Fabricius Refuses Pyrrhus's Gold
All things under heaven have their rightful owners; take not what is not yours, not even the smallest share. True heroes are born by Heaven's will, yet even they must walk each step within the rules.
Restrain desire and guard your conduct; honor and peace will follow in due time.
What is earned through integrity remains; what is taken by greed will bring only harm. Be content with your lot and trust the order of all things; thus shall you gain lasting respect and blessing.
Hold to your principles and do not covet what is not yours; thus shall peace abide and blessing endure.
Fabricius Rejects Pyrrhus’s Gold
Roman tradition praised Gaius Fabricius Luscinus for incorruptible poverty. During dealings with King Pyrrhus, he supposedly refused lavish gold and remained unmoved even when the king tested his nerve with an elephant. Fabricius could negotiate with an enemy without selling judgment or honor. The story contrasts possession with character: wealth acquired against principle makes a person poorer, while restraint creates authority that neither bribery nor intimidation can purchase.
Meaning of This Lot
This lot expresses its lesson through Fabricius Refuses Pyrrhus's Gold. All things under heaven have their rightful owners; take not what is not yours, not even the smallest share. True heroes are born by Heaven's will, yet even they must walk each step within the rules. Restrain desire and guard your conduct; honor and peace will follow in due time.
Its practical counsel is therefore specific: career: Proceed with caution; small steps now prevent; wealth: Fortune comes steadily through honest means;; love: Affection grows with patience and loyalty; cherish what is already yours.; health: Take care and live regularly; balance body and mind to stay in health.; relationships: Not all ties are worth keeping; avoid needless entanglements and stay true to your circle.; travel: Journeys bring risk and delay; best to remain close to home for now. The overall judgment is moderate fortune, so act in proportion to that sign—welcome openings where they are offered, but respect every warning contained in the verses.