A dear bargain is always disagreeable, particularly as it is a reflection upon the buyer's judgment.
Pliny the ElderMen are most apt to believe what they least understand; and through the lust of human wit obscure things are more easily credited.
Pliny the ElderThere is alas no law against incompetency; no striking example is made. They learn by our bodily jeopardy and make experiments until the death of the patients, and the doctor is the only person not punished for murder.
Pliny the ElderThere is in them a softer fire than the ruby, there is the brilliant purple of the amethyst, and the sea green of the emerald - all shining together in incredible union. Some by their splendor rival the colors of the painters, others the flame of burning sulphur or of fire quickened by oil.
Pliny the Elder