II
Now all the world had heard of the wisdom of Bias. He taught that men ought to be kind even to their enemies. He taught, also, that a friend is the greatest blessing that any one can have.
He was a poor man and had no wish to be rich. "It is better to be wise than wealthy," he said.
When the governor's messengers came to Priene with the tripod, they found Bias at work in his garden. They told him their errand and showed him the beautiful prize.
He would not take it.
"The oracle did not intend that I should have it," he said. "I am not the wisest of the wise."
"But what shall we do with it?" said the messengers. "Where shall we find the wisest man?"
"In Mitylene," [Footnote: Mit y l e'ne.] answered Bias, "there is a very great man named Pittacus. [Footnote: Pit'ta ous.] He might now be the king of his country, but he prefers to give all of his time to the study of wisdom. He is the man whom the oracle meant."