Page:Key to Easy Latin Stories for beginners.djvu/100

 265.Anaxagoras the philosopher was distinguished not only for his wealth and descent, but also on account of his wise mind. In order to give himself entirely up to his studies, he gave his wealth to his friends, and went to Athens. On arriving thither, Pericles used to come before him, a man of distinguished character and virtue, and also (lit. the same) most generous to the poor. It happened, however, that Pericles seemed to forget Anaxagoras, being greatly devoted to public affairs. The old man taking this very ill, covered his head with his garment, and determined to perish by hanger. Having heard this Pericles betook himself to Anaxagoras, and implored him to live, and preserve his wise mind, and that light which had afforded him so much advantage. And Anaxagoras said to him, ‘Pericles, those who are in need of a lamp, give (it) oil.’ And so from that time Pericles always paid attention to Anaxagoras with great care. 266.Once upon a time a king when he wished to summon his servant, and after giving the signal several times, had perceived that no one came, went out to be informed why the servant did not come. And him, indeed, he discovered asleep, and when he was on the point of calling him, he saw a letter which had fallen from the fold of his dress, which he had lately read through. Now the king being desirous of knowing everything began to read the letter; however, on ascertaining that it, had been written by his mother, who thanked him for sending her money, and told him to be faithful to such a master, being moved by such goodness he replaced the letter in the fold together with much gold. After going out secretly and returning to his own apartments, he gave the signal and woke his servant. And when he stood terrified before him, the king suddenly asked him ‘why he had not come before,’ as if he was. But he replied that he had fallen asleep while reading a letter. Then putting his hand into his dress, he found not only the letter but also the gold. And when he began to gaze at this, struck with apprehension, the king told him to be of good courage, (saying) that good luck often happened to sleepers: