94. The heathen—(they are wont to exaggerate everything in speaking)—make much of the saying of the philosopher Archites lived c. b.c. 400. A noted philosopher, and also general. of Tarentum, which he spoke to his bailiff: “O you wretched man, how I would punish you, if I were not angry.” But David already before this had in his indignation held back his armed hand. How much greater a thing it is not to revile again, than not to avenge oneself! The warriors, too, prepared to take vengeance against Nabal, Abigail restrained by her prayers. 1 Sam. [1 Kings] xxv. From whence we perceive that we ought not only to yield to timely entreaties, but also to be pleased with them. So much was David pleased that he blessed her who intervened, because he was restrained from his desire for revenge.