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

94

The Emperour Augustus feeling approaching Death, told those Friends who were about his Bed: Well, my Friends, what think you, have I not during my Life pretty well acted my Part upon the Stage of the World? And as every one confest that no Man’s life could ever be more Illustrious, and better govern’d than his, he added these Words, which were usually spoke to the People after the Play: Farewel then, my Friends, and clap Hands.

94

L’Empereur Auguste, sentant que sa Mort approchoit, dit s’addressant à ses Amis qui ètoient autour de son Lit: Hé bien, mes Amis, que vous en semble, n’ai-je pas pendant ma vie, assez bien joüé mon Personnage sur le Theatre du Monde? Et comme chacun avoüa que jamais vie ne pouvoit être plus illustre, & mieux conduite que la sienne, il ajouta ce Mot, qu’on avoit coûtume de dire au Peuple aprés la Comedie: Adieu donc, mes Amis, frappez des Mains.