Book 6
3.98
as when one man replied to another, a worthless fellow, who had fallen down and asked to be helped to his feet, Let someone pick you up who does not know you. Hor. Ep. I. xvii. 62, where the passers by reply Quaere peregrinum to an imposter who, having fallen down and broken his leg, implores them to pick him up, crying Credite, non ludo: crudeles, tollite claudum. Or we may shew our culture by drawing on legend for a jest, as Cicero did in the trial of Verres, when Hortensius said to him as he was examining a witness, I do not understand these riddles. You ought to, then, said Cicero, as you have got the Sphinx at home. Hortensius had received a bronze Sphinx of great value as a present from Verres.
3.99
Effects of mild absurdity are produced by the simulation of folly and would, indeed, themselves, be foolish were they not fictitious. Take as an example the remark of the man who, when people wondered why he had bought a stumpy candlestick, said, It will do for lunch. Lunch requiring a less elaborate service, but being in broad daylight. There are also sayings closely resembling absurdities which derive great point from their sheer irrelevance, like the reply of Dolabella's slave, who, on being asked whether his master had advertised a sale of his property, answered, He has sold his house. i.e. how can he? he has nothing left to sell. Sometimes you may get out of a tight comer by giving a humorous explanation of your embarrassment,
