It is in vain that he possesses that of which he makes no use. Of what use are horses or carriages to persons who never go abroad, of wit or knowledge to those who do not employ them in the management of their affairs, or of money to the avaricious, who are averse to, or afraid of spending it, even for necessary sustenance.

That is, should any one call Hercules a coward, who would listen to him? The- adage was applied to anyone speaking ill of persons of known and approved integrity and character. When Cato, whose worth had been often tried, was accused of avarice; this, Plutarch said, was as if any one should reproach Hercules with want of courage.