170
A Leader of revolted Slaves was taken in Fight with many of his Party, by the General of a Roman Army; this General ask’d him what treatment he thought he and his Companions deserv’d: The same, said he, which brave Men deserve, who think themselves worthy of being Free; which answer so pleased the General, that he Pardon’d them, and employ’d them in his Troops.
170
Un chef d’Esclaves revoltez fut pris les Armes à la Main, avec plusieurs de son Parti, par le Général d’une Armée Romaine; Ce Général lui demanda quel traitement il croyoit que lui & ses Compagnons avoient merité: Celui que meritent de braves Gens qui s’estiment dignes de la liberté, lui répondit-il. Cette reponse plut si fort à ce Général, qu’il leur pardonna & les employa dans ses Troupes.
171
Some Roman Judges being to try Clodius, demanded a Guard, that they might, as they pretended, pass their Verdict upon his Crime with freedom; however they acquitted him, tho’ he deserv’d to be condemn’d; which made Catulus, speaking to those Judges, say: Were you afraid the Bribe Clodius had given you, should be taken away from you?
171
Des Juges Romains, devant juger Clodius, demanderent des Gardes pour opiner librement, disoient-ils, touchant son Crime: Cependant ils le renvoyerent absous, quoiqu’il eut merité d’être condamné. Ce qui fit dire à Catulus, parlant à ces mêmes Juges: Est-ce que vous aviez peur qu’on ne vous ôtat l’Argent que Clodius vous avoit donné?
172
Pyrrhus King of Epirus, being inform’d that some of his Soldiers had spoke ill of him at a Feast, he sent for them, and asked them whether that report was true; whereupon the boldest of them, seeing all was discover’d, made him this subtile Answer; Sir, had not our Wine failed us, we would have said a great deal more. This comical Excuse, and plain Confession, made the King laugh, and pacified his Anger.