Even a fly has its sting, and a worm if trodden upon will turn, and make an effort to avenge the injury: we should therefore not despise an enemy however weak and insignificant, or want only offend any one; there being few persons but who may, at some time, have it in their power to do us an injury, or who may not in some way be useful to us. Socrates determined him to be the wisest man, who gave the least offence.

Sowing your grain among stones, where they cannot take root, in the water, or on sand. «In aqua scribis, in harena ædificas», writing on water, or building on sand, with many others, are phrases used by the Romans, and are applicable to persons bestowing much labour in effecting what is impossible to be done, or heaping favours upon an ungrateful person, from whom no return can be expected. «Can the Æthiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots».