44
The Physician of Pyrrhus having offered to Fabricius, the Roman General, to Poison his Master, Fabricius sent back that Traitor’s Letter to Pyrrhus, with these Words, Prince, know better for the future, how to choose both your Friends and Foes. To requite this Benefit, Pyrrhus sent back all the Prisoners: But Fabricius received them only upon Condition that he would accept of as many of his, and writ to him: Do not believe Pyrrhus, I have discovered this Treachery to you, out of a particular regard to your Person, but because the Romans shun base Stratagems, and will not triumph but with open Force.
44
Le Medecin de Phyrrus s’ètant offert à Fabricius general des Romains, d’empoisonner son Maître, Fabricius renvoya la lettre de ce Traitre à Phyrrus avec ces Mots; Prince, songez à l’avenir à faire un meilleur choix de vos Amis, & de vos Ennemis. En reconnoissance de ce bienfait, Phyrrus lui renvoya tous les Prisonniers: Mais Fabricius ne les reçût qu’à la charge de lui en rendre autant des siens, & lui manda: Ne crois pas, Phyrrus, que je t’aye decouvert cette Trahison, par une consideration particuliere de ta Personne, mais parce que les Romains fuyent les lâches Artifices, & ne veulent triompher qu’à force ouverte.