Julius Cæsar did write a Collection of Apothegms, as appears in an Epistle of Cicero; I need say no more of the worth of a writing of that nature. It is a pity his book is lost; for I imagine they were collected with judgment and choice; whereas that of Plutarch and Stobæus, and much more the modern ones, draw much of the dregs. Certainly they are of excellent use. They are MUCRONES VERBORUM, POINTED SPEECHES. Cicero prettily calls them SALINAS, SALTPITS, that you may extract salt out of, and sprinkle it where you will. They serve to be interlaced in continued speech. They serve to be recited upon occasion, of themselves. They serve, if you take out the kernel of them and make them your own. SIR FRANCIS BACON. |