Page:Plutarch - Moralia, translator Holland, 1911.djvu/57

Rh are no better than servants waiting upon others; but plucketh it from virtue. Iphicrates answered contrariwise, being demanded of Callias, the son of Chabrias, by way of contempt and derision, in this wise, What are you, sir? An archer? A targetiere? A man at arms? or a light-armed soldier? I am none (quoth he) of all these, but rather one of those who commandeth them all. Well, ridiculous then is he, and very absurd, who would say there were an art to be taught of drawing a bow and shooting, of fighting close at hand being armed at all pieces, of discharging bullets with a sling, or of sitting and riding an horse; but forsooth to lead and conduct an army there was none at all: as who would say that feat were a thing not learned, but coming by chance, I know not how. And yet I must needs say, more sottish and foolish were he who should hold and affirm that prudence only could not be taught, without which no other arts and sciences be worth ought, or avail any whit. That this is true, and that she is alone the guide which leadeth and guideth all other sciences, arts, and virtues, giving them every one their due place and honour, and making them profitable to mankind, a man may know by this, if there were nothing else, that there would be no grace at a feast, though the meat were never so well dressed and served up by skilful cooks, though there were proper esquires or shewers to set the dishes upon the board, carvers, tasters, skinkers, and other servitors and waiters enough, unless there be some good order observed among the said ministers, to place and dispose everything as it ought.