Kitap 2
21.5
either because they are already known, as, for instance, Health is a most excellent thing for a man, at least in our opinion,From Simonides or Epicharmus. for this is generally agreed; or because, no sooner are they uttered than they are clear to those who consider them, for instance, He is no lover who does not love always.Eur. Tro. 1051.
21.6
As for the maxims that are accompanied by an epilogue, some form part of an enthymeme, as No one who is sensible, etc.,See sect. 2. while others are enthymematic, but are not part of an enthymeme;They partake of the nature of, but not of the form of, enthymemes. and these are most highly esteemed. Such are those maxims in which the reason of what is said is apparent: for instance, Being a mortal, do not nourish immortal wrath;Author unknown (T.G.F. p. 854). to say that one should not always nourish immortal wrath is a maxim, but the addition being a mortal states the reason. It is the same with A mortal should have mortal, not immortal thoughts.According to Bentley, from Epicharmus.
21.7
It is evident, therefore, from what has been said, how many kinds of maxims there are, and to what it is appropriate to apply them in each case. For in the case of matters of dispute or what is contrary to the general opinion, the epilogue is necessary; but either the epilogue may be put first and the conclusion used as a maxim, as, for example, if one were to say, As for me, since one ought neither to be the object of jealousy nor to be idle, I say that children ought not to be educated; or put the maxim first and append the epilogue. In all cases where the statements made, although not paradoxical, are obscure, the reason should be added as concisely as possible.
21.8
In such cases Laconic apophthegms and riddling sayings are suitable; as, for instance, to say what Stesichorus said to the Locrians, that they ought not to be insolent, lest their cicadas should be forced to chirp from the ground.Meaning that the land would be devastated and the trees cut down.
