn of Amaltheia this proverb is like "the heavenly goat," and is said for the following reason. Rhea, having borne Zeus in Crete, gave him to be reared by the Nymphs Adrasteia and Ide, daughter... Image pending

2.49 You teach an eagle to fly of those who undertake to teach others things which the would-be pupils know better than the would-be teachers. Image pending

2.50 An eagle in the clouds this is also an oracle; said of those hard to catch, inasmuch as the eagle when in the clouds is not caught. Image pending

2.51 Always Libya brings forth some new evil of the most malicious, ever inventing some newer mischief. Image pending

2.52 May such wars always pursue me of the unmanly and worthless. Image pending

2.53 An eagle eyeing wood-worms of one who pays no heed and despises trifles. Image pending

2.54 Azanian troubles of those wrestling with troubles. For Azania is a region of Arcadia with thin soil, hard and barren, where the farmers labour and bring home nothing. Image pending

2.55 To stir up Anagyrus Anagyrus is an Attic deme, where a foul-smelling plant grows, called anagyros. The proverb is said from this, of those who stir something up to their own hurt. Some say Anagyrus... Image pending

2.56 Upward flow the springs of sacred rivers proverb of things said or done contrariwise — as if a fornicator should call a chaste man a fornicator. Since rivers flow downward from above, not upward from below. Image pending

2.57 Fallen from an ass the proverb is set down for great and impossible things; as Aristophanes has, "Fallen from a tomb." And Eupolis, "As if fallen from the earth." Image pending

2.58 An Arabian messenger proverb borrowed from the "Arabian flute-player," for those who talk on without ceasing. Said of the Arabian flute-player, who would begin piping for a drachma but stopped only... Image pending

2.59 Imitating the Arcadians proverb of those who labour and toil for others. The Arcadians, though they fought many wars, gained no victory of their own, but fought as mercenaries for others. Image pending

2.60 Bocchoris this man, an Egyptian, is remembered for his justice and resourcefulness in judgement. The proverb is said of those who judge most justly and ingeniously. Image pending

2.61 Off to Macaria with you! some take it as a euphemism, in place of, "Off to misery with you" — for they figure Macaria as a place in Hades. But others say Macaria was a daughter of Heracles, and that, in... Image pending

2.62 You are a bakēlos of the slack and unmanly. Bakēlos properly means a eunuch. Image pending

2.63 Byzine outspokenness of those exceedingly outspoken. From Byzes son of Poseidon, who always spoke with utter frankness. Image pending

2.64 A piped-out life of the useless; from the metaphor of old, worn-out flutes. Image pending

2.65 The Boeotian strain of those quiet at first but afterwards mounting in evils, as Sophocles says, "When one strikes up the Boeotian strain." The proverb is said because the Boeotians, at first havin... Image pending

2.66 Bouthus is wandering about Cratinus mentions it in the Cheirones. It is set down for the simple and dull-witted, transferred from a certain Pythian victor named Bouthus. Image pending

2.67 Bunas is judging said of those who keep putting off and postponing their decisions. For Bunas was an Athenian, as Mnaseas says, to whom the Eleans, being at variance with the Calydonians, entrus... Image pending

2.68 Boeotian riddles of the witless, from the metaphor of the Sphinx. Inasmuch as the Sphinx set the Thebans her riddle: "Four-footed, two-footed, and again three-footed." Oedipus solved it, took hi... Image pending

2.69 An ox will throw dust on himself of those who readily go along to their own hurt. For oxen, being gentle, easily submit to the bonds. But some take it of those who throw themselves into manifest danger. Image pending

2.70 An ox upon the tongue proverb of those unable to speak freely; either because of the animal's voicelessness, or because the Athenian coin had an ox stamped on it, which had to be paid by those who sp... Image pending

2.71 Have you struck and think to flee? against those who do mischief and think to escape. Image pending

2.72 Throw it into the water of those worthy of destruction; equivalent to "Drown it!" Image pending

2.73 The papyrus' fruit bears no ear of those who cannot use their own goods well; inasmuch as the papyrus is too weak to bear grain. For though it sends up ears, it does not bring them to maturity. Image pending

2.74 A clod for a field of those who vie in offering trifling things to the great. It is the same as if one led water from a gully into the sea and thought to oblige it. Image pending

2.75 An ox at a heap of those living in indulgence. Image pending

2.76 Fouling clear water with mud, you will never find drink of those who mix the noblest with the basest. Image pending

2.77 Go to ruin or, "Go to the crows" — of those worthy of destruction. Image pending

2.78 You pour wine for frogs to those who furnish things their recipients have no need of. Image pending

2.79 Water for a frog like "Lard for a weasel" — of those who give what their recipients delight in. There is also, "An ox for the harvest," of those greatly benefited. Image pending

2.80 A bumblebee man of the unproductive; inasmuch as the bumblebee bears no fruit. It is a kind of bee that fashions its honeycomb out of mud. Image pending

2.81 Another's ox looks mostly outward of those neglected by strangers, who therefore look toward their own masters as caring for them. Image pending

2.82 Oxen watching for the harvest of those who labour with care. Image pending

2.83 The Molossian ox said of things divided into many parts and chopped up. For the Molossians, in their oath-takings, made their compacts by chopping oxen into small pieces. Image pending

2.84 May you prophesy to the Boeotians! this is a curse. For Heraclides says that, when the Thebans consulted the oracle about a war, the prophetess at Dodona answered that they would have victory if they committed sa... Image pending

2.85 Achilles has thrown two and four with his dice this is from Euripides. And Euripides, in revising his Telephus, removed the dice-game. It is said of the witless. Image pending

2.86 Bulias judges of judges who keep postponing their decisions, from a certain Bulias the Athenian, who put off judgement so long as to die before delivering verdict. Image pending

2.87 Bellerophon's letters Bellerophon, having killed Belleros — or, as some say, Peirēn — came as a fugitive from Argos to Tiryns, to Proetus. Anteia, wife of Proetus, conceived a passion for him; he ref... Image pending

2.88 You are noble out of your purse — of those reckoned noble through wealth. Image pending

2.89 The owl flies the flight of the owl was reckoned by the Athenians a sign of victory. Image pending

2.90 An old fox is not caught in a trap of those who, by long experience, do not err. Image pending

2.91 Glaucus' craft either of things easily wrought, or of things wrought with utmost care and skill. For a certain Hippasus made four bronze discs so that their diameters were equal, but the thick... Image pending

2.92 Sweet elbow they say the proverb is from the so-called "Long Elbow" on the Nile; by antiphrasis for "harsh." Image pending

2.93 A little tunic for a weasel this proverb is like, "A saffron robe does not become a weasel." Since a weasel, by Aphrodite's contrivance turned into a woman, in her saffron gown sprang at a mouse. Strattis... Image pending

2.94 A Seriphian crone Apollodorus says there is a proverbial expression, "the Seriphian crone," for a woman grown old in maidenhood. Others derive it from the locust: for the field-locust, called by... Image pending

2.95 Barer than a slough Aristophanes has, "Blinder than a slough." A slough is the cast-off hide of a snake or cicada. Properly, the slough is that in which the calf's foetus is contained; this too is... Image pending

2.96 An old woman plays the Bacchant of those who do something out of season; for it is fitting for the young to dance in chorus. Image pending

2.97 An old ox is unmourned in the house of those who die in their due season. Image pending

2.98 You set a naked man as guard proverb of those unable to fulfil their orders, because the very orders are impossible. Image pending

2.99 Tongue, whither do you go? to set up a city or to overthrow a city — of those who through speech either help or harm. Image pending

2.100 Clattering laughter disorderly and unruly; inasmuch as some, when they laugh, clap together their hands or their feet. Image pending

3.1 To transplant an old tree of the impossible. It teaches that one should not push the old beyond their prime into the labours of those in their vigour. Image pending

3.2 The knee is closer than the shin of those who love themselves more than their comrades. They say that in the war at Chaeronea, when a man saw his cousin and his brother both being beaten down, he sheltered his... Image pending

3.3 Fonder of children than Gello of those who die untimely; or, of those who love their children but ruin them with indulgence. For Gello was a maiden, and since she died untimely, the Lesbians say her phantom... Image pending

3.4 I grow old ever learning many things of those who through age are more experienced. It is drawn from the elegies of Solon. Image pending

3.5 Old wives' babble of those who chatter to no purpose. Image pending

3.6 An owl to Athens of those bringing useless wares to market, since the bird is most plentiful among the Athenians. Image pending

3.7 The works of Daedalus some say the proverb is used of marvellous works, others of those finely wrought in their craft. For whereas the old craftsmen fashioned their statues blind, Daedalus opened up... Image pending

3.8 A Diomedean compulsion of those who do something under necessity. Aristophanes mentions it in the Frogs. For when Diomedes and Odysseus, having taken the Palladium, were carrying it to the ships, Odys... Image pending

3.9 Nothing is stronger than dread necessity for necessity compels even the gods. And Plato says, "Not even God is able to compel necessity." Image pending

3.10 A Daktylos day of the prosperous. For Daktylos was a certain Athenian who attained the greatest honours. Image pending

3.11 A Datus of good things Datus is the name of a city which the Thasians colonised; concerning it the proverb "A Datus of good things" was used, since it was very fair: it has gold mines, and is prosperous. Image pending

3.12 I carry a staff of laurel those plotted against by certain persons used to say this, inasmuch as laurel wards off poison. Image pending

3.13 To run through the spear-point of those running grave risks. They call the spear oxeia ("the sharp"). [Pun: oxeia "sharp" / "spear-point" / "rapidly."] Image pending

3.14 A Daulian crow for "nightingale." Called Daulian because the matter of Tereus took place at Daulis in Phocis; or, some say, because the women about Procne were caught near Daulia and there cha... Image pending

3.15 Better at the second proverb of those who sacrifice a second time, when their first sacrifices fail to burn and they turn to a second. Image pending

3.16 More just than a stachánē of those who love what is just. For the Dorians call the balance-beam stachánē, perhaps from stásis ("standing"). Image pending

3.17 You hunt the wind with a net of those who do anything in vain and senselessly. Image pending

3.18 You ought to be drawn through a finger-ring of those grown thin and wasted from sickness or grief. Image pending

3.19 He must hurl himself through swords and fire of those who dare and act recklessly. Image pending

3.20 He'll stand trial even if an ass bites a dog of those falsely charged on trifles. Image pending

3.21 A Zeus's Corinth proverb of those who say and do the same thing over again. Image pending

3.22 Aletes accepts even a clod of those who take everything for the better. For they say Aletes, an exile wishing to return to Corinth, met a herdsman of whom he asked food; the man saying he had none, picked... Image pending

3.23 Double men disyllabic names of men. Whence the epigram: "I hate the man whose nature is double, fair in his words but hostile in his ways." Image pending

3.24 An octopus pounded with twice seven blows of those who deserve chastisement; inasmuch as the octopus, when caught, is beaten many times to make it tender. Image pending

3.25 Two-spleened opinions meaning, oddly disposed in two ways, by metonymy. For cholos means anger, and anger is a "manner." Bacchylides: "A myriad tempers of men are distinguishable." Image pending

3.26 Spear and herald's wand a proverb which some call "persuasive force." It is said of those who at once exhort and threaten, from holding a spear and a herald's wand together. Image pending

3.27 The hailstone drachma under Diophantus the theatre-allowance was a drachma; and since hail fell from the sky at that time, they jokingly called it the "hailstone drachma." Image pending

3.28 Suit begot suit, and damage damage of the litigious, who string lawsuit upon lawsuit. Image pending

3.29 Shameful to stub yourself twice on the same stone of those who twice fall foul of the same things. Image pending

3.30 You teach a dolphin to swim of those who try to drill someone in the very things at which he is practised. Image pending

3.31 To bad men too is given a catch of those who, undeservedly, fare well. Image pending

3.32 You are more cowardly than the man who peeped out of those exceedingly cowardly. For there was a certain man so cowardly that, for fear of Heracles, he hid himself in a cave, and out of cowardice died there. Peeping out from th... Image pending

3.33 Twice and thrice the noble thing that one ought to speak often of noble things. Image pending

3.34 A diolygian evil of those undergoing some great and terrible thing. For diolygion means "great and far-extending." So Plato: "What long and diolygian nonsense!" Image pending

3.35 Wealth is a coward inasmuch as the rich fortify their houses, keep dogs, and surround themselves with many guards. Image pending

3.36 Right foot for the shoe, left for the foot-basin of those who use things fittingly to their purpose. Image pending

3.37 Egyptians are clever at weaving wiles of the most utterly malicious; such are the Egyptians. Image pending

3.38 You tie a dolphin by the tail of the impossible, because the creature is so quick. Against those who cannot guard or hold what is given to them. Image pending

3.39 More enslaved than Messene since the Lacedaemonians, when the Messenians repeatedly revolted, enslaved them, and treated them more harshly than other slaves. Image pending

3.40 The pestle grows Chrysippus says it is used of those who do not grow but remain small. The proverb is also said of [those who remain] small. For the pestle is small and round. Image pending

3.41 The brain of Zeus the proverb is set down for those living in indulgence. Clearchus, in the fifth book of his On Lives, says that among the Persians the most expensive dishes are called "the brai... Image pending

3.42 Whatever gift one gives, praise it this is a fragment of an oracle given to Myscellus of Rhypes, at the time when he wished to settle not Croton but Sybaris, as Hippys says in his On Times. The oracle ran thus: "... Image pending

3.43 You and I draw the same yoke of those who suffer like and similar things. Image pending

3.44 Mandron too came to a fig-wood ship 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 unworth... Image pending

3.45 To fight dogs in a well of those wretchedly grappling with someone and unable to escape. Image pending

3.46 You shoot at heaven of those who labour for nothing. Image pending

3.47 He hangs by a hair of those in extreme peril. Image pending

3.48 Out of the wolf's mouth of those who against hope receive something. Image pending

3.49 It came to the ears of the gods of those whose deeds do not escape notice. Image pending

3.50 Back to the old stalls of those who, having lost some indulgence, then return to their former mode of life. Image pending

3.51 One man, no man inasmuch as nothing is brought to pass by one alone. Image pending

3.52 The wolf into the snares equivalent to "The goat onto the whetted knives." Of those who go to manifest danger. Image pending

3.53 You revelled into a hive of bees proverb of those unexpectedly and overwhelmingly mistreated. Image pending

3.54 If you can't drive an ox, drive an ass of those instructing one to do what lies within his power. Image pending

3.55 To sow into water of those toiling in vain. Image pending

3.56 I came sick to the sick of those suffering like and similar things. Image pending

3.57 May mine be the lands between Corinth and Sicyon of those wishing themselves the fairest and most profitable things. For the lands between these two cities are most fertile. Image pending

3.58 I shall play bath-attendant for myself proverb meaning, as it were, "I shall serve myself." It is said when the bath-attendant is slack and one takes the dipper for himself and serves himself; or from those who burie... Image pending

3.59 The risk on a Carian of those making trial on cheap men. The Carians were the first to serve as mercenaries. Others set the proverb against the easily-despised: for they say the Carians were the fir... Image pending

3.60 You're being carried in a basket a kind of children's game; for he who carried someone "in a basket" used to put his hands behind him, while the one carried set his knees in them, and so was lifted. Image pending

3.61 He has consulted the oracle of Trophonius of the unsmiling and gloomy of brow. For they say those who descend into the cave of Trophonius lose their laughter. Image pending

3.62 You have your feet outside the mire of those set beyond danger; like the saying, "Out of bow-shot." Image pending

3.63 You shall sleep in a mortar some say Holmus was a seer; others, that those who slept in a mortar (holmos) became prophetic, whence the proverb. And Aristophanes the grammarian says that those who slept in... Image pending

3.64 It lies on the knees of the five judges proverbial, equivalent to "they are in others' power." The proverb is said because five judges judged the comic plays, as Epicharmus says. It is composed in imitation of the Hom... Image pending

3.65 I learn pottery on the great jar proverb of those who skip the first lessons and immediately tackle the greater. As if one, learning to make pots, before learning to fashion plates or other small things, should... Image pending

3.66 A deer-hearted man of the coward, from the metaphor of the animal; for the deer is timid. Image pending

3.67 An elephant catches no mouse of those who scorn small and trifling things. Image pending

3.68 To make an elephant out of a fly of those who magnify by speech the smallest things and blow them up. Lucian, in his Encomium of the Fly: "Lest I seem, as the proverb has it, to make an elephant out of a fly." Image pending

3.69 Goats free from the plough of those released from some burden or trouble. Image pending

3.70 Even an ant has its bile it counsels not to despise even the small. Image pending

3.71 To dance in the dark of those who labour without witnesses, whose work is unseen. Image pending

3.72 You are wearing out your cloak in summer of those using necessities out of season. Image pending

3.73 In cowards' hearts dwell unmanly words that, as he says, words are shaped and stamped to fit the souls. Image pending

3.74 You hide on the threshing-floor meaning, "You take cover in the threshing-floor." Of those unable to escape notice, since the threshing-floor is open on all sides. Image pending

3.75 He's putting on the lion's hide before me of those undertaking great matters; from the metaphor of Heracles. Image pending

3.76 The sleep of Endymion of those who sleep much. For Selene fell in love with Endymion, who excelled in beauty, and Zeus, at her request, gave him to choose what he would. He chose to sleep on for ever... Image pending

3.77 In faction even Androcles plays general of cheap men deemed worthy of honour through some turn of fortune. Such too is the saying: "In want of resource, even Carcinus had a share of honour"; and "In faction, even the... Image pending

3.78 I'm at the crossroads of unclear matters; since one at the crossroads does not know which road he will take. Image pending

3.79 Within the seventh at Athens it was forbidden to lead an army out before the seventh of the month. Image pending

3.80 An imported oath not native, but brought from abroad; or one which another imposes, not freely chosen. Image pending

3.81 More cowardly than Epeius so was Cratinus the comic poet called; perhaps because he was company-commander in the Oeneid tribe and showed himself rather cowardly; for Epeius too was a coward. Image pending

3.82 On the affairs of Mandrabolus set down against those who keep going from worse to worse. For this Mandrabolus, having once found a treasure on Samos, [first] dedicated a golden ram to Hera; in the second yea... Image pending

3.83 A chickpea Dionysus proverb of the worthless. Image pending

3.84 A default judgement when the defendant fails to appear at the trial and is condemned. Image pending

3.85 A Hermonian grace certain Pelasgians who dwelt in Lemnos came in ships to Brauron in Attica and carried off the women from there. Falling sick of a plague, they were ordered to make atonement to... Image pending

3.86 To the Isles of the Blest Hesiod says that the Isles of the Blest lie about the Ocean, and there the blessed ones dwell, ruled by Cronus. Whence the proverb is said of the blessed. Image pending

3.87 To the crows there is in Thessaly a place called "Crows" (Korakes), where they used to hurl evildoers; whence the proverb. Menander mentions it constantly. They say that to the Boeotians, wh... Image pending

3.88 A one-sided suit one to which the parties did not both come. Image pending

3.89 To sit out of bow-shot proverb counselling one to keep himself far from the missiles of his foes. Image pending

3.90 Through Syloson, a wide land Syloson the Samian was a friend of Darius king of the Persians, and through him received the lordship of Samos after Polycrates' death. But since he ruled bitterly and harshly,... Image pending

3.91 For the necessary Pericles, they say, gave money to Pleistoanax, king of the Lacedaemonians, and thus persuaded him to withdraw from Attica when he was advancing in war. Afterwards, rendering acc... Image pending

3.92 At Aphannae the Sybarites were asking the god for victory over the Crotoniates, those Crotoniates being present. One of the Crotoniates mockingly said that they would obtain it "at Aphannae... Image pending

3.93 More changeable than a buskin the buskin is a kind of shoe that fits both right and left foot; whence the Athenians called Theramenes, of the Thirty Tyrants, "Buskin." The proverb is said of those who are co... Image pending

3.94 The well-meaning slayer this proverb was brought forth from Orestes, as Homer too showed: for having killed his mother, he held a funeral feast. Likewise from Antigonus the king, who, having murdered S... Image pending

3.95 Quit of harm I see another holding my own evil exantēs means "the healthy" and "the one outside atē (mischief)," as Plato says. Image pending

3.96 Blessed is Corinth, but I would be of Tenea Tenea is a leafy village near Corinth. As if the villagers, while admitting that Corinth is prosperous, yet choose to keep their lesser village — so the saying. Image pending

3.97 Counsel comes by night the proverb is so used because night brings quiet and gives, in leisure, sound reasoning to those deliberating about pressing matters. Image pending

3.98 I have fled the bad and found the better set down for those who augur within themselves a change for the better. For at Athens at weddings it was the custom for a child whose parents both lived to be crowned with thorn... Image pending

3.99 The Muse is cut out they say that, whereas the ancients used learned discussion at their banquets, those who came after brought in singing-girls and harpists and dancing-girls. Image pending

3.100 You may say your three at the aulē to those being led off to death they used to grant this freedom, that, having been filled with food and wine, they might say three things they wished; after which they were gagg... Image pending

4.1 You are pulling down the moon to your own hurt the Thessalian women who pull down the moon are said to lose their eyes and their children. The proverb is therefore said of those who draw evils upon themselves. Image pending

4.2 If anything bad off to Pyrrha with it! — they say the Pyrrhaeans were on bad terms with all their neighbours. So those neighbours, in averting the troubles that befell them by casting them out... Image pending

4.3 Nobler than Codrus Codrus was son of Melanthus; Melanthus was sixth in descent from Neleus, of whom Nestor too was descended. He, having been driven out of Messene, came to Athens and, in single c... Image pending

4.4 Foes' gifts are no gifts and bring no gain Sophocles mentions this proverb in Ajax the Whip-bearer. Euripides too says in the Medea: "An evil man's gift brings no profit." Image pending

4.5 In wine is truth proverb; inasmuch as wine reveals what sort those who fill themselves with it really are. Image pending

4.6 In every tale, the abomination of Daedalus too Minos, sacrificing to Poseidon, prayed that something might be sent up to him from the sea that very day, and promised in turn to sacrifice whatever it might be. When Poseidon s... Image pending

4.7 Out of any wood a yoke-collar can be made set down for those whose appearance might be despised, but who fall in for needful uses. Epicharmus mentions it in the Trojan Women. Image pending

4.8 The fish-trap of sleeping fishermen the proverb is said of those who, without toil, achieve whatever they set out for; since while the fishermen sleep the fish enters the trap. Image pending

4.9 The talents of Zopyrus Zopyrus the Persian, doing the king a favour, scourged himself, cut off his nose and ears, entered Babylon, and being trusted because of his bodily disfigurement, betrayed the c... Image pending

4.10 A law of Zaleucus of the severe. For Zaleucus laid down rather brutal laws for the Epizephyrian Locrians. Image pending

4.11 Zeus, slow but sure, has looked into his ledgers that justice, even if late, comes upon the wicked not without forethought. For they say Zeus writes down the deeds of men in certain leather rolls. Image pending

4.12 The pot boils, friendship boils of those who come into friendship through dining together. Image pending

4.13 Searching for a relish, I lost my cloak of the most unlucky. Image pending

4.14 The life of a jar of those living modestly and frugally; from Diogenes the philosopher, whose sweetest dwelling and resort was a jar. Image pending

4.15 Take but an onion, and you shall live again to those who reap great glory from a small cause. Image pending

4.16 We live not as we wish, but as we can of those who do not live by their own choice. Plato uses it in the Hippias. Image pending

4.17 Either he has died, or he is teaching letters of those who campaigned with Nicias to Sicily, some perished, others were taken captive and used to teach the Sicilian children their letters. Those who escaped to Athens, when... Image pending

4.18 Either a lily or a gourd the gourd's flower is called a lily; but it is uncertain whether it will bear fruit. The ancients used "lily" of the dead, "gourd" of the living. Diphilus mentions it, saying: "... Image pending

4.19 One must either eat tortoise-meat or not eat it a small amount of tortoise-meat eaten produces gripes, but a great quantity purges. Whence the proverb. Others use it of those starting to set hand to a thing but then dawdling.... Image pending

4.20 Amaia has gone after Azesia Didymus relates that Amaia is what Demeter is called among the Troezenians, and Azesia what Persephone is called. The proverb came from this story. It is said of those engaged i... Image pending

4.21 More foolish than Praxilla's Adonis Praxilla of Sicyon was a lyric poetess, as Polemon says. This Praxilla, in her songs, brings on Adonis being asked by those below what was the most beautiful thing he left behin... Image pending

4.22 The Heraclean stone some call this the magnet, that draws iron. Others, a different stone resembling silver. It is so called from Heraclea, the city in Lydia. Image pending

4.23 Either thrice six or three dice the proverb is in Pherecrates' Ant-men. It is set down for those taking risks. "Thrice six" signifies complete victory; "three dice," defeat. For of old they used three dice in... Image pending

4.24 The door of Phanius Phanius, they say, was a money-lender, but he was blind. While his slave was secretly opening up his strongboxes and the door, which Phanius reckoned strong, the proverb came to... Image pending

4.25 An anchovy and the fire the proverb is said of those things that come to a sharp and quick end. Inasmuch as the anchovy (which is a fish), so soft is it, is cooked through the moment it sees the fire. Image pending

4.26 The Heraclean disease Dicaearchus says that the sacred sickness (epilepsy) is named the Heraclean. For Heracles, they say, fell into it from his long labours. Image pending

4.27 Thamyris is mad the proverb is said of those who, with full understanding, seem to act unaccountably. Thamyris, surpassing many in beauty, was the first to fall in love with males. Practising k... Image pending

4.28 Quicker than Boutes among the warriors painted on the Stoa was one inscribed "Boutes," of whom only the helmet and one eye showed; the rest of him seemed concealed by the mountain on which he stood... Image pending

4.29 A Thessalian sophistry proverb said of those who play the sophist. For there had come to a Thessalian an oracle bidding him beware lest his enemies overcome him by using a greater and more brilliant p... Image pending

4.30 The gods' assembly proverb of those who dare to say something against persons as far above them as the gods are above men. Also, the name of a place at Athens, so called from the gathering held th... Image pending

4.31 You go forward muddily having no settled and secure progress, but advancing unsteadily and in confusion. Image pending

4.32 Thracians know no oaths Menander mentions this in his first play. He says that in this land the eldest, struck through the breast with a javelin, perished. Hence among the Ionians and Aeolians arose th... Image pending

4.33 Out of doors, you Carians, the Anthesteria are over! some say it is said because of the multitude of Carian slaves, who at the Anthesteria feasted and did no work. When the festival was completed, sending them off to their tasks t... Image pending

4.34 A Thasos of good things proverb of those who promise to make someone prosperous and splendid. For Callistratus the orator, having been driven out of Athens, persuaded the Athenians to settle the land o... Image pending

4.35 Faster than Heracleitus of Perinthos runs the interest Heracleitus was a runner admired for his speed. The proverb is said of those who borrow money: that interest runs faster than Heracleitus the runner. It is given in Doric form,... Image pending

4.36 Shamelessness is a goddess set down for those who profit by some piece of shameless conduct. Theophrastus, in his On Laws, says that there are altars of Outrage and Shamelessness among the Athenians. Image pending

4.37 A Thracian loophole they say the Thracians, defeated by the Boeotians at Coronea, agreed on a truce of five days; but coming upon the Boeotians by night, they killed some and took others alive. The... Image pending

4.38 The woes of Ino Ino, daughter of Cadmus, married Athamas and bore two sons, Learchus and Melicertes, and a daughter Eurycleia. These Athamas in his madness shot down with arrows. Then Ino, with... Image pending

4.39 Colder than Ialemus proverb, as if one should say, "Barer than the wretched man." Or because mourners use the dirge (ialemos), uttering it as their refrain — whence "to mourn" is also said ialemize... Image pending

4.40 Counsel is a sacred thing proverb, that one ought to give counsel cleanly. Epicharmus mentions it. Image pending

4.41 On the aging horse cast the smaller wheels Crates the comic poet mentions it in his Samians. It is set down for those who through old age need rest and respite. It is said from war-horses, on which when they aged they us... Image pending

4.42 The cavalry-commanders' tablet since at Syracuse the cavalry-commanders, writing their names on tablets, used to mark down those who broke ranks. Image pending

4.43 An Iliad of woes said proverbially of great woes; inasmuch as countless evils befell at Ilion. Image pending

4.44 He sacrifices to Hestia the proverb is set down for those who readily share with no one. For it was customary among the ancients, when they sacrificed to Hestia, to share the sacrifice with no one. The... Image pending

4.45 A Cadmean victory different writers explain this proverb in different ways. They apply it to a victory bringing no profit: some, because Eteocles and Polynices both perished in their single comba... Image pending

4.46 You loose the knot proverb of those undertaking to loose what is hard to loose. For an oracle had been delivered to the Phrygians concerning the wagon that brought Midas, that whoever loosed its k... Image pending

4.47 A winding course there were certain "winding" race-courses, not straight and simple but with bends. Image pending

4.48 The Carpathian (and) the hare proverb. Because there were no hares in their land, they imported them themselves; and they multiplied so much that the corn and the vines were ruined by them. Archilochus uses... Image pending

4.49 A Corcyrean whip the Corcyrean whips had some elaborate construction; whence they passed into proverb. Some say they were even double, and had ivory handles, and were extraordinary in size. For... Image pending

4.50 To play the Cercops the proverb is transferred from animals fawning with their tails. But better, from the Cercopes, whom they relate to have lived in Lydia, exceedingly deceitful and unpleasant; o... Image pending

4.51 You live in Cescus a city of Pamphylia, of fools. Whence too the proverb, "She has no Cescus," of those without sense. Image pending

4.52 The mullet keeps fast proverb of the very gluttonous. For the mullet is so insatiable that on this account they used to call gapers and drinkers "mullets," as gluttons. Others say the proverb is of t... Image pending

4.53 A Cilician ruin a scoundrel; for the Cilicians are scoundrels, or because, being given to piracy, they were notorious for cruelty. The Atticists too call bitter punishments "Cilician." Image pending

4.54 More numerous than the Callicyrians so were called at Syracuse those who attacked the landholders — Callicyrians. Hence proverbially they used to say, whenever they wished to indicate a multitude, that they were "... Image pending

4.55 The bench at the prow is danger proverbial. For enemies, leaping at once upon the prow, take it. Selis is "bench." Image pending

4.56 The crow draws water proverb of those obtaining something with difficulty. Image pending

4.57 Even the korkoros among vegetables the Peloponnesians say the korkoros is a cheap wild vegetable. Whence the proverb. Image pending

4.58 Sillier than Coroebus simpleton and fool. They used "Coroebus" of the foolish, from a certain Coroebus the simpleton, whom they think to be the son of Mygdon the Phrygian, born about the time of the... Image pending

4.59 Uglier than Corydeus this Corydeus was lampooned in comedy for his ill looks, and so were his children, of whom they name one Archestratus. Image pending

4.60 The crow (and) the scorpion proverb of those who attempt difficult and harmful things; it is elliptical — supply "snatched up." For the scorpion, being snatched up, did no less harm by injecting his sting'... Image pending

4.61 A mouth of the Curetes they were thought to be soothsayers; equivalent to "an oracular mouth." Image pending

4.62 To play the Cretan they used the word for "to lie and deceive," and they say the proverb spread from Idomeneus the Cretan. For when, they say, a quarrel arose among the Greeks at Troy about who wa... Image pending

4.63 A ram repaid his rearing proverb of the ungrateful, since rams butt their mangers. It is said, as has been said, of those ungrateful to those who have been kind to them: "the ram and his rearing." For r... Image pending

4.64 Cissamis the Coan this man had many flocks. They say that an eel appearing every year used to snatch the finest of his sheep, and Cissamis killed her; and she, appearing to him in a dream, ordere... Image pending

4.65 Wiser than Cantharus the proverb is said of the wicked and malicious, since at Athens a certain shopkeeper called Cantharus was punished with death for wickedness and treason. Some say he was a shop... Image pending

4.66 Deafer than a thrush Eubulus mentions it in his Dionysius. They say the bird is deaf. Image pending

4.67 Profit is better than shame: drag the adulterer to your inner room Callias mentions it in his Atalanta. Image pending

4.68 Deafer [Κωφότερος] than the harbour of Torone there is a harbour [Kophos] by Torone in Thrace; it has long, narrow approaches from the open sea, so that the sound of the waves is not heard by those within it. Image pending

4.69 A Crobylus pair proverb set down for those who use surpassing wickedness. Transferred from a certain pimp Crobylus, who acquired two courtesans, not only to ruin many of the youth by means of t... Image pending

4.70 Kydos abuse, slander. And kydazein, "to revile and slander." The first syllable is short. And whenever someone has paid abuse on charges of nothing worthy, the proverb says he has "pa... Image pending

4.71 Cyzicene staters these had a reputation for being well engraved. The figure was a woman's face — that of the Mother of the Gods; on the reverse, the forepart of a lion. Image pending

4.72 The shame of "Cythonymus" of one having a shameful renown; or whose name one would conceal because of his calamities and deeds; or one of evil name, or notorious for his deeds, or worthy to be hidden. Image pending

4.73 A dog to the chains proverb of those handing themselves over to punishment; also, "an ox to the chains." Image pending

4.74 A Coan against a Chian the Coan die scored a six. There is a proverb, "A Chian against a Coan." For the Chian die scored one, the Coan six. Image pending

4.75 A Corycaean was eavesdropping Menander mentions it in his Encheiridion. There were pirates around Corycus in Pamphylia, and certain men of Corycus, working with them, busied themselves with the cargoes of th... Image pending

4.76 Even pangs grant exemption Peisistratus the tyrant, they say, used to demand a tithe of crops from the Athenians. Once, passing by, he saw an old man working among rocks and stony places, and asked the ol... Image pending

4.77 Tablets of woes among the Athenians the kyrbeis are triangular boards on which they wrote their laws and the punishments for wrongdoers. The proverb is said of the exceedingly wicked. Image pending

4.78 The victor weeps, the vanquished is destroyed this came from an oracle of the Sibyl of Erythrae. For prophesying about Philip after the battle at Chaeronea, she uttered the verse. Inasmuch as the Athenians and Thebans were... Image pending

4.79 Friends' goods are common Timaeus says that to those coming to Pythagoras as students in Italy, the philosopher used to urge that they make their property common. Whence Pythagoras' counsel passed into a... Image pending

4.80 Celmis in iron the proverb is set down for those exceedingly confident of themselves, that they are by nature strong and hard to overcome. For Celmis, one of the Idaean Dactyls, having outrage... Image pending

4.81 Babys plays worse on the flute they set this down for those who practise their art badly. They say that Babys was brother of Marsyas, whom Apollo, hanging him stretched from a pine, flayed for contesting with... Image pending

4.82 Of a bad crow, a bad egg some say this proverb is from the bird, that neither itself is fit to eat, nor is the egg it lays. Others, from Corax the Syracusan rhetor, the first to teach the rhetorical art... Image pending

4.83 Cythnian calamities this came into proverb because of what befell the Cythnians. For Aristotle says they were so badly handled by Amphitryon that great calamities came to be called "Cythnian-deaths." Image pending

4.84 A sleeping hare proverb of those pretending to sleep. Image pending

4.85 The hare runs for his very flesh the creature is exceedingly cowardly; whence too "Rhegine hare" became a saying, for the comic poets lampooned the Rhegines for cowardice. There is a proverb, "The hare runs for... Image pending

4.86 A Lerna of evils there is an Argolic proverb, which they used in averting evil. For they used to throw the refuse and offscourings into this place, since it was a mixed and motley crowd. But mor... Image pending

4.87 White-livered Clearchus, in his On Lives, says that in some men something happens about the liver which makes them cowardly; the proverb is therefore said of such. Image pending

4.88 Worth Lesbians proverb of the unprofitable. Image pending

4.89 A white line of those understanding nothing the proverb was used: "A white line on a white stone." For on white stones, white lines can show nothing, as can a line drawn with red ochre. The... Image pending

4.90 A drowsy dog the dog that fawns but bites secretly. And horses that are sluggish are called laithargoi. And there is a disease so called, with fever. Image pending

4.91 A Lemnian crime proverb said to have spread from the lawless deeds done against the men in Lemnos by the women. Or because the women carried off from Attica by the Pelasgians were taken to Lemn... Image pending

4.92 May you bathe like Pelias this proverb came from what befell Pelias, whom his daughters set down into a boiling cauldron, deceived by Medea, supposing they would make him young, and so destroyed him by b... Image pending

4.93 A field of famine said of cities oppressed by famine; for there is a place so named. They say that famine once gripping them, the god told them to set up suppliant rites and propitiate Famine. Th... Image pending

4.94 With a Melian famine proverb; since the Athenians ruined the Melians by besieging them with famine, as Thucydides relates in book five. Image pending

4.95 The Lindians at the sacrifice proverb of those performing rites with foul speech. From Heracles, who at Lindus snatched off a farmer's ox and feasted on it, while the farmer reviled him. Whence the Lindians,... Image pending

4.96 You join thread to thread proverb of those doing the same things over. Image pending

4.97 A Locrian compact proverb set down for those who play false. The Locrians, having betrayed their treaty with the Peloponnesians, joined the Heraclidae. He pushes back the dates. Others say it is... Image pending

4.98 The Lydian shut the door proverb of foolish thieves. Image pending

4.99 A Lyceian draught either from the spring [Lyceia] of ..., called from Apollo (and the place); with the circumflex on the penult. There were two springs that gushed forth, one of wine and one of h... Image pending

4.100 The wolf dances around the well proverb of those busying themselves about something in vain. For the wolf, when thirsty, goes round and round, unable to drink, and circles the well to no purpose. And when he i... Image pending

5.1 The Lydian plays the shopkeeper they say Cyrus, having got the better of the Lydians, ordered them to play shopkeeper, to possess no weapons, and to wear long robes down to the feet; and so the Lydians, refash... Image pending

5.2 A Lycus ten proverbial. Since Lycus the hero was set up by the law-courts at Athens in the shape of a wolf (his name), where bribers and informers used to gather in tens. A three-obol fee p... Image pending

5.3 Lydian karykai proverb: "Give me neither Lydian karykai nor the cracking of whips." The karykē is a Lydian dish made of many seasonings and blood; as Pherecrates says, "Mash up an abyrtakē and... Image pending

5.4 The Locrians and the contracts among the Epizephyrian Locrians, they say, was Zaleucus the lawgiver, who laid down a law that there should be no written bonds for loans. Hence many denied their contracts, and... Image pending

5.5 A Locrian ox set down for cheap things. For the Locrians, once at a loss for an ox for a public sacrifice, set small sticks under cucumbers — four for legs and two for horns — fashioning thu... Image pending

5.6 Hermodorus was a hearer of Plato, and used to bring his master's compositions to Sicily and sell them. Hence the proverb. Hermodorus was a hearer of Plato, and used to bring his master's compositions to Sicily and sell them. Hence the proverb. Image pending

5.7 To raise the armpit equivalent to drinking deep and tippling. Cratinus: "How they raise the armpit aloft, mocking with their hands." Like the Homeric phrase, "Lifting up their hands." Image pending

5.8 Megarian tears set down for those who weep by force, and not from any genuine feeling. They say a certain Bacchius the Corinthian married the daughter of Clytius, king of the Megarians; and on... Image pending

5.9 After the Lesbian singer proverb set down for those who carry off second place, from this cause: when the Lacedaemonians were torn by faction, by an oracle from the god they sent for Terpander the music... Image pending

5.10 May you not fall in with a black-bottomed man that is, may you not fall in with some manful and mighty fellow. The proverb is from this. Theia, daughter of Oceanus, had two sons; these used to wrong all who passed by. Their... Image pending

5.11 One thicket does not feed two robins of those who eagerly try to gain from some small thing. The robin is a solitary and lone-living bird. Image pending

5.12 One swallow does not make a spring proverbially: "One swallow does not make spring." It means that one day does not suffice to bring a man into knowledge or into folly. Image pending

5.13 Sillier than Morychus this proverb is used among the Sicilians of those doing some foolish thing, as Polemon says in his Letter to Diophilus. It runs thus: "Sillier than Morychus, who, leaving the in... Image pending

5.14 Myllus hears everything set down for those who pretend to be deaf yet hear everything. Cratinus mentions it in his Cleobulinae. Myllus is also a comic poet. Image pending

5.15 Mysian booty proverb of those wretchedly plundered. For the surrounding peoples plundered the Mysians at that time, while they were without a ruler. Hence "Mysian booty" was said. Image pending

5.16 The Phrygian, rather Croesus, they say, having gathered the wise men, asked which they thought the most fortunate man. Each naming someone different, Aesop the Phrygian, the fable-maker, said that C... Image pending

5.17 One Mykonos Neleus instructed his sons Hegetor and Hippocles to subdue the islands. Hegetor took many; Hippocles took only one, Mykonos. Hippocles wanting his share of all, they sent and as... Image pending

5.18 Stir not Camarina they say there is a marsh by the city of Camarina, of the same name; the Camarinaeans, wishing to drain it off into the plain, consulted the god. He said, "Stir not Camarina." T... Image pending

5.19 Drinking water by measure, but eating barley-cake unmeasured this verse passed into a proverb from a certain oracle which the god gave to the Sybarites; for being insolent and immoderate drinkers, they were destroyed by the Crotoniates. T... Image pending

5.20 Prouder than Peleus over his sword Anacreon mentions it, and Pindar in the Nemean Odes. They say it was given by Hephaestus as a gift to Peleus from the gods on account of his temperance, and using it he succeede... Image pending

5.21 A Myconian neighbour set down for those reproached for stinginess and meanness, from the smallness of the island of Mykonos and its meanness. Image pending

5.22 An apple as Heracles Apollodorus, in his On the Gods, says that at Athens a peculiar sacrifice is offered to Heracles "Alexikakos." For when once the bull they were going to bring as a sacrifice to... Image pending

5.23 A portion does not choke Dicaearchus says in his On Greece that it was not the ancients' custom at dinners to distribute portions; but for various reasons, when victuals fell short, the custom of portio... Image pending

5.24 Naera and Charmion of these two, the one took care of Queen Cleopatra's hair, and the other of her nails. They remained with her even unto death, and after their death received splendid burial and... Image pending

5.25 Custom and country this proverb is said because each people uses its own customs. The Persians deliberate when drunk, and worship their kings as gods; equals kiss one another, but inferiors only a... Image pending

5.26 Let some stranger come to do me good Theopompus says this was first said by Philip. For having reduced a city of the Thessalians and sold the foreigners there, he said in mockery, "Let some stranger come to do me g... Image pending

5.27 You comb wool into the fire said of those suffering hardship in vain. Image pending

5.28 May you not be praised even at a funeral feast said of the exceedingly wicked, not worthy even of common praise. For the ancients were wont to praise the deceased at the funeral feast, even if he had been a worthless fellow. Image pending

5.29 Oenoe and the torrent the proverb is said of those who draw some evil down upon themselves. Oenoe is an Attic deme, and its inhabitants diverted into their own land a torrent running above them. The... Image pending

5.30 The Cretan and the sea the proverb is of those who pretend to shun things in which they themselves excel; since the Cretans were the greatest seafarers. Alcaeus mentions it. Image pending

5.31 Hippocleides doesn't care Hippocleides, with many others, sought as bride the daughter of Cleisthenes the Sicyonian. Cleisthenes was testing the suitors over a whole year, when Hippocleides, at a banquet... Image pending

5.32 You don't sail by night of those doing nothing accurately. For night is more reliable than day for those crossing the open sea, on account of the signs given by the stars. Chrysippus drops the negative... Image pending

5.33 Not without Theseus, at least Theseus shared exploits with many heroes. He helped Meleager in the hunt for the Calydonian boar, fought with Pirithous against the Centaurs, and with Heracles against the Amazo... Image pending

5.34 Not even the fire-bearer was left proverb said of great calamities; since in front of every military force the seer used to march, holding a laurel-branch and fillets and a torch; and it was the rule that the en... Image pending

5.35 The wood-louse in his place the proverb is said of those who quickly leap from spot to spot. For the wood-louse is a little wood-eating creature that hops from place to place. Strattis mentions it. Image pending

5.36 Pylaea knows these things, and Tyttygias too Tyttygias was a kidnapper, and he sold others' goods at Pylaea. The proverb is set down for those who steal and sell others' property. Image pending

5.37 The voyage to Corinth is not for every man Corinth had many costly courtesans, who collected taxes from the foreigners coming there, stripping them of their travelling-money. For this reason, the proverb is said of [poor... Image pending

5.38 You seek wool from an ass of those seeking insubstantial things; inasmuch as one cannot comb or shear an ass. Also "You shear an ass," of those undertaking impossible things. Image pending

5.39 An ass's peeping-in Menander mentions it in his Priestess. They say that a certain potter kept many birds in his workshop; an ass passing by, the ass-driver carelessly following, peeped in through... Image pending

5.40 Nothing to do with Dionysus proverb of those saying things unsuited to their subject. Since the choruses originally were wont to sing the dithyramb to Dionysus, but the poets later, departing from this cus... Image pending

5.41 I know Simon, and Simon knows me the Telchines being malicious by nature (for sprinkling the earth with the water of Styx they made it barren), there were two of their leaders, Simon and Nicon. Simon prevailed,... Image pending

5.42 He told a tale to an ass; and the ass wagged his ears the proverb is said of insensitivity in either direction. For the creature is sluggish at his work, and waggles his ears as if he had heard everything before anyone has spoken —... Image pending

5.43 The curse of Oedipus Aeschylus mentions it in the Seven against Thebes. The story is that Eteocles and Polynices, accustomed to send Oedipus the shoulder of every sacrificial victim, forgetting once... Image pending

5.44 An Oetaean spirit Clearchus says a certain divinity was named "Oetaean" who hated insolence and arrogance utterly. Image pending

5.45 With what a monster has the god shut me up! said of those distressed at some grievous matter. For there is a play Cyclops by the poet Philoxenus, in which Odysseus, being shut in the Cyclops' cave, says: "With what a mons... Image pending

5.46 As much as Mys at Pisa [or "a mouse in tar"] said of those who have defeated their adversaries with much toil. For Mys of Tarentum, a boxer, when contesting at Pisa with many opponents, took many blows, and barely won. Image pending

5.47 You are nothing sacred Clearchus says that Heracles, seeing the statue of Adonis set up, said, "Nothing sacred." The proverb is said of the utterly cheap and useless. Image pending

5.48 Here's another Heracles Clearchus, expounding the proverb, says that Heracles called Briareos came to Delphi, and taking, by some ancient custom, one of the treasures lying there, set out for the so-ca... Image pending

5.49 Not even Heracles against two they say that Heracles, having instituted the Olympic games, and trusting his own strength, in the second penteteric contest boxed against two and was beaten. Some say these wer... Image pending

5.50 The Cretans at the sacrifice Agamemnon, they say, driven by storm to Crete, went up to the Polyrrhenium and was performing a sacrifice. Meanwhile his prisoners burned the ships; word of this being brought t... Image pending

5.51 The Sicilian and the sea a Sicilian merchant carrying figs, they say, was shipwrecked. Then, sitting on a rock and seeing the sea calm again, he said, "I know what she wants — she wants figs." Image pending

5.52 Where the deer cast their horns Demon says that in rough and impassable places the deer rub their antlers against bushes and shed them. Whence the proverb is said of those who have toilsome occupations. Image pending

5.53 He's neither rained on nor sunburnt said of those standing apart from every care; that is, "neither soaked nor scorched." Image pending

5.54 Not even gru from Dion this Dion was an Alexandrian by birth, famed for his philosophy, with a brother who was a wrestler, surnamed Topsius. Being abused by one of his brother's opponents and hearing... Image pending

5.55 Not even within striking distance iktar signifies "near"; that is, "not even near." It is said as a foreign word, just as diolygion "evil" means "great." Plato mentions both — diolygion in the Theaetetus, iktar... Image pending

5.56 A quail saved sturdy Heracles this is in none of the ancients. It is said of those saved beyond hope. Eudoxus says that the Tyrian Heracles was destroyed by Typhon, and Iolaus, doing all he could to bring ba... Image pending

5.57 Show your Milesian wares at home set down for those parading luxury where it is unfit. For Aristagoras the Milesian, coming once to Sparta, was urging them to help the Ionians being warred upon by the Persians;... Image pending

5.58 The boy and the icicle proverb of those neither able to keep nor willing to let go. Sophocles mentions it in The Lovers of Achilles. Image pending

5.59 The Scythian and the horse said of those secretly desirous of something but openly rejecting it and spitting upon it. Pindar witnesses, saying: "Certain affected Scythian men loathe in word a slain horse... Image pending

5.60 I am not of those heroes set down for those who wish to do good. For the heroes are readier to harm than to benefit, as Menander says in Synephebi. Image pending

5.61 I am Pitane this is in Alcaeus. It is said of those falling into both frequent calamities and prosperities; inasmuch as such fortunes befell Pitane too, which Hellanicus mentions; for he sa... Image pending

5.62 Shake out every reef proverb of those showing every eagerness; transferred from those slackening sail. Image pending

5.63 Stir every stone proverb. For when Xerxes marched against the Greeks, defeated at Salamis, he himself withdrew, but left Mardonius behind to make war on the Greeks. He too being defeated in the... Image pending

5.64 Polycrates is allotting a mother Duris mentions it. He says that Polycrates the Samian, having gathered the mothers of those who had died in the war, gave them to the rich citizens to support, saying to each: "... Image pending

5.65 Piped out in his wits having one's wits, through old age, "piped out" — dim and ruined. Transferred from the reeds of flutes; for those that are worn through are said to be "piped out." Image pending

5.66 The beggar's pouch is never full this is in Callimachus, said of insatiable beggars. Image pending

5.67 To play "cities" Cratinus mentions it in his Female Runaways. The "city" was a kind of board-game with counters. It seems to have been transferred from those playing with pebbles, on what are no... Image pending

5.68 Many things the fox knows, but the hedgehog one big thing Archilochus mentions this in an epode. Homer too writes the line. Ion the tragic poet says: "But I praise on dry land the lion's ways, and even more the hedgehog's bitter craft,... Image pending

5.69 Fire upon fire proverb mentioned by Plato. Also, "evil upon evil." Image pending

5.70 To kick against the goad proverb mentioned by Euripides: "I, a mortal, would kick against god's goad." Aeschylus too mentions it. Image pending

5.71 Many things lie between the cup and the lip's edge proverb said for the following reason. Ancaeus son of Poseidon, planting a vineyard, was being harsh with his servants. One of them said that the master would never taste the fr... Image pending

5.72 Poverty was allotted wisdom this verse, drawn from Euripides, means that the poor pursue many crafts. Image pending

5.73 All are knick-knacks they call the broken bits of cakes and pastries chnaumata. So "every chnauma" means "every kind of thing." Image pending

5.74 Every land is fatherland this is part of an oracle which the god gave to Meleus the Pelasgian when he was inquiring about a settlement. Mnaseas mentions the oracle, and Dionysius the Chalcidian. Image pending

5.75 Many pebble-tossers, but few prophets Philochorus says that three Nymphs, nurses of Apollo, possessed Parnassus, called the Thriae; from them the divining-pebbles are called thriai, and divining is called thriasthai... Image pending

5.76 Like a pine set down for those utterly destroyed; inasmuch as a pine, once cut, no longer grows again. Staphylus of Naucratis mentions it. Image pending

5.77 Many bear the wand, but few are Bacchants proverb of those holding a false reputation. Image pending

5.78 All things are eight Evander said that the gods who rule all are eight: Fire, Water, Earth, Heaven, Moon, Sun, Mithras, and Night. Others say that all the contests at Olympia are eight: stade, dolic... Image pending

5.79 The fate of the moth there is a winged little creature which, flying at the lamps and seeming to grasp the fire, is consumed. Aeschylus too mentions it: "I greatly fear the foolish moth's fate." The... Image pending

5.80 Once upon a time the Milesians were strong they say that the Carians, being warred upon by Darius the Persian, in accordance with an old prophecy bidding them attach the strongest as allies, came to Branchidae and asked... Image pending

5.81 An oath by Rhadamanthys Cratinus says they swear by goose, by dog, and by such things as an oath of Rhadamanthys; as Sosicrates too in book two of his Cretan Affairs; in order not to swear by the gods. Image pending

5.82 Rhamnusian Nemesis at Rhamnus is set up a statue of Nemesis ten cubits high, all of stone, the work of Phidias, holding in her hand a branch of an apple-tree; from which Antigonus of Carystus says... Image pending

5.83 More cowardly than the Rhegines they used to call cowards "Rhegines." For Xenarchus son of Sophron lampooned the Rhegines for cowardice in comedy. Image pending

5.84 The Sicilian eats unripe grapes said of those who steal worthless things. Transferred from the Sicilians, who steal inedible unripe grapes. Epicharmus mentions it. Image pending

5.85 Sardonic laughter Aeschylus, in his On Proverbs, says of this thus: "Those inhabiting Sardinia, being colonists of the Carthaginians, used to sacrifice to Cronus those who had passed seventy year... Image pending

5.86 The Sarpedonian shore this is a place in Thrace, ever stormy and surf-beaten, sacred to Poseidon. There is also another Sarpedonia about Cilicia; and another by the Ocean, the dwelling of the Gorgons. Image pending

5.87 A Sybaritic table meaning, set in luxury. For the Sybarites were given to luxury. Image pending

5.88 Sybarites along the broad street proverb of those walking pompously. Image pending

5.89 A Sicilian soldier proverbial. Since those under Hieron used foreign soldiers for the most part. Image pending

5.90 To "to-the-crows" (Σκορακίζειν) equivalent to "send to the crows," to despise utterly. Image pending

5.91 You are asking for a fig said of flatterers. The Athenians used to flatter the farmers, wishing to take from them the early figs; and they augured well that the like would come again next year. Image pending

5.92 A fig for Hermes proverb of things lying open for the use of any who wish. For if ever a fig appeared, they would dedicate it to Hermes; and any who wished took it. Image pending

5.93 Together with Athena, move your own hand too proverb advising one not to sit idle on hopes from the gods. The proverb is set down particularly for women, who ought to work; for Athena is "the worker." It is said from an as... Image pending

5.94 A Syracusan table the lavish table. The Sicilians were thought more given to dainty fare than all others. Image pending

5.95 Tighter-mouthed than a skaphē proverb of those resident-aliens carrying skaphai, because they had no right of free speech and were not even allowed to gape. Set down for those unable to speak freely; inasmuc... Image pending

5.96 To chew mastic those who beautified themselves used to chew mastic for the whitening of their teeth; whence such persons are called schinotrōktai ("mastich-chewers"). Image pending

5.97 The Siren announces a friend, the bee a stranger by "Siren" he means not one of the singing maidens, but a winged creature like a bee, as Aristotle says. Image pending

5.98 Tyrants are wise from converse with the wise this is from Sophocles' Locrian Ajax; but Plato says the iambic line is from Euripides. There is no wonder: poets fall into the same expressions. Image pending

5.99 And the blessed gods withal this the rhapsodes append; as the citharodes too: "But hail thou greatly, lord." Image pending

5.100 You praise yourself this is one of the elliptical sayings; the full form runs: "You praise yourself, lady, like Astydamas." For Astydamas son of Morsimus, having succeeded in playing Parthenopaeus,... Image pending

6.1 A Syrbenian chorus set down against disorderly choruses, from those who cry out syrbas to swine. For syrbe meant "tumult." Image pending

6.2 He looks daggers [lit. "looks whips"] Eupolis mentions it in The Golden Race. He says: "Verily, as the saying is, he looks whips." It is said of those disposed in suspicion of coming evils. Image pending

6.3 What comes from the tripod proverb of things truly said, either from the Delphic tripod or from the Pythagorean. For when a certain wicked man consulted the oracle, the god answered him with many strange... Image pending

6.4 The talents of Tantalus Tantalus was renowned for wealth, so that he passed into proverb. The proverb is double: one form, "Tantalus' talents are tantalised"; the other, "the talents of Tantalus." Image pending

6.5 The Dodonaean cauldron it is in Menander's Arrhephoros. It is said of those who chatter much without ceasing. They say that at Dodona a cauldron is set on a column on high; and on another column nearb... Image pending

6.6 Termerian troubles the great. Whence the proverb. Image pending

6.7 You were born on the fourth proverb. They say Heracles was born on the fourth, and being illustrious and most renowned, he toiled for another. The proverb is then of those labouring for others. Plato the c... Image pending

6.8 More chattering than a turtledove Menander mentions it in The Necklace. The turtledove makes noise not only with its mouth but also with its hindparts. Set down for the very talkative. Image pending

6.9 A Tenedian fellow Tenes son of Cycnus, falsely accused by his stepmother of attempting her, and cast by his father into a chest, was preserved by sea to the island of Tenedos. He decreed that, at... Image pending

6.10 The matters of Nannacus said of things marvelled at for antiquity, or of those who lament much. For Nannacus, as Hermogenes says in his Phrygian Affairs, was king of the Phrygians before the times of D... Image pending

6.11 The three things to death Alexander mentions it in his Goatherds. Aristides says that one consulting the oracle at Delphi used to receive the response sealed; and it was foretold him that, if he opened i... Image pending

6.12 The darkness about Drys Aristotle says, in the Constitution of the Samians, that many Prienaeans were killed by the Milesians at the place called Drys ("Oak"); whence the women of Priene swear by "the... Image pending

6.13 The pebbles in the quiver Phylarchus says that the Scythians, going to bed, would carry their quiver, and if they had passed that day painlessly, would put a white pebble into it; if vexed, a black. So a... Image pending

6.14 What has Apollo "harp-played" to you? "harp-played" means "prophesied"; as Aeschylus says in Locrian Ajax. Image pending

6.15 These shall be your Pythia and your Delia proverb said of those who do something for the very last time. Menander mentions it. They say Polycrates the tyrant of the Samians, having taken Rheneia and dedicated it to Apol... Image pending

6.16 These the Mede shall not preserve Dicaearchus says that, when Xerxes' campaign was about to take place, the Greeks, despairing of safety, used to spend their substance, saying as they did so, "These the Mede sha... Image pending

6.17 Why did you not hang yourself, that you might be a hero in Thebes? Plato mentions it in his Menelaus. They say that at Thebes those who killed themselves had no share in any honour. Aristotle too says the same of the Thebans, that they did not... Image pending

6.18 The old age of Tithonus set down for the long-lived and over-aged. It is told that Tithonus, by his own prayer laying aside old age, became a cicada, as Clearchus says in his On Lives. Image pending

6.19 The hot end of the spit said of those choosing the worse instead of the better. Transferred from those who, inexperienced, take hold of the hot end of the spit. Sophocles mentions it. Image pending

6.20 Under every stone a scorpion proverb: "Under every stone a scorpion sleeps." Image pending

6.21 To shout for Hylas said of those calling out in vain. Since Heracles, when Hylas had vanished, getting off the Argo and seeking long with much shouting, did not find him. The story of Hylas is tha... Image pending

6.22 Drinking water, you would beget nothing of worth this is said to be from Demetrius of Halicarnassus, who says: "Wine, you know, is a swift horse for a graceful singer; but drinking water you would beget nothing of worth." Image pending

6.23 Beyond the dug ground Phaylus was a pentathlete from Pontus, who was reckoned to throw the discus and to leap furthest. When he leaped past the dugout fifty feet onto solid ground, the event passed i... Image pending

6.24 The water rushes by set down for those who undertake to accomplish the matter at hand by every means. Transferred from those who in haste step into leaking ships and risk the danger. Cratinus menti... Image pending

6.25 The pestle's whirling set down for those doing everything and accomplishing nothing. Philemon mentions it in his Heroes. Image pending

6.26 You cut a Hydra said of impossibilities; on account of the heads of the Hydra, which Heracles cutting, was no nearer to mastering the Hydra, since she sent up other heads instead of the cut. Th... Image pending

6.27 Healthier than a tick proverb of the very sound, from the creature called the tick. For it is smooth all over, without scratches, and has no blemish. Menander mentions it in his Locrians. Image pending

6.28 About an ass's shadow Menander mentions it in his Encheiridion. They say that Demosthenes the orator, when speaking in defence of one in danger, the judges not bearing with him, said: "Listen, gentle... Image pending

6.29 Beyond the things of Callicrates Clearchus says there was a certain Callicrates in Carystus, exceedingly rich. If ever the Carystians marvelled at someone for excessive wealth, they would say, "Beyond the thing... Image pending

6.30 Hyperberetaian said of things long-protracted. For among the Macedonians the last month of the year was registered as Hyperberetaios. [Pun: the month-name Hyperberetaios sounds like hyper-bere... Image pending

6.31 The wing of murder that of arrows, "winged" or swift. Better to take phonou periphrastically as "deadly." Image pending

6.32 To garrison or to be rich proverb of those who spend others' substance. The Athenians, having occupied the islanders with garrisons, set great pay to be furnished to the garrisons by those very islanders. Image pending

6.33 To garrison at Naupactus Philip having taken Naupactus, the Achaeans slaughtered the garrison and killed Pausanias the garrison-commander, as Theopompus says. Image pending

6.34 Philip's Cock set down for those who boast over small successes. There was a certain Cock (Alektryōn) who was Philip's general, slain, they say, by Chares the Athenian. Heraclides the comic p... Image pending

6.35 The Phocaean curse the Phocaeans, once driven from their land, swore never to return to it. Herodotus mentions it in book one. Image pending

6.36 A Phaselite sacrifice said of the cheap and bloodless. They say the Phaselites used to sacrifice salt-fish to the gods. Image pending

6.37 Phocus' bridal shower said against those who gather a feast to their own ruin. For a certain Phocus, having a daughter of marriageable age, was sought by many; he gathered them at contribution-feasts... Image pending

6.38 Hard are noble things proverb mentioned by Plato. It came from this: Periander the Corinthian was at first democratic, but later changed his mind and turned from democrat to tyrant. Pittacus of Mityl... Image pending

6.39 The Charadraean lion that by Charadra, unless he means the Thespian, the first one Heracles slew, at Thespiae. The place is called Charadra ("torrent"). Image pending

6.40 A vine-prop and the vine proverb when what is preserved suffers from its preserver. Aristophanes records it badly: "The prop deceived the vine." Image pending

6.41 The Charonian gate one of the gates of the legal hall through which the condemned are led out to death. Image pending

6.42 Farewell, dear light an old woman wishing to have sex naked, lest she expose the wrinkles of her body, put out the lamp and said, "Farewell, dear light." Image pending

6.43 Wealth, wealth makes the man this a saying, like the precepts of the Seven Sages. Pindar mentions it. Alcaeus the poet says it was uttered by Aristodemus the Lacedaemonian. Image pending

6.44 With a hand-eating bond that is, the boxing-thongs, since they cut the flesh and consume it. Better to take "bond" as "that which eats away the hands." For Stesichorus, in some rocky place, prayed to b... Image pending

6.45 Underworld baths those carried for the dead. For baths used to be brought to the tombs. Image pending

6.46 A Cheironian sore the wound formed in the feet from much standing, continually discharging matter. For Cheiron, shot by Heracles when he engaged in battle with the Centaurs, had an incurable woun... Image pending

6.47 The gold of Colophon Aristophanes mentions it in his Cocalus. Said because the Colophonians were thought to work the finest gold. Herodotus too calls the best gold "Colophonian." Image pending

6.48 You draw water on dry land; you wash a brick; you slice a lentil these are all said of those undertaking the impossible. Image pending

6.49 A Heraclean rash that needing the baths of Heracles for cure. For Athena let flow for Heracles in many places hot baths for repose from his labours, as Peisander the poet says in his On Heracles. Image pending

6.50 Like a Chalcidian, our wife has borne Polyzelus mentions it in his Births of the Muses, of one bearing many daughters; since Chalcis, the city of Euboea, they say, once flourished in spears and in the multitude of f... Image pending

6.51 As though not extant, but in retaliation Menander mentions it in his Olynthian Woman. Image pending

6.52 He is as proud as if he had taken down the shield in Argos some say there is a sacred shield in Argos, fastened up, strong and hard to take down. Others say there was a company in Argos of youths in their full prime, called "The Shield." Image pending