Apophthegmata Laconica

Plutarch

Plutarch. Moralia, Vol. III. Babbitt, Frank Cole, translator. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; London: William Heinemann Ltd., 1931 (printing).

Someone inquired why, when the citizens professed to be all for war against the Macedonians, he himself decided in favour of keeping the peace. He replied, Because I do not need to prove that they are lying.

When another man brought up their brave successes against the Persians, and was urgent for the war, Eudamidas said, You do not seem to realize that your proposition is the same as fighting fifty wolves after overcoming a thousand sheep!