SER. CIV.
In his essential character a king is equal to every man, but in the power of his authority and rank he is equal to God who ruleth over all things; for there is nothing on earth that is higher than he. Therefore it becomes him as being a mortal not to be too much elated, and as being a kind of God not to yield too much to passion; for if he is honoured as being of the likeness of God, nevertheless he is in some degree entangled in terrestrial and vile dust, by means of which he should learn simplicity and meekness towards all men.
SER. CXVI.
A severe master is best for untractable and foolish servants; for they, fearing his threats and punishments, though against their will, are made to do right by fear.
SER. CXVIII.
It is the greatest praise of a servant to neglect nothing which his master commands, but to attempt with an honest heart to perform in a proper and successful manner, even if it be beyond his power, all that is commanded him with energy and without hesitation.
SER. CXXIII.
When once the wife of Philo was asked in an assembly of many women why she alone of all her sex did not wear any golden ornaments, she replied: “The virtue of a husband is a sufficient ornament for his wife.”
SER. CXXX.
The virtues of children are the glory of their fathers.
Those who are well acquainted with what is honourable and virtuous, are happy in their children.
SER. CXXXV.
To drink poison out of a golden goblet, and to take advice from a foolish friend, is the same thing.
New vessels are better than old ones, but old friendship is better than new.
The fruits produced by the earth come once a year; but those which we derive from friendship are to be gathered on every occasion. Many men select for their friends not those who are the most virtuous, but those who are rich.
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