Kitap 16
14
FESTINARE and properare seem to indicate the same thing and to be used of the same thing. But Marcus Cato thinks that there is a difference, and that the difference is this—I quote his own words from the speech which he pronounced On his Own Merits: p. 44. 4, Jordan. It is one thing to hasten (properare), another to hurry (festinare). He who finishes some one thing in good season, hastens (properat); one who begins many things at the same time but does not finish them, hurries (festinat). Verrius Flaccus, wishing to explain the nature of this difference, says p. xv, Müller. Festinat is derived from for (to speak), since those idle folk who can accomplish nothing talk more than they act. But that seems too forced and absurd, nor can the first letter of the two words be of such weight that because of it such different words as festino and for should appear to be the same. But it seems more fitting and closer to explain festinare as equivalent to fessum esse or be wearied. For one who tires himself out by hastily attacking many things at once no longer hastens, but hurries. Both derivations are fanciful. Festino is related to confestim, but its origin is uncertain.
15
The strange thing recorded of partridges by Theophrastus and of hares by Theopompus.
15
THEOPHRASTUS, most expert of philosophers, declares Frag. 182, Wimmer. that in Paphlagonia all the partridges have two hearts; Theopompus, F.H.G. i. 301. that in Bisaltia the hares have two livers each.
