S.A. Bent, comp. Familiar Short Sayings of Great Men. 1887.
Lysander
[A Spartan general; gained a naval victory over the Athenians, 407 B.C.; and at Ægospotami, 405; captured Athens, and established the Thirty Tyrants, 404, killed in battle by the Thebans, 395 B.C.]
Where the lion’s skin will not reach, it must be pieced out with the fox’s.
When blamed for resorting to stratagem, unworthy a descendant of Hercules.—PLUTARCH: Laconic Apothegms.
Dionysius sent Lysander’s daughters some rich Sicilian garments, which he refused, saying he was afraid “these fine clothes will make them look more homely;” but while on an embassy to Sicily, Dionysius offered him two vests, that he might give one to his daughter; upon which he said, “She will know better how to choose than I,” and took them both.—PLUTARCH: Life.
