Cleobūlos. “Avoid extremes” (the golden mean): Ἄριστον μέτρον (fl. B.C. 580).
Periander. “Nothing is impossible to industry” (patience and perseverance overcome mountains): Μελέτη τὸ πᾶν (B.C. 665-585).
Pittăcos. “Know thy opportunity” (seize time by the forelock): Καιρὸν γνῶθι (B.C. 652-569).
Solon. “Know thyself:” Γνῶθι σεαυτὸν (B.C. 638-558).
Thāles (2 syl.). “Suretyship is the forerunner of ruin.” (“He that hateth suretyship is sure,” Prov. xi. 15): Εγγύα, πάρα δ᾽ ἄτη (B.C. 636-546).
First Solon, who made the Athenian laws,
While Chilo, in Sparta, was famed for his saws;
In Milētos did Thalês astronomy teach;
Bias used in Priēnê his morals to preach;
Cleobūlos of Lindos, was handsome and wise;
Mitylēnê, gainst thraldom saw Pittăcos rise;
Periander is said to have gained, thro’ his court,
The title that Myson, the Chenian, ought.
*** It is Plato who says that Myson should take the place of Periander as one of the Seven Wise Men.
Seven Years.
Barbarossa changes his position in his sleep every seven years.
Charlemagne starts in his chair from sleep every seven years.