17th century illustration of Pittacus of Mytilene, a Greek general and of the Seven Sages of Greece. Pittacus lived in the city state of Mytilene. As commander of the army of Mytilene, he successfully defended the city against the Athenians by challenging the opposing general to settle the battle by single combat 'in order to avoid bloodshed'. As a result, he was appointed governor for ten years, in which time he codified laws in poetry and instilled a sense of doing right by others. His 'Golden Rule' was 'do not to your neighbour what you would take ill from him'. Below the image, is a seven line latin poem by Roman poet Ausonius. Print by Dutch artist Jacob de Gheyn III in 1616.