Aristophanes

Wise people, even though all laws were abolished, would still lead the same life.

Shall I crack any of those old jokes, master, At which the audience never fail to laugh?

Under every stone lurks a politician.

Quickly, bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may wet my mind and say something clever.

High thoughts must have high language.

This is what extremely grieves us, that a man who never fought Should contrive our fees to pilfer, on who for his native land Never to this day had oar, or lance, or blister in his hand.

Evil events from evil causes spring.

A man's homeland is wherever he prospers.

Men of sense often learn from their enemies. It is from their foes, not their friends, that cities learn the lesson of building high walls and ships of war. . . .

Meton (astronomer in 5th century BC): With the straight ruler I set to work To make the circle four-cornered . [First allusion to the problem of squaring the circle]