Now all the world had heard of the wisdom of Bias. He taught that men
ought to be kind even to their enemies. He taught, also, that a friend
is the greatest blessing that any one can have.
He was a poor man and had no wish to be rich. "It is better to be wise
than wealthy," he said.
When the governor's messengers came to Priene with the tripod, they
found Bias at work in his garden. They told him their errand and showed
him the beautiful prize.
He would not take it.
"The oracle did not intend that I should have it," he said. "I am not
the wisest of the wise."
"But what shall we do with it?" said the messengers. "Where shall we
find the wisest man?"
"In Mitylene," [Footnote: Mit y l e'ne.] answered Bias, "there is a
very great man named Pittacus. [Footnote: Pit'ta ous.] He might now
be the king of his country, but he prefers to give all of his time to
the study of wisdom. He is the man whom the oracle meant."