Making a poor and slender meal; some simple pulse made savoury with salt, being the usual diet of the poor, and such as many of the ancient philosophers were contented with. Diogenes being invited to dine with a wealthy nobleman, refused his offer, being more pleased to lick salt at Athens, he said; that is, to make a frugal repast there, than to feed on the richest dainties. «Leaving the nobles, clad in purple, and their splendid tables», Seneca says, «partake of the frugal board of Demetrius. When I hear this excellent man discoursing from his couch of straw, I perceive in him, not a preceptor only, but a witness of the truth; and I cannot doubt that Providence has endowed him with such virtues and talents, that he might be an example, and a monitor of the present age». Demetrius was banished from Rome, on account of the freedom he used in reproving the vices of the great.

Soon enough, if well enough, was an apothegm frequently in the mouth of Cato. When we are shown any work of art, we do not inquire bow long it was in performing, but how well it is executed. If it is complete, and excellent in its kind, we readily give due commendation to the artist, whether it was struck off at a heat, or effected with much labour, thought, and attention.

Pietra che rotula non piglia muffa, and piedra movediza no la cubre moho, that is, a rolling stone is ever bare of moss, is used to be said to persons who are frequently changing their situation or employment; such persons being more likely to dissipate and waste, than to improve and increase their property. To the same purport is, Planta quæ sæpe transfertur non coalescit, the tree that is often moved does not thrive.