XVI. Socrates, the most religious and learned philosopher of his time, and of whom it is reported Apollo gave this character, that he was the wisest man on earth,[20] was a man of a severe life, and instructed people gratis in just, grave, and virtuous manners; for which, being envied by Aristophanes, the vain, comical wit of that age, as one spoiling the trade of plays, and exercising the generality of the people with more noble and virtuous things,[21] was represented by him in a play, in which he rendered Socrates so ridiculous, that the vulgar would rather part with Socrates in earnest than Socrates in jest; which made way for their impeaching him as an enemy to their gods; for which they put him to death. But in a short space his eighty judges and the whole people so deeply resented the loss, that they slew many of his accusers: some hanged themselves; none would trade with them nor answer them a question. They erected several statues to his praise; they forbad his name to be mentioned, that they might forget their injustice: they called home his banished friends and scholars; and by the most wise and learned men of that age it is observed, that famous city Athens was punished with the most dreadful plagues that ever raged amongst them, and all Greece with it never prospered in any considerable undertaking, but from that time always decayed. Amongst many of his sober and religious maxims upon which he was accustomed to discourse with his disciples, these are some: He taught everywhere that an upright man and a happy man are all one. They that do good are employed; they that spend their time in recreations are idle.[22] To do good is the best course of life; he only is idle who might be better employed. A horse is not known by his furniture, but qualities; so men are to be esteemed for virtue, not wealth. Being asked who lived without trouble, he answered, "Those who are conscious to themselves of no evil thing."[23] To one who demanded what was nobility, he answered, "A good temper and disposition of soul and body. They who know what they ought to do, and do it not, are not wise and temperate, but fools and stupid." To one that complained he had not been benefited by his travels, "Not without reason," says Socrates, "thou didst travel with thyself:" intimating, he knew not the eternal mind of God to direct and inform him. Being demanded what wisdom was, said, "A virtuous composure of the soul." And being asked who were wise, answered, "Those that sin not." Seeing a young man rich, but ignorant of heavenly things, and pursuing earthly pleasures; "Behold," says he, "a golden slave.[24] Soft ways of living beget neither a good constitution of body nor mind. Fine and rich clothes are only for comedians." Being demanded from what things men and women ought to refrain, he answered, "Pleasure." Being asked what continence and temperance were, said, "Government of corporeal desires and pleasures. The wicked live to eat, &c.