By this enigmatical expression, that the forehead in which the eyes are placed, precedes the hind-head; the ancients meant to shew, that all business may be expected to be best performed, if attended to by the persons who are to be benefited by it. A philosopher being asked by his neighbour, what would best fatten his horse? answered «the eyes of its master», as his presence would make his fields most fertile and productive, the foot of the owner being the best manure for his land. «Cuando en casa no está el gato, extiendese el ratón», that is, When the cat is away, the mice will play. T. Livius, on the same subject, says, «Non satis feliciter solere procedere, quæ oculis agas alienis», that business is not likely to go on well, which is committed to the management of strangers. The Italians, French, and Spaniards, as well as ourselves, have adopted the answer given by the philosopher, among their proverbs, viz. L'occhio del Padrone, ingrassa il cavallo. It. L'oeil du maitre engraisse le cheval. Fr. El ojo del amo engorda el caballo. Sp. that is, The eye of the master makes the horse fat. A lusty man riding on a lean and sorry jade, being asked how it happened that he looked so well, and his horse so ill, said, it was because he provided for himself, but his servant had the care of the beast.
The word prior in the adage, is used in the sense of potior, or melior, better.

It is in vain that he possesses that of which he makes no use. Of what use are horses or carriages to persons who never go abroad, of wit or knowledge to those who do not employ them in the management of their affairs, or of money to the avaricious, who are averse to, or afraid of spending it, even for necessary sustenance.

That is, should any one call Hercules a coward, who would listen to him? The- adage was applied to anyone speaking ill of persons of known and approved integrity and character. When Cato, whose worth had been often tried, was accused of avarice; this, Plutarch said, was as if any one should reproach Hercules with want of courage.