Regum et imperatorum apophthegmata
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Original / primary: Perseus Eng3
72.1
72.1
Pelopidas, the associate of Epameinondas in command, in reply to his friends who told him that he was neglecting a very necessary business, the amassing of money, said,
72.1
Yes, on my word, money is necessary—for Nicodemus here !
72.1
1
72.1
as he pointed to a lame and crippled man.
72.2
72.2
As he was leaving home for the field of battle, his wife begged him to have a care for his life.
72.2
This advice,
72.2
said he,
72.2
should be kept for others, but for a commander and general the advice should be to have a care for the lives of the citizens.
72.2
1
72.3
72.3
When one of his soldiers said,
72.3
We have fallen among the enemy,
72.3
he said,
72.3
Why any more than they among us ?
72.3
1
72.4
72.4
When he fell a victim to the treachery of Alexander, despot of Pherae, and was put in bonds, he upbraided Alexander; and when the despot said,
72.4
Are you so eager to die,
72.4
he replied,
72.4
Yes, I certainly am, so that the Thebans may become the more exasperated, and you may get your deserts the sooner.
72.4
1
72.5
72.5
Thebe, the despot’s wife, carne to Pelopidas and said that she was amazed because he was so cheerful in his bonds. Pelopidas replied that he was even more amazed at her because she without being in bonds could abide Alexander.
72.5
1
72.6
72.6
After Epameinondas had obtained his general’s release, Pelopidas said that he felt grateful to Alexander; for by actual test he had now found himself more than ever to be of good courage not only in facing war but also in facing death. SAYINGS OF ROMANS