178 History of Monsters by Ulisse Aldrovandi

...one must keep learning as long as one remains ignorant, for it is said that "tomorrow is the pupil of yesterday." Likewise, there is a Greek saying, *stupa senetio* ("an old man is like tow"). This proverb seems to derive its origin from tow—the waste fibers beaten out from flax—for it is dry and useless, much like a person in the final stages of old age. "Wine compels even an unwilling old man to dance." This teaches us that nothing is so absurd or out of character that drunkenness cannot incite a man to do it. "Do not bestow a favor upon an old man." This is cited by Aristotle, though it is also commonly said that one should favor neither an old man nor a child, because the former will not return the gratitude and the latter will not remember it.

"An old man’s jaw is his staff," for those heavy with age require more abundant food to restore what is lost daily. For this reason, it is sometimes said that "old men walk with their teeth," whereas others walk with their feet. "To straighten an old man"—this is understood to be a most difficult task, because an old man imbued with the vices of youth is corrected only with great effort. "To throw the sixty-year-olds off the bridge." This refers to those who, because they are burdened by age, are dismissed from all public duties as if they were senile. Many believe the proverb arose because, in antiquity, sixty-year-olds did not have the right to vote. Others suggest that the youth of Rome, wishing to vote alone, once threw the infirm elderly off the bridge, as ballots were cast upon a bridge; hence, the elderly were called *depontani*, as if discarded from public business.

"Always provide a young girl for an old man." The proverb advises that an older man should marry a young girl rather than an old woman, lest "cold added to cold" cause desire to wither and the marriage be sterile. However, this proverb can be applied to many other things, especially when we wish to signify that something must be tempered. "The old man dances to every success." This is said whenever a matter previously in danger succeeds according to one's wishes, beyond everyone's expectation. Servius explains the origin: while games were being held to appease the Mother Goddess, and she could not be placated by any sacrifices, a certain old man danced in the Circensian games and was the cause of her appeasement; from this, the proverb spread.

If we look at the theme of authority, various proverbs arise, such as: "A master is a man of one syllable to his slave." This is because masters and those in power need only the shortest word—namely, to nod yes or shake their head no. "One must not fight with a Prince." This teaches that it is extremely difficult for a private citizen to overcome a ruler, according to the line: "It is a steep task for a mortal man to defeat a Divinity." "The Republic teaches the man." This means no one is fit for the management of affairs unless they have been practiced through long experience. "The office reveals the man." Aristotle cited this, suggesting that a man’s character can hardly be seen in private life, but in power, the nature of those who rule becomes apparent. For this reason, Plutarch himself used to say that "The office shows the man, and the man shows the office."

"A Senator without an appeal, an Ambassador without mandates." Cicero mentions this, and it can be turned against those who, despite having no authority, want to be first in every place. According to the legal experts, everyone knows that appeals were usually made to the Senate; furthermore, no one can be an ambassador unless they are equipped with the legitimate mandates of their Prince before setting out elsewhere. "I am a King." Plautus used this proverb when he said, "I am a king, if I draw that man to me today," as if to say, "I shall achieve the highest happiness." In antiquity, to signify the greatest prosperity, they would say, "I am a God." "Every man is a King in his own home." This is proclaimed when we mean that we are free to do what we wish in our own houses. "Either a King or a donkey"—which is the same as saying, "Either the victor or the vanquished."

"A tragic King." This is said of a proud and haughty man who possesses no actual power or authority; otherwise, he might be called a "paper king," taking the metaphor from comedies or tragedies, in which the rule of the actor playing the king lasts only as long as the play. Thus, Dionysius once called a certain king—who died shortly after ascending the throne—a "tragic king." "Man is a God to man." This is said of one who brings sudden and essential help. The ancients believed that God was nothing other than being of service to men; thus, the inventors of laws, wine, and similar things were held to be and worshipped as Gods. Opposite to this is the proverb "Man is a wolf to man," which we mentioned in our history of the wolf. These two proverbs are explained by the following couplet: