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FUNDANUS. The best course, therefore, is for us to compose ourselves, or else to run away and conceal ourselves, and anchor ourselves in a calm harbour, as though we perceived a fit of epilepsy coming on, Cf. Seneca, De Ira, iii. 10. 3. so that we may not fall, or rather may not fall upon others; and we are especially likely to fall most often upon our friends. For we do not love or envy or fear everyone indiscriminately, but there is nothing that temper will not touch and assail: we grow angry with enemies and friends, with children and parents, yes, even with the gods, with wild beasts and soulless implements, as Thamyris did: Breaking the lyre-arms, overlaid with gold, Breaking his melodious, taut-strung lyreNauck, Trag. Graec. Frag. 2, p. 183, Sophocles, Frag. 223 (Frag. 244 ed. Pearson). Cf. Homer, Il., ii. 594-600.; and Pandarus, who invoked a curse on himself if he did not break with his hands Il., v. 216. his bow and burn it. And Xerxes not only branded and lashed the sea, Cf. Herodotus, vii. 35. but also sent a letter to Mount AthosContrast ibid. vii. 24.: Noble Athos, whose summit reaches heaven, do not put in the way of my deeds great stones difficult to work. Else I shall hew you down and cast you into the sea. For temper can do many terrible things, and likewise many that are ridiculous; therefore it is both the most hated and the most despised of the passions. It will be useful to consider it in both of these aspects.
