The Wise and Ingenious Companion, French and English; / or, A Collection of the Wit of the Illustrious Persons, Both Ancient and Modern

by Abel Boyer

117

Pericles being accused for laying out the Publick Revenues upon Buildings, Publick Ornaments, and Offerings to the Gods: Will you give me leave, said he, to the People, to get my name ingraved upon all those things instead of yours, and I’ll be at the charge of them out of my own Pocket. At which Words, the People out of a point of Honour, refused to accept his Proposal, and permitted him to go on with his Magnificence in the Name of the People.

117

Comme on accusoit Periclés de dépenser les Deniers publics en Batimens, en Decorations publiques, & en offrandes qu’il faisoit aux Dieux: voulez vous permettre, dit-il au Peuple, que je fasse graver sur toutes ces choses-là mon nom en la place du vôtre, j’en payerai la depense de mes propres Deniers. A ce Mot, le Peuple piqué d’honneur, refusa d’accepter sa Proposition, & lui permit de continüer ses magnificences au nom du Peuple.