Eschew Leisure for Duty

Choosing duty over luxury, one should prioritize responsibilities over the temptations of leisure travel. The context reveals a complex interaction between Lucolus and Ptolemy, who, despite abandoning an alliance with Rome, offered a costly gift as a gesture of goodwill. Lucolus, wary of being seen as an enemy, felt compelled to accept the gift, reflecting the intricate dynamics of power, fear, and obligation that define relations in times of conflict. This illustrates how leadership is often a balancing act between personal intentions and public perceptions.