Athenodorus, 1 the philosopher, because of his advanced years begged to be dismissed and allowed to go home, and Augustus granted his request. But when Athenodorus, as he was taking leave of him, said, ‘Whenever you get angry, Caesar, do not say or do anything before repeating to yourself the twenty-four letters of the alphabet,’ Augustus seized his hand and said, ‘I still have need of your presence here,’ and detained him a whole year, saying,
“No risk attends the meed that silence brings. 2 ”