Careful Words

talent (n.)

And sure th' Eternal Master found

His single talent well employ'd.

Samuel Johnson (1709-1784): Verses on the Death of Mr. Robert Levet. Stanza 7.

  Thrasyllus the Cynic begged a drachm of Antigonus. "That," said he, "is too little for a king to give." "Why, then," said the other, "give me a talent." "And that," said he, "is too much for a Cynic (or, for a dog) to receive."

Plutarch (46(?)-120(?) a d): Apophthegms of Kings and Great Commanders. Antigonus I.