The Andrians were the first of the islanders to refuse Themistocles' demand for money. He had put it to them that they would be unable to avoid paying, because the Athenians had the support of two powerful deities, one called Persuasion and the other Compulsion.The Andrians had replied that Athens was lucky to have two such useful gods, who were obviously responsible for her wealth and greatness; unfortunately, they themselves, in their small & inadequate land, had two utterly useless deities, who refused to leave the island and insisted on staying; and their names were Poverty and Inability.

Whatever comes from God is impossible for a man to turn back.

The gods loves to punish whatever is greater than the rest.

Great things are won by great dangers.

History is marked by alternating movements across the imaginary line that separates East from West in Eurasia.

Those who are guided by reason are generally successful in their plans; those who are rash and precipitate seldom enjoy the favour of the gods.

The ear is a less trustworthy witness than the eye.