IMPRIMATVR.
G. Stradling S. T. P. Rev. in Christ. Pat. D. Guilb. Episc. Lond. a Sac. Domest.
June 12. 1663.ERRATA.
PAge 32. line 14. for Scange, read Grange. p. 46. l. ult. for live, r. lively. p, 51. l. 9. for lydus, r. Lyael s. p. 51. l. 10. for duos, r. divos. p. 53. l. ult. for fictus, r. fictas. p. 63. l. 10 for amator, r. amaror. p. 66. l. 18 for 1. or, r. me. p. 70. l. 11 foc you, r. [...]is. p. 74. l. 12. r. Those Spots for Stars and Stars for Spots shall go. p. 79. l. 11. for Arvis, r. Civis. p. 85. l 9. for Sculpta, r. mersa. p. 9. l. 10. for Terrestris, r Terrestri. p 96. l 3. r.—he thought that he himself did see. p. 115. .3, for Salatrix, r. Saltatrix. p. 117. l. 1 [...]. for in, r. an.
Sales Epigrammatum: Being the CHOICEST DISTICKS OF MARTIALS Fourteen BOOKS of Epigrams; And of all the Chief LATINE POETS That have writ in these Two last CENTURIES. Together with CATO'S MORALITY.
Made English by James-Wright.
Marti. Lib. 14. Epig. 1.
Quo vis cun (que) loco potes hunc finire Libellum, Versibus explicitum est omne duobus opus.
London, Printed by T. R. for Christopher Eccleston, in St. Dunstans Church-yard. 1663.
TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL SIR William Bromley, Knight of the Honourable Order OF THE BATH.
Sir,
IT hath been the approved Custome of most Authors, that when their private Notions are to appear, and be pressed for publick service, to chuse out of the list [Page]of their friends, some noble and worthy Personage under the conduct of whose name, they may march into the world. Wherefore I have in this Dedication, not improperly, made choice of you, who are your self a chief Favorite of the Muses. One who understands the Original as well as the Copy; and could perceive and censure a fault (if possible) in Martial, or Grotius himself, with as much facility as in this Translation. Which Translation, if it shall gain your fair opinion, I know none of like worth and Ingenuity with your self, will differ from your censure: As for those of a contrary character, I shall value neither their applause, nor discommendation. [Page]Briefly, Sir, your candid acceptation of this piece, will add to your former favours; and by a new Obligation engage me ever to remain, what I have ever been,
SIR,
Your devoted Servant, James Wright.
To the READER.
Reader,
GEnerally in Epigrams of six, eight, or ten verses, the Salt, the Conceipt of all is referred to a Distick in the end, and there expressed: Thus you see Disticks in general, are Sales Epigrammatum; wherefore, I hope, thou wilt not think this title improperly applied to this piece, which is a collection of the choicest.
Thou mayst perchance be pleased with my Version; if not in all, yet in some places: If not in any, yet I am sure no lover of ingenuous Poesie can dislike the Original. Wonder not to see me deviate from the letter in this Translation, it being either to heighthen or clear the Conceipt: For it is Quintilians advice, Neque [...] esse interpretationem tantum volo, sed circa eosdem sensus certamen atque aemulationem. And it is Mr. Cowleys opinion, That Translators should add all that they can by their own Wit and Invention, not deserting the subject; and thus he proceeds, The not observing of this, is the cause that all Translations that I ever yet saw, are so much inferior to their [Page]Originals. The like happens too in Pictures from the same root of exact imitation, which being a vile and unworthy kind of servitude, is incapable of producing any thing good or noble. Not to quote more, this is the judgement of these two great Wits, which must not be excepted against; nor will be by any who know what belongs to Poetry.
And now, Reader, proceed to examine freely, but censure favourably the following Translation of
Your Servant, J. W.
MARTIAL. BOOK I.
Epigram XVII. To Avitus.
THere are some good, more bad, whereon you look:
Avitus, without this, 'tis not a Book.
Epigram XXIX. Of Acerra.
Who says with last nights Wine Acerra stinks,
Is much deceived; till day Acerra drinks.
Epig. XXXIII. To Sabidius.
I love thee not Sabidius; Ask you why?
I do not love thee, let that satisfie.
Epig. XXXIX. To Fidentinus.
This Book you read, O Fidentine, is mine:
But when you ill rehearse it, then tis thine.
Epig. XLI. To Lividus.
Who with knit brows read'st these: for ever be
So low, that thou may'st envy all, none thee.
Epig. XLVIII. Of Diaulus the Physitian.
Diaul the Dectour is a Sexton made;
Though he is changed, he changeth not his Trade.
Epig. LXXVI. Of Lynus.
Who half to Lynus give, then lend all, chose;
Had rather half, then all their money lose.
Epig. XCII. To Laelius.
My Verse you judge, yet publish not your own;
Laelius, carp not at ours, or yours make known.
Epig. XCVI. To Helius.
Since you baul always, hindering those that plead,
You get, by't; for to hold your peace you'r feed.
Epig. XCIX. To Flaccus.
The Law and Foot-gout troubles Diodore;
No Lawyers feed, this is the hand-gout sure.
Epig. CI. Of old Afra.
Afra both Mams and Daddies hath; yet she
The Dad of Dads, and Mam of Mams may be.
Epig. CXI. To Velox.
You say my Epigrams, Velox, too long are;
You nothing write; sure yours are shorter far.
Epig. CXIII. On Priscus.
While not yet known, I lord and king call'd thee;
Well known, you are plain Priscus now to me.
Epig. CXIX. To Caecilianus.
A hundred read, you think too few I gave
Of Epigrams; Wilt thou more evils have?
MARTIALIS LIBER I.
Epigram XVII. Ad Avitum.
Sunt Bona, sunt quaedam mediocria, sunt mala plura
Quae legis hic: aliter non fit, Avite, liber.
Epigram XXIX. De Acerra.
Hesterno foetere mero qui credit Acerram,
Fallitur; in lucem semper Acerra bibit.
Epig. XXXIII. Ad Sabidium.
Non amo te Sabidi, nec possum dicere quare;
Hoc tantum possum dicere, Non amo te.
Epig. XXXIX. Ad Fidentinum.
Quem recitas, meus est, ô Fidentine, libellus:
Sed malè cùm recitas, incipit esse cuus.
Epig. XLI. Ad Lividum.
Qui ducis vultus, & non legis ista libenter,
Omnibus invideas, Livide, nemo tibi.
Epig. XLVIII. De Diaulo medico.
Nuper erat medicus, nunc est vespillo Diaulus;
Quod vespillo facit, fecerat & medicus.
Epig, LXXVI. De Lyno.
Dimidium donare Lino, quam credere totum,
Qui mavult: mavult perdere dimidium.
Epig. XCII. Ad Laelium.
Cum tua non edas, carpis mea carmina, Laeli;
Carpere vel noli nostra, vel ede tua.
Epig. XCVI. Ad Helium.
Quod clamas semper, quod agentibus obstrepis Heli,
Non facis hoc gratis: accipis, ut taceas.
Epig. XCIX. Ad Flaccum.
Litigat, & podagra Diodorus Flacce laborat;
Sed nil patrono porrigit, haec chiragra est.
Epig. CI. De Afra vetula.
Mammas at que tatas habet Afra: sed ipsa tatarum
Dici & mammarum maxima mamma potest.
Epig. CXI. Ad Velocem.
Scribere me quereris, Velox, epigrammata longa;
Ipse nihil scribis, tu breviora facis.
Epig. CXIII. In Priscum.
Cum te non nossem, dominum regemque vocabam:
Cum bent te novi, jam mihi Priscus eris.
Epig. CXIX. Ad Caecilianum.
Cui legisse sat is, non est epigrammata centum,
Nil illi satis est, Caeciliane, mali.
MARTIAL BOOK II.
Epig. III. To Sextus.
YOu nothing owe, you nothing owe, we know:
Sextus, to pay he's able, that doth owe.
Epig. XIII. To Sextus.
Both Judge and Advocate look for reward,
'Tis my mind with your Creditor you accord.
Epig. XV. Upon Hermus.
That you your cup to drink do give to none:
Hermus' tis civilly, not proudly done.
Epig. XX. Of Paulus.
Bought Verses, for his own, Paul doth recite;
For what you buy, you may call yours by right.
Epig. XXI. Upon Posthumus.
You kiss some, Posthume, some your hand allow;
You bid me chuse; your hand, your hand I vow.
Epig. XXV. to Galla.
You nere give, Galla, yet grant constantly;
If that's your way, I'le beg what you'd deny.
Epig. XXVIII. Upon Linus.
Ask you what my Nomentine field brings me?
This Linus 'mongst the rest, I nere see thee.
Epig. LVIII. Upon Zoilus.
You sprucely cloathed, laugh at my thred-bare gown;
'Tis thred-bare truly, Zoilus, but mine own.
Epig. LXXX. Of Fannius.
When Fannius from his Enemy did fly,
He kild himself for fear lest he should die.
LXXXVIII. Upon Mamercus.
You'd Poet seem, yet nothing you rehearse;
Be what you will, so we nere hear your verse.
MARTIALIS LIBER II.
Epig. III. Ad Sextum.
SExte, nihil debes; nil debes, Sexte, fatemur:
Debet enim, si quis solvere, Sexte, potest.
Epig. XIII. Ad Sextum.
Et Judex petit, & petit patronus;
Solvas censeo, Sexte, creditori.
Epig. XV. In Hermum.
Quod nulli calicem tuum propinas,
Humanè facis, Herme, non superbè.
Epig. XX. De Paullo
Carmina Paullus emit: recitat sua carmina Paullus.
Nam quod emis, possis dicere jure tuum.
Epig. XXI. In Posthumum.
Basia das aliis, aliis das, Posthume, dextram.
Dicis, utrum mavis? elige: malo manum.
Epig. XXV. Ad Gallam.
Das nunquam, semper promitis, Galla, roganti;
Si semper fallis, jam rogo, Galla, nega.
Epig. XXXVIII. In Linum.
Quid mihi reddat ager, quaeris, Linc, Nomentanus?
Hoc mihi reddit ager: te Line non video.
Epig. LII. In Zoilum.
Pexatus pulchrè, rides mea, Zoile, trita:
Sunt haec trita quidem, Zoiele, sed mea sunt.
Epig. LXXX. De Fannio.
Hostem cùm fugeret, se Fannius ipse peremit:
Hic rogo, non faror est, ne moriare mori?
Epig. LXXXVIII. In Mamercum.
Nil recitas, & vis, Mamerce, Poeta videri:
Quicquid vis esto, dummodo nil recites.
MARTIAL. BOOK III.
Epig. VIII. Upon Quintus.
Quiatus loves Thais: Which Thais? Is it she
That's blind? I think she hath more eyes then he.
Epig. IX. Upon Cinna.
Cinna on me Verses to write is said;
He writes not, who's not worthy to be read.
Epig. XXI. On a cruel Master.
Who sav'd by his man, doth stigmatize the same,
Returns himself to banish his good name.
Epig. XXVIII. Upon Nestor.
Wonder you Nestor, Marius ear smells strong?
Your breaths the Cause, you whisper there so long.
Epig. XXXV. Of fishes engraved.
These fishes see, that the fain'd sculpture are
Of Phidias; adde but water, they'l swim there.
Epig. XXXVII. On angry friends.
Rich friends 'gainst poor, to anger still are prone;
It is not well, but profitably done.
Epig. XLI. Of a Lizard engrav'd upon a Cup.
The Lizard wrought by Mentor's hand so rare,
Was fear'd in th' Cup, as though it living were.
Epig. XLIX. Upon the Invitor.
You Massick drink, Veian wine give to me:
I need not tast, the smell doth satisfie.
Epig. LVI. Of the water of Ravenna.
I'de rather have a Well at Rhene, than Vine:
Since Water there is far more dear then Wine.
Epig. LXI. Upon Cinna.
What e're you ask, 'tis Nothing still you cry;
If Nothing Cinna, Nothing I'le deny.
Epig. LXXXIX. To Phoebus.
Lettuces, Phoebus, and soft Mallows use:
Thy costive squeezing Closestool-face to loose.
Epig. XCIV. On Rufus.
You say you Hare's not boyl'd, and seem to be
Enrag'd: you'd flash your Cook, not Hare I see.
MARTIALIS LIBER III.
Epig. VIII. In Quintum.
Thaida Quintus amat: quam Thaida? Thaida luscam.
Unum oculum Thais non habet, ille duos.
Epig. IX. In Cinnam.
Versiculos in me narratur scribere Cinna.
Non scribit, cujus carmina nemo legit.
Epig. XXI. In crudelem Dominum.
Proscriptum famulus servavit fronte notatus;
Non fuit haec domini vita, sed invidia.
Epig. XXVIII. In Nestorem.
Auriculam Mario graviter miraris olere:
Tu facis hoc: garris, Nestor, in auriculam.
Epig. XXXV. De Piscibus sculptis.
Art is Phidiacae toreuma clarum,
Pisces adspicis: adde aquam, natabunt.
Epig. XXXVII. In irascentes amicos.
Irasci tantùm felicis nostis amici;
Non bellè facitis: sed juvat boc facere.
Epig. XLI. In lacerta caelata.
Inserta Phialae Mentoris manu ducta
Lacerta vivit, & timetur argentum.
Epig. XLIX. Ad Invitatorem.
Veientana mihi misces, tu Massica potas:
Olfacere haec malo pocula, quàm bibere.
Epig. LVI. De Cisterna Ravennate.
Sit cisterna mihi, quàm vinea, malo Ravennae:
Cùm possim multo vendere pluris aquam.
Epig. LXI. In Cinnam.
Esse nihil dicis, quidquid petis, improbe Cinna.
Si nil Cinna petis, nil tibi, Cinna, nego.
Epig. LXXXIX. Ad Phaebum.
Utere lactucis, & mollibus utere malvis:
Nam faciem durùm, Phaebe, cacantis habet.
Epig. XCIV. In Rufum.
Esse negas coctum leporem, poscis (que) flagella;
Mavis Rufe coquum scindere, quàm leporem.
MARTIAL BOOK IV.
Epig. XXIV. To Fabianus.
Licoris of her Friends still makes an end;
I would she were to my Wife such a Friend.
Epig. XXXIV. To Attalus.
Thy Gown is thred-bare, soil'd; yet he saith right,
O Attalus, that saith thy Gown is white.
Epig. XLI. Of a bad Poet.
Why wrapt about your Neck Wool do you wear?
That Wool would better serve to stop your Ear.
Epig. XLVII. Of Phaeton.
There Phaeton see, wrought with a burning stile;
What do you mean? him to twice burn the while.
Epig. LXV. Of Philaenis.
With but one eye Philaenis weeps; how done
If you enquire, know she hath got but one.
Epig. LXXVI. To his covetous Friend.
I ask'd Twelve thousand Sesterce, Six you gave:
Henceforth I'le double ask what I would have.
Epig. LXXX. To Matho.
So constant Guest unto my farm y'are known;
You buying it, I cheat, and sell your own.
Epig. LXXXVI. Upon Ponticus.
We drink in glass, but you in stone, and why?
Least clear glass should your better Wine descry.
MARTIALIS LIBER IV.
Epig. XXIV. Ad Fabianum.
Omnes, quas habuit, Fabiane, Lycoris amicas
Extulit; uxori fiat amica meae.
Epig. XXXIV. Ad Attalum.
Sordida cùm tibi sit: verum tamen, Attale, dicit
Quisquis'te niveam dicit habere togam.
Epig. XLI. In male recitantem.
Quid recitaturus circundas vellera collo?
Conveniunt nostris auribus illa magis.
Epig. XLVII. De Phaetone.
Eacaustus Phaeton tabulâ depictus in hac est.
Quid tibi vis, dipyron qui Phaethonta facis?
Epig. LXV. De Philaeni.
Oculo Philaenis semper altero plorat.
Quo fiat istud quaeritis modo, lusca est.
Epig. LXXVI. In avarum amicum.
Millia misisti mihi sex, bis sena petenti:
Ut bis sena feram, bis duodena petam.
Epig. LXXX. Ad Mathonem.
Hospes eras nostri semper, Matho, Tiburtini:
Hoc emis, imposui, rus tibi vendo tuum.
Epig. LXXXVI. In Ponticum.
Non bibimus nitro, tu myrrhâ, Pontice; quare?
Prodat perspicuus ne duo vina calix.
MARTIAL. BOOK V.
Epig. XXXIII. Of Crisp.
Crispus no fourth part to his Wife did leave;
Unto whom then? himself did it receive.
Epig. XLIV. Of Thais and Lecania.
Lecania's teeth why white, Thais black are?
Lecania bought, Thais her own doth wear.
Epig. XLVIII. Of Philo.
That he ne're sups at home, Philo makes Oath;
He never sups, but when invited forth.
Epig. LVIII. To Cinna.
When Sir I call thee, be not pleas'd; for know
Cinna, I often call my servant so.
Epig. LXXXII. To Aemilianus.
You want, Aemilianus, so you may:
Riches are given rich men, and none but they.
Epig. LXXXIV. To Dindymus.
I fly, you follow; fly, when I persue:
What I love, hate, is hated, lov'd by you.
MARTIALIS LIBER V.
Epig. XXXIII. De Crispo.
Quadrantem Crispus tabulis, Faustine, supremis
Non dedit uxori; cui dedit ergo? sibi.
Epig. XLIV. De Thaide & Lecania.
Thais habet nigros, niveos Lecania dentes.
Quae ratio est? emptos haec habet, illa suos.
Epig. XLVIII. De Philone.
Nunquam se coenasse domi Philo jurat: & hoc est:
Non coenat quoties nemo vocavit eum.
Epig. LVIII. Ad Cinnam.
Cum voco te Dominum, noli tibi, Cinna, placere:
Saepe etiam servum sic resaluto meum.
Epig. LXXXII. Ad Aemilianum.
Semper eris pauper, si pauper es, Aemiliane:
Dantur opes nulli nunc nisi divitibus.
Epig. LXXXIV. Ad Dindymum.
Insequeris, fugio; fugis, insequor: haec mihi mens est:
Velle tuum nolo, Dindyme, nolle volo.
MARTIAL BOOK VI.
Epig. XLVIII. On Pomponius.
Sophos to thee thy Clients cry; but know
Thy Supper's eloquent, Thou art not so.
Epig. LXXIX. To Lupus.
What fad, and rich? beware, if Fortune shall,
Lupus, know this, she'le thee ingratefull call.
Epig. XC. Of Gellia.
Gellia hath but one Servant, yet much shame:
For Gellia hath two Husbands; there's the blame.
MARTIALIS LIBER VI.
Epig. XLVIII. In Pomponium.
Quòd tam grande sophos clamat tibi turba togata,
Non tu, Pompini, caena diserta tua est.
Epig. LXXIX. Ad Lupum.
Tristis es, & felix; sciat hoc fortuna caveto:
Ingratum dicet te, Lupe, si scierit.
Epig. XC. De Gellia.
Moechum Gellia non habet nisi unum:
Turpe est hoc magis; uxor est duorum.
MARTIAL. BOOK VII.
Epig. II. To Pontilianus.
Why send I not to thee these Books of mine?
'Cause I, Pontilian, would be free from thine.
Epig. VIII. Of Casselius.
Casselius now to threescore years doth rise;
He witty is, when will he grow to wise?
Epig. XV To Regulus.
Having no mony, I am forc'd your Pack
Of Gifts to sell; what, Regulus, do ye lack?
Epig. LVIII. Of Caecilianus.
Without a Bore Caecilian ne're doth feast;
Titus, he hath a very pretty Guest.
Epig. LXV. Of Labienus.
Fábius left Labien his sole Heir by will;
Yet he complains he is a Looser still.
Epig. LXXVI. Of Tucca.
Ask me no more, no Books I'le give to thee;
Tucca, you sell, not read the Courtesie.
Epig. LXXX. To Lausus.
Thirty Bad Epigrams the Book doth share;
The Book is good, if Thirty good there are.
Epig. LXXXII. Of Eutrapelus.
Barber Eutrapelus did shave so slow
Lupercus Chin; another Beard did grow.
Epig. XCIII. To Papilus.
Sweet oyntment once was in that Onyx stone;
You smelt, and see 'tis putrefaction grown.
Epig. C. Of an Old Woman.
If touch'd, or heard, you please; not seen each part
Doth please us well; none, if in sight thou art.
MARTIAL. LIBER VII.
Epig. II. Ad Pontilianum.
Cur non mitto meos tibi, Pontiliane, libellos?
Ne mihi tu mittas, Pontiliane, tuos.
Epig. VIII. De Casselio.
Cum sexaginta numeret Casselius annos,
Ingeniosus homo est: quando disertus erit?
Epig. XV. Ad Regulum.
Aera domi non sunt; superest hoc, Regule, tantùm,
Ut tua vendamus munera: numquid emis?
Epig. LVIII. De Caeciliano.
Non coenát sine apro noster, Tite, Caecilianus,
Bellum convivam Caecilianus habet.
Epig. LXV. De Labieno.
Haeredem Fabius Labienum ex asse reliquit:
Plus meruisse tamen se Labienus ait.
Epig. LXXVI. In Tuccam.
Exigis ut nostros donem tibi, Tucca libellos;
Non faciam: nam vis vendere, non legere.
Epig. LXXX. Ad Lausum.
Triginta toto mala sunt epigrammata, libro:
Si totidem bona sunt, Lause, liber bonus est.
Epig. LXXXII. De Eutrapelo:
Eutrapelus tonsor dum circuit ora Luperci,
Expungit (que) genas: altera barba subit.
Epig. XCIII. De Papilo.
Unguentum fuerat, quod onyx modò parva gerebat:
Olfecit postquam Papilus, ecce garum est.
Epig. C. De Vetula.
Tacta places, audita places, si non videare,
Tota places: neutro, si videare, places.
MARTIAL BOOK VIII.
Epig. XXVII. To Gaurus.
Who gives you gifts being rich, and old, doth cry,
Gaurus, To thee I give these gifts to dy.
Epig. XXIX. Of Disticks.
What Writer can as short on Disticks look,
When even those Disticks do make up a Book?
Epig. XLIX. Of Asper.
One that is fair, blind Asper much esteems;
Yet Asper sees not what he does, it seems.
Epig. LX. Of Claudia.
The Palatine Colossus Claudia must,
If eighteen inches shorter, equal just.
MARTIALIS LIBER VIII.
Epig. XXVII. Ad Gaurum.
Munera qui tibi dat locupleti, Gaure, seni (que)
Si sapis & sentis, hic tibi ait, Morere.
Epig. XXIX. De Distichis.
Disticha qui scribit, puto, vult brevitate placere.
Quid prodest brevitas, dic mihi si, liber est?
Epig. XLIX. De Aspro.
Formosam planè, sed coecus diliget Asper:
Plus ergo, ut res est, quàm videt Asper, amat.
Epíg. LX. In Claudiam.
Summa Palatini poteras aequare Colossi,
Si fieres brevior, Claudia, sesquipede.
MARTIAL. BOOK IX.
Epig. VI. On Paula.
You'd Priscus wed, Paula; you're wise I know;
But hee'l not thee; Priscus is wiser though.
Epig. XVI. Of Chloe.
On her seven Husbands tombs she doth impress,
This Chloë did; what can she more confess?
Epig. XCVII. Of Herodes.
Stealing his Cup, his Patient him did spy;
Herodes said, Fool, if you drink you dy.
MARTIAL. LIBER IX.
Epig. VI. In Paullam.
Nubere vis Prisco, non miror, Paulla: sapísti.
Ducere te non vult Priscus: & ílle spit.
Epig. XVI. De Chloë.
Inscripsit tumulo septem celebrata virorum
Se fecisse Chloë: quid pote simplicius?
Epig. XCVII. De Herode.
Clinicus Herodes trullam subduxerat aegro:
Deprensus dixit; stulte, quid ergo bibis?
MARTIAL. BOOK X.
Epig. VIII. Of Paulla.
Paulla would marry me, she is too old;
Yet were she not so young, the match should hold.
Epig. XLIII. To Phileros.
Now in thy field seven Wives buried are;
What ground than thine a better crop doth bear?
Epig. LIV. Upon Olus.
Your Feast still cover'd is: I, Olus, sure,
If this be one, a Feast can make, though poor.
Epig. LXXXIV. Of Afer to Caecilianus.
Reason why Afer sleeps not you would know;
Caecilianus, mind his Bed-fellow.
MARTIAL. LIBER X.
Epig. VIII. De Paulla.
Nubere Paulla cupit nobis, ego ducere Paullam
Nolo: anus est; vellem si magis esset anus.
Epig. XLIII. Ad Philerotem.
Septima jam, Phileros, ìibi conditur uxor in agro.
Plus nulli, Phileros, quàm tibi reddit ager.
Epig. LIV. In Olum.
Mensas, Ole, bonas ponis: sed ponis opertas.
Ridiculum est possum sic ego habere bonas.
Epig. LXXXIV. De Afro, ad Caecilianum:
Miraris, quare dormitum non eat Afer?
Accumbat cum qua Caeciliane vides.
MARTIAL. BOOK XI.
Epig. XV. Of a little Farmer.
Entomb this small Aërial Corps ith' sky;
On him the least earth will too heavy ly.
Epig. LXVIII. Upon Maro.
Living you nothing give; your Funeral fire
You say, gives all; you know what I desire.
Epig. LXIX. To Matho.
Great men deny when trifles you'd receive;
With lesse shame ask what befits them to give.
Epig. LXXXIV. To Sosibianus.
Gratis none lodge, but rich, and Orphanes those,
Who on his house doth dearer rates impose.
Epig. XCIII. Upon Zoilus.
Who calls thee Vitious, lyes; You, Zoilus, are
Not Vitious, but pure Vice it self, I sware.
MARTIAL. LIBER XI.
Epig. XV. De Colono.
Heredes nolite brevem sepelire colonum.
Nam terra est illi quantulacunque gravis.
Epig. LXVIII. In Maronem.
Nil mihi das vivus: dicis post fata daturum.
Si non es stultus, scis Maro quid cupiam.
Epig. LXIX. Ad Mathonem.
Parva rogas magnos: sed non haec quoque magui.
Ut pudeat leviùs te Matho, magna roga.
Epig. LXXXIV. Ad Sosibianum.
Nemo habitat gratis, nisi dives & orbus apud te.
Nemo domum pluris, Sosibiane, locat.
Epig. XCIII. In Zoilum:
Mentitur, qui te vitiosum, Zoiles, dixit.
Non vitiosus homo es, Zoile, sed vitium.
MARTIAL. BOOK XII.
Epig. VII. Of Ligia.
If Ligia equal years and hairs doth hold,
Now Gran-dame Ligia's almost three year old.
Epig. X. Of Africanus.
Though he's worth Thousands, yet his fingers itch;
All are still poor, though many be too rich.
Epig. XIII. To Auctus.
Anger, rich men do count a gain: they live
At less expence of purse to hate, then give.
Epig. XLVII. Upon a divers-humour'd man.
Th'art merry, sad, easre, and hard to please;
Nor with, nor from thee can I live at ease.
Epig. LI. Of Fabullus.
Wonder no more that Fabull's cheated so;
An honest man is simply honest, know.
Epig. LIV. Upon Zoilus.
Red hair, black mouth, badger legs, blind, I see;
Be, Zoilus, good, and the worlds wonder be.
Epig. CII. To Mattus.
He who denyes himself at home, you see,
Mattus, doth say, I am asleep to thee.
MARTIAL. LIBER XII.
Epig. VII. De Ligeia.
Toto vertice quot gerit capillos,
Annos si tot habet Ligeia, trima est.
Epig. X. De Africano.
Habet Africanus millies, tamen captat;
Fortuna multis dat nimis, satis nulli.
Epig. XIII. Ad Auctum.
Genus, Aucte, lucri divites habent iram;
Odisse quàm donare vilius constat.
Epig. XLVII. In habentem varios mores,
Difficilis, facilis, jucundus, acerbus es idem:
Nec tecum possum vivere, nec sine te.
Epig. LI. De Fabullo.
Tam saepe nostrum deeipi Fabullum, quid
Miraris Aule? semper bonus homo tiro est.
Epig. LIV. In Zoilum.
Crine ruber, niger ore, brevis pede, lumine laesus.
Rem magnam praestas, Zoile, si bonus es.
Epig. CII. Ad Martum.
Qui negat esse domi se, tunc cùm limina pulsas.
Quid dicat, nescis? dormio, Matte, tibi.
MARTIAL. BOOK XIII. Xenia.
Epig. IV. Frankincense.
Send perfum'd prayers to Jove, that Caesar may
Long rule on earth, e're he heaven's scepter sway.
Epig. XVIII. Leeks.
When you Tarentine, Leeks eat, shun offence,
With lips close seal'd a breathless kiss dispence.
Epig. XXII. Reisins in the sun.
Fit nor for cup, nor Bacchus; I will be
Nectar, although not Potable, to thee.
Epig. XXXIX. A Goat.
You once did Bacchus wound; this death you have,
O wanton Goat, for the then wound you gave.
Epig. LIII. A Turtle-Dove
Lettuce farewell; fat Turtles give to me;
And poynant hunger the best sawce will be.
Epig. LIX. A Dormouse.
Sleeping all Winter I'm most fat; no food,
But a full meal of sleep doth work this good.
Epig. LX. A Rabit.
You a small Burrough working, do defign
Captains great Cities how to undermine.
Epig. LXII. On a cramn'd Hen.
The Hen grows fat, with darkness fed and dough;
The very gut doth now ingenious grow.
Epig. LXXVI. A wilde Partridge.
I a wilde Partridge am; what difference? nought,
But that the tame one is the dearer bought.
Epig. LXXXVII. The Purple fish.
O most ungratefull man, not only you
Do dye with me; but likewise eat me too.
Epig. XCIV. The Does.
The Tusk, the Boar; Harts, horns defend, to all
We naked Does, prey undefended, fall.
Epig. CXXII. Vineger.
Aegyptian Vineger despise not thou:
When it was Wine, 'twas far more vile chan now.
Epig. CXXV. Tarentine wine.
Happy, and fam'd Aulon, in wool, and wine,
The fleece take thou, give me the richer Vine.
Epig. CXXVII. A Coronet of Roses to Caesar.
Winter a Rose presents unto thy Throne;
Once 'twas the Springs, but now 'tis Caesars grown.
MARTIALIS. LIBER XIII. Xenia.
Epig. IV. Thus.
Serus ut aethereae Germanicus imperet aulae,
Utque diu terris, da pia thura Jovi.
Epig. XVIII. Porri sectivi.
Fila Tarentini graviter redolentia porri
Edisti quoties, oscula clausa dato.
Epig. XXII. Uva duracina.
Non habilis cyathis, & inutilis uva Lyaeo:
Sed non potanti me, tibi Nectar ero.
Epig. XXXIX. Hoedo.
Lascivum pecus, & viridi non utile Baccho
Det poenas: nocuit jam tenet ille deo.
Epig. LIII. Turtur.
Dum pinguis mibi turtur erit: lactuca valebis,
Et cochleas tibi habe; perdere nolo famem.
Epig. LIX. Glires.
Tota mihi dormitur byems, & pinguior illo
Tempore sum, quo me nil nisi somnus alit.
Epig. LX. Cuniculus.
Gaudet in effossis habitare cuniculus antris:
Monstravit tacitas hostibus ille vias.
Epig. LXII. Gallina altilis.
Pascitur & dulci facilis gallina farinâ,
Pascitur & tenebris; ingenìosa gula est.
Epig. LXXVI. Rusticula.
Rustica sum, an perdix, quid refert si sapor idem est?
Carior est perdix: sic sapit illa magis.
Epig. LXXXVII. Murices.
Sanguine de nostro tinctas ingrate lacernas
Induis, &, non est hoc satis, esca sumus.
Epig. XCIV. Damae.
Dente timentur api; defendunt cornua cervos:
Imbelles damae, quid nisi praeda sumus?
Epig. CXXII. Acetum.
Amphora Niliaci non sit tibi vilit aceti:
Esset cùm vinum, vilior illa fuit.
Epig. CXXV. Tarentinum.
Nobilis & lanis, & felix vitibus Aulon
Det pretiosa tibi vellera, vina mihi.
Epig. CXXVII. Corona Rosea.
Dat festinata Caesar tibi bruma coronas,
Quondam veris erant, nunc tua facta rosa est.
MARTIAL. BOOK XIV. APOPHORETA.
Epig. XII. An Ivory Cabinet.
These Ivory Tills should nought contain but Gold,
And more vile wood should baser silver hold.
Epig. XVI. A Casting box.
The cogging hand may slur a Dye; with me
No slight prevails, only your hopes are free.
Epig. XXXIV. A Sithe made of a Sword.
Me to a better Trade calme Peace doth change,
I, in the Camp did serve, do in the Scange.
Epig. XLIV. A Wooden Candlestick.
Unless you mind, and mend the light, you'l see
The Candlestick it self will Candle be.
Epig. LXXIII. A Parret.
To complement my Master teacheth me;
But I by nature am taught loyalty.
Epig. LXXV. A Nightingale.
Wrong'd Philomel, while woman, mute was she;
But since a bird, sings her own Eligy.
Epig. LXXVI. A Pie.
Did you nor see, (such a true voyce I fain)
Thinking me man, you would Salute again.
Epig. LXXXIX. A Citron-table.
Atlas this Citron-table sends to thee:
Should he give gold, the gift would viler be.
Epig. CXI. Chrystal-glasses.
You Chrystal break, for fear of breaking it:
Careless and carefull hands like fault commit.
Epig. CXXXIII. A Granada Cloak.
I'me as I seem; not any dyer gave,
But nature dyed this colour that I have.
Epig. CXLVII. A Rugge.
Warm purple Ruggs without, what profit these,
If an old Wife within doth make thee freeze?
Epig. CLXII. Hay.
Sruff thy cheap Tick with hay, pale care will fly;
She never doth upon a hard bed ly.
Epig. CLXXVII. Corinthian Hercules.
See how the Child doth the two Serpents tear,
And squeeze out life; Hydra even now may fear.
Epig. CLXXX. The picture of Europa.
Great Father of the gods, a Bull then thou
Should'st be, when Iö was transform'd a Cow.
Epig. CLXXXI. Leander in Marble.
Thus bold Leander spake to the swel'd wave;
Spare me till I return, be then my grave.
Epig. CXC. Livy in Parchment.
In a small Parchment see great Livy roll'd;
Whom all my Study is too small to hold.
Epig. CXCIV. Lucan.
There some be say I do not poetize:
But he who sells me finds it otherwise.
Epig. CXCVII. A little Mule.
You need not fear a fall from the low Mule;
You almost higher sit when earth's your stool.
Epig. CCVIII. A Notary.
This swifter hand doth the swift words out-run,
Before the Tongue hath spoke, the hand hath done.
Epig. CCX. A Fool.
A modest Folly may for wisdome go;
And he's less wife that would seem more than so.
Epig. CCXI. A Ram's bead.
You the Phryxean beast do kill; yet he
Disrob'd himself to dress ungratefull thee.
Epig. CCXII. A Dwarf.
Whom for his Head you Hector think, you'l call
Hector's young son, when you perceive how tall.
Epig. CCXVII. On an Ordinary.
Your Ordinary and number name; what is't?
Not a word more; your Supper's drest and disht.
Epig. CCXX. A cook.
A Cook should double one sence have; for he
Should taster for himself and master be.
The end.
MARTIALIS. LIBER XIV APOPHORETA.
Epig. XII. Loculi eborei.
Hos nisi de flava loculos implere monetâ
Non decet; argentum vilia ligna ferant.
Epig. XVI. Turricula.
Quae scit compositos manus improba mittere talos,
Si per me misit, nil nisi vota facit.
Epig. XXXIV. Falx ex ense.
Pax me certa ducis placidos curvavit in usus.
Agricolae nune sum, militis ante sui.
Epig. XLIV. Candelabrum ligneum.
Esse vides lign [...]um: serves nisi lumina siet
De candetabro magna lucerna tibi.
Epig. LXXIII. Psittacus.
Psittacus à vobis aliorum nomina discam:
Hoc didici per me dicere, Caesar, ave.
Epig. LXXV. [...]
[...]
[...]
Epig. LXXVI. Pica.
Pica loquax certa dominum te voce saluto:
Si me non videas, esse negabis avem.
Epig. LXXXIX. Mensa citrea.
Accipe felices Atlantica munera sylvas:
Aurea qui dederit dona, minora dabit.
Epig. CXI. Chrystallina.
Frangere dum metuis, frangis chrystallina: peccant
Securae nimium, solicitaeque manus.
Epig. CXXXIII. Lacernae Baeticae.
Non est lana mihi mendax, nec mutor aëno:
Si placeant Tyriae, me mea tinxit ovis.
CXLVII. Cubicularia gausapina.
Stragula purpureis lucent villosa tapetis;
Quid prodest, si te congelat uxor anus?
Epig. CLXII. Foenum.
Fraudata tumeat facilis tibi culcita pluma;
Non venit ad duros pallidá cura toros.
Epig. CLXXVII. Hercules Corinthius.
Elidit geminos infans, nec respicit angues;
Jam poterat teneras hydra timere manus.
Epig. CLXXX. Europa picta.
Mutari melius tauro pater optime divûm
Tunc poteras, Iô cum tibi vacca fuit.
Epig. CLXXXI. Leander marmoreus.
Clamabat tumidis audax Leander in undis,
Mergite me fluctus, cùm rediturus ero.
Epig. CXC. Livius in membranis.
Pellibus exiguis arctatur Livius ingens,
Quem mea non totum bibliotheca capit.
Epig. CXCVI. Lucan.
Sunt quidam, qui me dicunt non esse Poetam:
Sed qui me vendit bibliopola, putat.
Epig. CXCVII. Mulae pomiliae.
His tibi de mulis non est metuanda ruina:
Altiùs in terra paene sedere soles.
Epig. CCVIII. Notarius.
Currant verba licet manus est velocior illis:
Nondum lingua suum, dextra perigit opus.
Epig. CCX. Morio.
Non mendax stupor est, nec singitur arte dolosa
Quisquls plus justo non sapit, ille sapit.
Epig. CCXI. Caput arietinum.
Mollia Phryxei secuisti colla mariti,
Hoc meruit, tunicam qui tibi saepe dedit.
Epig. CCXII. Pumilio.
Si solum spectes hominis caput, Hectora credes:
Si stantem videas. Astyanacta plures.
Epig. CCXVII. Obsonator.
Dic quotus, & quanti cupias coenare, nec unum
Addideris verbum: coena parata tibi est.
Epig. CCXX. Coquus.
Non satis est ars sola coquo, servire palato:
Nam (que) coquus domini debet habere gulam.
FINIS
THE CHOICEST DISTICKS Of all the Chief LATINE POETS That have writ in these Two last CENTURIES.
FINIS.
CATO'S MORAL DISTICKS.
CATO's DISTICKS OF MANNERS.
Book 1. Dist. 1.
God is chiefly to be worshipt.
If God a Spirit be as Poets sing,
A Spirit pure should be his Offering.
2. Drowsyness is to be shun'd.
Wake; be not given to sleep: for it we see
Is food to vice, but poyson unto thee.
3. The Tongue is to be bridled.
To guide the Tongue is the chief Vertue; be
That can rule it, is next the Deity.
4. Agree with thy self.
Thou with thy self agree; he must resist
Another who's his own Antagonist.
5. Blame no one rashly:
Mind humane nature, Carper; thou wilt see
Of those faults thou dost blame no one is free.
6. Safety is to be preferred before Wealth.
Leave what you love, if dangerous; before
All riches, value thou rich safety more.
7. Let thy temper comply with the times.
Change, yet stand firm; a wise man free from crime,
Dotb metamorphize manners with the time.
8. We must not alwayes yield to a wife.
Trust not thy Wife complaining; for it proves
Not seldom she doth hate, whom th' Husband loves.
9. We must be urgent in the correction of a friend.
When thou dost counsel any, he a friend,
Though he doth shun th' advice, yet do not end.
10. Fools are not to be overcome with words.
Talk not with Pratlers; Wisdome and Eloquence
To few, Nature to all doth words dispence.
11. Every one is a friend to himself.
Be friend to others, yet thine own; so do
Them good, no damage may thy self pursue.
12. It is forbid to spread rumours.
Fly spreading rumours, be not Author so;
Silence hurts no one, Speech doth make thee foe.
13. Promise not for another.
Assure not what another sayes; who finds
A faith 'tis rare; many have many minds.
14. Let every one judge himself.
Judge whether thou art worthy offer'd prayse;
From thine own mind, not others take thy bayes.
15. The account of Benefits.
A Benefit receiv'd thou ought'st to shew
To all; thy Charity let no one know.
16. Old men are to speak of their good deeds.
When thou old man dost call back time, and acts
Of others; tell thine own prayse-worthy facts.
17. The fault of Suspition.
Suspect not Whispering; the guilty mind
Doth in each word an accusatlon find.
18. We must think of Adversity in Prosperity.
When thou art well, think of Adversity.
The first and last fate seldome do agree.
19. Do not hope for anothers death.
Why should we hope anothers death to see?
We're all frail subjects to mortality.
20. The mind of the Giver is to be esteem'd in the Gift.
Thy poor Friend's gift though a small benefit
Receive, but render prayse surpassing it.
21. The patient enduring of poverty.
Since by Creation naked, therefore be
Patient in bearing native Poverty.
22. Death is not to be fear'd.
Fear not Life's end; he that doth so, doth take
Farewell of that which Life doth happy make.
23. Withhold thy favours from ungratefull men.
When thou dost meet one doth ingrateful prove,
Do not blaspheme thy God, refrain thy love.
24. Frugality.
Spare what thou hast, that it may farther go;
That thou mayst not be poor, think thou art so.
25. Often Promises are troublesome.
Promise not twice what may at first be done;
Perform thy promise, iteration shun.
26. Craft is to be deluded by Crast.
Who seems thy friend, and is not so, mean while
Seem thou so toe, and Craft with Craft beguile.
27. Fair words are to be suspected.
Approve not them speak fair; the Fowler's fife
Sounds sweet while the poor Bird doth lose its life.
28. Children are to be iustructed in the Arts.
If thou hast Sons, and canst no portion give,
Give Learning; they in spite of Fate will live.
29. How things are to be esteemed.
What's base esteem'd, think brave; brave, base; you'l be
So doing to thy self and others free.
30. Act not what thou dost condemn.
Be free from faults you blame; it is most base
When thine own doctrine doth fly in thy face.
31. Things not fitting to be granted, are not to be asked.
Ask what thou mayst have honestly; he must
Be knave and fool that doth ask what's unjust.
32. Known things are not to be chang'd for unknown.
Change not for that you know not what you know,
You see this good, that only may prove so.
33. Think every day thy last.
Since many deaths in every place do dwell,
Think each day gain'd, no one can fate compell.
34. Yield to thy friend.
Alwayes thy friend to conquer think not fit;
True friends then conquer when they do submit.
35. Friendship requires mutual curtesies.
When thou wouldst great Gifts have, then small ones send;
By being gracious thus you gain a friend.
36. Friendship doth hate differences.
Strive not with him who to thee friend doth prove;
Anger breeds hate, concord doth nourish love.
37. Chastisement without anger.
When angry with a Servant, first be slow
To Passion, and then thou wilt mercy shew.
38. To overcome with patience.
By suff'ring conquer when it doth behoove;
Patience doth alwayes greatest Vertue prove.
39. Keep what you have got.
Keep what thou hast; who labours to restore
His former loss, doth still lose more and more.
40. Provide in the first place for thy self.
Be to thy friends a friend, but likewise be
So doing to thy self no enemy.
CATONIS DISTICHA DE MORIBVS.
Lib. 1. Dist. 1.
Dei cultus praecipuus.
Si Deus est animus, nobis ut carmina dicum,
Hic tibi praecipue sit pura mente colendus.
2. Somnolentia vitanda.
Plus vigila semper, nec somno deditus esto:
Nam diuturna quies vitiis alimenta ministrat.
3. Cohibenda lingua.
Virtutem primam esse puta compescere lieguam:
Proximus ille Deo, qui scit ratione tacere.
4. Sibi ipsi conveniendum est.
Sperne repugnando tibi tu contrarius esse:
Conveniet nulli, qui secum dissidet ipso.
5. Nemo temere culpandus.
Si vitam inspicias bominum, si denique mores,
Cum culpent alios, nemo sine crimine vivit.
6. Utilitas divitiis anteponenda.
Quae nocitura tenes, quamvis sint chara, relinque.
Utilitas opibus praeponi tempore debet.
7. Mores pro tempore mutandi.
Constans & lenis, ut res cuu (que) expostulat, esto:
Temporibus mores sapiens sine crimine mutat.
8. Uxori non semper assentiendum.
Nil temere uxori de servis crede querenti:
Saepe etenim mulier, quem conjux diligit, odit.
9. Instandum correctioni amici.
Cum (que) mones aliquem, nec se velit ipse moneri;
Si tibi sit charus noli desistere coeptls.
10. Stulti verbis non vincuntur.
Contra verbosos noli contendere verbis:
Sermo datur cunctis, animi sapientia paucis.
11. Amicus sibi quisque.
Dilige sic alios, ut sis tibi charus amicus:
Sic bonus esto bonis, ne te mala damna sequantur.
12. Rumores spargere vetitum.
Rumores fuge, ne incipias novus author haberi:
Nam nulli tacuisse nocet, nocet esse locutum.
13. Fides aliena non promittenda.
Rem tibi promissam certo promittere noli.
Rara fides ideo est, quia multi multa loquuntur.
14. Judex quisque sui.
Cum quis te laudat, judex tuus esse memento:
Plus alias de te, quam tu tibi credere noli.
15. Beneficiorum ratio.
Officium alterius multis narrare memento;
Atque aliis cum tu benefeceris, ipse sileto.
16. Senio bene gesta referenda.
Multorum dum facta senex & dicta recenses,
Fac tibi succurrant juvenis quae feceris ipse.
17. Suspitionis labes.
Ne cures si quis tacito sermone loquatur:
Conscius ipse sibi, de se putat omnia dici.
18. In prosperis, de adversis cogitandum.
Cum fueris felix, quae sunt adversa caveto:
Non eadem cursu respondent ultima primis.
19. Mors alterius non speranda.
Cum dubia & fragilis sit nobis vita tributa,
In morte alterius spem tu tibi ponere noli.
20. Animus in dono aestimandus.
Exiguum munus cum dat tibi pauper amicus:
Accipito placide, plene & laudare memento.
21. Paupertatis tolerantia.
Infantem nudum cum te natura crearit,
Paupertatis onus patienter ferre memento.
22. Mors non formidanda.
Ne time as illam, quae vitae est ultima finis.
Qui mortem motuit, quod vivit, perdit id ipsum.
23. Amicorum ingratitudo fugienda.
Si tibi pro meritis nemo respondet amicus,
Incusare Deum noli, sed te ipse coerce.
24. Frugalitas.
Ne tibi quid desit, quaesitis utere parce:
Ut (que) quod est serves, semper tibi deesse putate.
25. Promissio iterata molesta.
Quod praestare potes, ne bis promiseris ulli,
Ne sis ventosus, dum vis urbanus haberi.
26. Ars arte deludenda.
Qui simulat verbis, ne corde est fidus amicus,
Tu quo fac simile: sic ars deluditur arte.
27. Blandiloquentia suspecta.
Noli homines blandos nimium sermone probare:
Fistula dulce canit, volucrem dum decipit auceps.
28. Liberi artibus instruendi.
Si tibi sint nati, nec opes, tunc artibus illos
Instrue, quo possint inopem defendere vitam.
29. Res quomodo aestimandae.
Quod vile est, charum; quod charum, vile putato:
Sic tibi nec parcus, nec avarus habereris ulli.
30. Culpata non facienda.
Quae culpare soles, ea ne tu feeeris ipse:
Turpe est doctori cum culpa redarguit ipsum.
31. Concedenda petenda.
Quod justum est petito, vel quod videatur honestum:
Nam stultum petere est, quod possit jure negari.
32. Nota ignotis non commutanda.
Ignotum tibi nolito praeponere notis:
Cognita judicio constant, incognita casu.
33. Dies quis (que) supremus putandus.
Cum dubia incertis versetur vita periclis,
Pro lucro tibi pone diem quicun (que) laboras.
34. Obsecundandum amicis.
Vincere cum possis, interdum cede sodali,
Obsequio quoniam dulces vincuntur amici.
35. Amieitiae mutua officia.
Ne dubites, cum magua petas, impendere parva:
His etenim rebus conjungit Gratia chares.
36. Amicitia rixas odit.
Litem inferre cave, cum quo tibi gratia juncta est,
Ira odium generat, concordia nutrit amorem.
37. Castgatio sine ira.
Servorum ob culpam cum te dolor urget in iram,
Ipse tibi moderare, tuis ut parcere possis.
38. Patientiâ vincere.
Quem superare potes, interdum vince ferendo:
Maxima enim mo [...]am semper patientia virtus.
39. Quaesita sunt conservanda.
Conserva potius quae sunt jam parta labore:
Cum labor in damno est, crescit mortalis egestas.
40 Consulendum tibi imprimis.
D [...]silis interdum notis, charis, & amicis;
Cum fueris felix, semper tibi proximus esto.
CATONIS DISTICHA DE MORIBVS.
Lib. 2. Dist. 1.
We are to deserve well of all men.
Be courteous unto all; a friend to gain
Is better than a kingdom to obtain.
2. Search not after secret things.
To know God's secrets do not thou desire;
Since thou art earthly, earthly things acquire.
3. The fear of death doth banish joy.
A fool he is who feareth his death-bed;
Who thinks of death, to th' joyes of life is dead.
4. Beware of Anger.
Dispute not when th'art angry; rage doth blind
Thy sight of truth, and suffocate thy mind.
5. We must be free when there is occasion.
When opportunity doth ask, be free:
When time requires, something must given be.
6. A moderate fortune is most safe.
Riches avoid, let poverty prevail;
That Ship's most safe on a small Sea doth sail.
7. Secret vices are to be conceal'd.
Blaze not thy Vice, that many may not blame
That which unto your self you think a shame.
8. All secrets at length are discovered.
Let no one think by vice the vicious win;
Though for a time 'tis hid, yet time shews sin.
9. The weakness of the Body is supply'd by the strength of Vertue.
Contemn not him who weakness undergoes;
Though she no strength, yet nature wit bestows.
10. We must yield to the stronger for a time.
A While to thy Superiours yield; oft we
The Victor conquer'd by the vanquisht see.
11. We must not scold with our friends.
Contend not with thy Friend let me advise;
For oft from small words doth great discord rise.
12. Inquire not thy Fortune by lot.
Ask not the lot what God doth ordinate;
Without thy Counsel he doth rule thy fate.
13. Too much bravery begets envy.
Shun being too brave, and envy so; although
It doth no harm, 'tis hard to undergo.
14. Be not cast down when overcome by Injustice.
Droop not though by Injustice wrong'd th'ast bin;
He doth not long rejoycce who so doth win.
15. Friends reconcil'd must forget former injuries.
Tell not past wrath; an evil tongue doth sow
Old enmity, and friendship overthrough.
16. Neither prayse nor disprayse thy self.
Nor prayse, nor blame thy self; fools so dilate
Themselves, when by vain glory urg'd they prate.
17. Thristiness.
Be frugal in thy wealth; that which we may
Be long a getting, swiftly slides away.
18. Severity of Carriage is sometimes to be laid aside.
When time behooves, a seeming fool then be,
'Tis wisedome and not foolishness in thee.
19. Be neither prod gal nor coveto is.
Be free, not Prodigal; if otherwise
You use your wealth, your fame will never rise.
20. We must give little credit to one who talks much.
Sometimes him not believe who doth relate
Of others; trust not him who still doth prate.
21. Let not the Drunkard blame the Wine.
When drunk, thy self not pardon for the same;
There's no fault in the Wine, the Driuker blame.
22. Communicate thy Cousel to thy Friend.
Freely thy mind unto thy Friend relate,
And tell thy Doctor of thy Bodies state.
23. Repine not at the good successe of bad men.
When bad men win, wish not their overthrow;
Fortune doth raise them, but to fall more low.
24. We must provide for future fortune.
Foresee thy fate; that chance doth fall more light
That is provided for by thy foresight.
25. Live by hope.
Though sometime Fortune frown, yet Hope retain;
It only doth with thee till death remain.
26. Take time by the forelock.
Then stir when opportunity is faire;
Behind, time's bald, his forehead's full of hair.
27. Guesse at the future by time past.
Times future, and the next ensuing fate
Foresee by past time; Janus imitate.
28. We must live by the rules of reason.
From pleasure spare, wealth on thy health bestow;
Then unto pleasure more to health we owe,
29. Sometimes agree with the multitude.
Contemn not alwaies what the rout advise,
You none can please, while you do all despise;
30. Take care of thy health.
'Bove all things value health, thy chief good; know
If ill thy self, not seasons make thee so.
31. Credit not dreams.
Regard not dreams, for sleeping, thy shut eyes
Do seem to see what waking you devise.
CATO's DISTICKS OF MANNERS.
Book 2. Dist. 1.
De omnibus bene merendum.
Si potes, ignotis etiam prodesse memento;
Utilius regno, meritis acquirere amicos.
2. Arcana non scrutanda.
Mitte arcana Dei, coelum (que) inquirere quid sit:
Cum sis mortalis, quae sunt mortalia cura.
3. Mortis timor gaudia pellit.
Liuque metum Lethi, nam stultum; tempore in omni
Dum mortem metuas, amittis gaudia vitae.
4. Iracundia cavenda.
Iratus de re incerta contendere noli:
Impedit ira animum ne possit cernere verum.
5. Expendendum ubi opus ost.
Fac sumptum propere, cum res desiderat ipsa:
Dandum etenim est aliquid cum tempus postulat aut res.
6. Fortuna modica tutior.
Quod nimium est fugito, parvo gaudere memento.
Tuta mage est puppis modico quae flumine fertur.
7. Occulta vitia reticenda.
Quod pudeat, socies prudens celare memento,
Nr plures culpent id quod tibi displicet uni.
8. Occulta tandem revelantur.
Nolo putes pravos homines peccare lucrari:
Temporibus peccata latent, & tempore parent.
9. Inbecillitas virtute compensatur.
Corporis exigui vires contemnere noli:
Consilio pollet, cu. vim natura negavit.
10. Cedendum potentiori ad tempus.
Quem scieris non esse parem tibi, tempore cede:
Victorem à victo superari saepe videmus.
11. Rixandum cum familiaribus.
Adversus notum noli contendere verbis,
Lis minimis verbis interdum maxima crescit.
12. Fortuna non quaerenda sorte.
Quod Deus intendat, noli perquirere sorte;
Quid statuit de te, fine te deliberat ipse.
13. Luxus odium generat.
Invidiam nimio cultu vitare memento:
Quae si non laedit, tamen hanc sufferre molestum est.
14. Animus non deponendus ob iniquum judicium.
Esto animo forti cum sis damnatus inique:
Nemo diu gaudet qui judice vincit iniquo.
15. Reconciliatis lis non refricanda.
Litis praeteritae noli maledicta referre:
Post inimicitias iram meminisse malorum est.
16. Teipsum neque lauda, neque culpa.
Nec te collaudes, nec te culpaveris ipse:
Hoc faciunt stulti quos gloria vexat inanis.
17. Parsimonia.
Utere quaesitis modice, dum sumptus abundat;
Labitur exiguo, quod partum est tempore longe.
18. Supercilium nonnunquam deponendum.
Insipiens esto cum tempus postulat aut res;
Stultitiam simulare loco prudentia summa est.
19. Neque prodigus, neque avaius.
Luxuriam fugito, fimul & vitare memento
Crimen avacritiae; nam sunt contraria famae.
20. Loquaci parum credendum.
Nolito quaedam referenti credere semper:
Exigua est tribuenda fides, qui mu ta loquuatur.
21. Ebrius vinun non accuset.
Q [...]od potu peccas, ignoscere tu tibi noli:
Nam nullum crimen vim est, sed culpa bibentis.
22. Amicis concilia credenda.
Consilium arcanum tacito committe sodali:
Corports auxilium medico committe fideli.
23. Successus malorum ne te offendat.
Successum in lignis noli (tu) ferre moleste;
Indulget fortuna malis ut laedere possit.
24. Futurus casus providendus.
Prospice, qui veniunt hos casus esse ferendos:
Nam levius laedit quicquid praevideris ante.
25. Animus in adversis spe fovendus.
Rebus in adversis animum submittere noli:
Spem retine: spes una hominem nec morte relinquit.
26. Opportunitas cum contingit, tenends.
Rem tibi quam nescis apt [...], demittere noli:
Fronte capillata, post est occasio calva.
27. Futura ex praeteritis colligenda.
Quod sequitur specta, quodque imminet ante videte;
Illum imitare deum qui partem spectat utramque.
28. Vitae ratio habenda.
Fortior ut valeas, interdum parcior esto:
Pauca voluptati debentur, plura saluti.
29. Multitudine cedendum.
Judicium populi nunquam contempseris unus,
Ne nulli placeas, dum vis contemnere multos.
30. Valetudo curanda.
Sit tibi praecipue, quod primum est, cura salutis.
Tempora ne culpes, cum sis tibi causa doloris.
31. Somnia non observanda.
Somnia ne cures: nam mens humana quod optat,
Cum vigilat sperans per somnum cernit ad ipsum.
CATO's DISTICKS OF MANNERS.
Book 3. Dist. 1.
When thou dost well, fear not evil report.
Doing well, though thee men should defame and wrong,
Care not; we cannot rule anothers tongue.
2. Conceal thy Friend's fault.
Keep thy Friend'y credit being a witness; yet
Discredit not thy self in doing it.
3. Supect fair words.
Fair words suspect; the simple truth is spoke
Naked, but fraud doth alwayes were a Cloak.
4. Fly Idleness.
Shun Idleness, the mind being un-imploy'd,
The body with diseases is annoy'd.
5. Let not the mind alwaies stand bent.
Joyes intermingle thou with Cares, and so
Thy heavy labours will the lighter shew.
6. Reprehend none with an evil mind.
Carp not at what another man doth do,
He thee may jear, and in the same way too.
7. Increase thy estate.
What the last Will gives keep, least fame you call,
If you increase it not, a Prodigall.
8. Let old age be bountifull.
What in thine old age fortune doth bestow,
Unto thy friend as freely let it go.
9. Regard the Speech, and not the Speaker.
Contemn not Councel if not bad; despise
Not Master, what thy Servant doth advise.
10. Be content with thy present fortune.
If thou hast lost thine old inheritance,
Be still content, grieve not at adverse chance.
11. Marry not for riches.
For love of gain, nor wed, nor keep a shrew;
Rather than keep her, let her dowry go.
12. Let anothers example teach thee wisdome.
Learn by th' examples other men do give;
Anothers life doth teach us how to live.
13. Attempt nothing against thy strength.
That which thou canst compleat, begin, least thy
Too heavy work as soon as born should dy.
14. Silence doth consent.
Conceal not what's ill done, least you are thought
Concealing it the Author of the fault.
15. Laws rigor is to be tempered with equity.
From unjust law unto the just Judge fly;
Justice, the Law it self should rectifie.
16. Be patient under deserved Affliction.
Unto Cross fate come by thy fault submit,
Being guilty so, punish thy self for it.
17. Read, but with judgement.
Having read much, read more; wonder you may,
Believe not though all which the Poets say.
18. Speak modestly in thy Cups.
Use few words 'fore thy Guests, least men esteem
Thee talkative, whilst thou wouldst witty seem.
19. Regard not thy Wife's anger.
Fear not thy Wife being angry, tears do then,
It is their Nature, prove the snares of men.
20. Use thy Estate, but do not abuse it.
Abuse not what thou hast; he who doth spend
His own, covets the money of his friend.
21. Fear not death.
Welcome approaching death, Atropos knife
Doth end thy cares when it doth end thy life.
22. If thy wife be profitable, regard not her tongue.
If thy Wife's talkative, the fault's in thee,
If thou not silent art, as she should be.
23. Love thy Parents.
Not with slight piety thy Parents love,
Nor sowre to her, while sweet to him you prove.
CATONIS DISTICHA DE MORIBVS.
Lib. 3. Dist. 1.
Recte agendo aliorum linguam ne timeas.
Cum recte vivas, ne cures verba malorum;
Arbitrii nostri non est quid quisque loquatur.
2. Amici crimen celandum.
Productus testis, salvo tamen ante pudore,
Quantumcunque potes celato crimen amici.
3. Blandiloqu [...]ntia suspecta.
Sermones blandos blaesosque cavere memiato:
Simplicitas veri sana est, fraus ficta loquendi.
4. Ignava vita fugienda.
Segnitiem fugito, quae vitae ignavia fertur:
Nam cum ammus languet, consumit inertia corpus.
5. Animus fessus relaxandus.
Interpone this interdum gaudia curis,
Ut possis animo quemvis sufferre laborem.
6. Malo animo neminem reprehendas.
Alterius dictum aut factum ne carpseris unquam,
Exemplo simili ne te derideat alter.
7. Haereditas augenda.
Quae tibi sors dederit tobulis suprema notato,
Augendo serva, ne sis quem fama loquatur.
8. Senectus sit munifica.
Cum tibi divitiae superant in fiae senectae,
Munificus facito vivas, non parcus amicis.
9. Verba attendenda, non os loquentis.
Utile consilium dominus ne despice servi:
Nullius sensum, si prodest, tempseris unquam.
10. Praesenti utendum fortuna.
Rebus & in censu, si non est, quod fuit ante;
Fac vivas contentus to quod tempora praebent.
11. Vxor spe dotis non ducenda.
Uxorem fuge, ne ducas sub nomine dotis;
Nec retinere velis si coeperit esse molesta.
12. Alieno sapete exemplo.
Multorum disce exemplo, quae facta sequaris,
Quoe fugias: vita est nobis aliena magistra.
13. Nihil ultra vires.
Quod potes, id tentes: operis ne pondere pressus
Succumbat labor, & frustra tentata relinquas.
14. Consentire videcur qui tacet.
Quod nosti haud recte factum nolito tacere,
Ne videare malos imitari velle tacendo.
15. Rigor favore temperandus.
Judicis auxilium sub iniqua lege rogato:
Ipsae etenim leges cupiunt ut jure regantur.
16. Feras quae culpa tua pateris.
Quod merito pateris, patienter ferre memento:
Cumque reus tibi sis, ipsum te judice damn.
17. Multa legenda, sed cum judicio.
Mult a legas facito, perlectis perlege multa;
Nam miranda eanunt sed non credenda Poetae.
18. Modeste in convivio legendum.
Inter convivas fac sis sermone modestus:
Ne dicare loquax, dum vis urbanus haberi.
19. Iracundia uxoris non formidanda.
Conjugis iratae noli tu verba timere:
Nam lacrymis struit insidias, dum foemina plorat.
20. Quaesiis utendum, non abutendum.
Utere qnaesitis, sed ne videaris abuti:
Qui sua cousumunt, cum deest, aliena sequuntur.
21. Mors non formidanda.
Fac tibi proponas mortem non esse tenendam,
Quae bona si non est, finis tamen ill a malorum.
23. Uxor loquax, si proba, ferenda.
Uxoris linguam, si frugi est, ferre memento:
Namque malum est nil velle pati, nec posse tacere.
23. Pietas etga parentes.
Dilige non aegra charos pietate parentes:
Nec matrem offendas, dum vis bonus esse parenti.
CATO's DISTICKS OF MANNERS.
Book 4. Dist. 1,
Contemn Riches.
Riches despise, if a rich mind you'l have;
Who admires Money, is to it a slave.
2. It is best to live according to the rules of nature.
Nature will alwayes give what doth befit,
If you're content, and ask no more then it.
3. Manage thy affairs with reason.
Wanting fore-sight you hard fate undergo,
Say not that fortune's blind, 'tis you are so.
4. Love Riches but for their use only.
Money for present use, not shew, require;
Holy and honest men no more desire.
5. Spare not thy riches on thy health.
When thou hast money, spend it on thy health;
Sick rich men want themselves, although no wealth.
6. Suffer a fatherly chastisement.
If you a Master's stripes can bear, receive
And welcome more what thy vext-Parents give.
7. Attempt certain and profitable things.
What certain profit gives, let that be done;
Erroncous things and things uncertain shun.
8. Give freely.
Give freely that that's ask'd if able; know
Thou dost gain well, when thou dost well bestow.
9. A Suspition is to be examin'd incontinently.
Quickly the truth inquire that you suspect;
Dangers come swift when usher'd by neglect.
10. Venus is to be overcome by abstinence.
When you to dangerous Venus condescend,
Be not a glutten to the Belly's friend.
11. A had man is the worst wilde beast.
Each Animal is fear'd though ne're so small;
But I advise fear one man more than all.
12. Prefer Wisdome to Strength.
If Nature strength, wisdome your self bestow
Upon your self, and a true valour so.
13. A Friend is the Mind's Physician.
Help from thy Friend desire when thou art ill;
A faithfull Friend is the best Doctor still.
14. A broken heart is the best sacrifice.
Why doth the harmless beast, when you sin, bleed?
Folly, to think his blood doth cleanse thy deed.
15. Choose a Friend for manners.
When for a faithfull friend you do enquire,
One rich in nothing but in mind desire.
16. Shun Avarice.
Vse Fortune's gift; what do you gain when she
Doth Plenty give, yet live in Poverty?
17. Pleasure is an enemy to a good name.
If you would have Fame prayse what you have done,
It will, if you dishonest pleasures shun.
18. Mock not Old age.
Mock not the faults which in Old age you find,
For each Old body hath a Childish mind.
19. Riches are mortal, Art immortal.
Thou something learn; fickle wealth flyes away,
But Art remaining fixt with thee doth stay.
20. Manners are known by words.
Mind what is slyly said; for such words do
Discover manners and conceal them too.
21. Art is to be helpt by use.
Though thou hast gain'd an Art, still practise it:
Use helps the hand, as study doth the wit.
22. The contempt of life.
Value not much th' approach of thy last hour;
Who contemns life, fears not death's fatal power.
23. Learn, and teach.
Learn of the Learn'd, teach the unlearned fry:
The Doctrine of good things, so, multiply.
24. Drink with reason.
Drink but what's necessary, shun excess;
Oft a Disease comes by Voluptuousnesse.
25. Condemn not that which thou hast approved of.
That disapprove not which you prays'd; be free
From being guilty of inconstancy.
26. Be circumspect in both Fortunes.
When the calm smiles of Fortune raise thy state,
Beware a change; if bad, hope better fate.
27. Wisdome doth increase by study.
Cease not to learn; Wisdome by it is known;
By the long use of time 'tis seldome shown.
28. Praise sparingly.
Praise sparingly; one day will certain shew
Whether the often prays'd be friend, or no.
29. Be not asham'd to learn.
'Tis no disgrace to learn an Art unknown;
Knowledge deserves much prayse, ignorance none.
30. Use Sobriety in all things.
Pleasure, and Strife, Venus, and Bacchus move;
Enjoy the good effects, bad disapprove.
31. Trust not the sad, and filent.
Who silent is and melancholly, shun;
Smooth and untroubled the deep Rivers run.
32 Compare thy Fortune with another mans.
When you complain, mind others fate, and see
In what respect Fortune's mote harsh to thee.
33. Attempt nothing beyond thy strength.
Begin what you to finish need not fail;
Safer ith' Haven 'tis than Main to sail.
34. Be just to the just.
Be just unto good men, for oft no small
And yet just judgements on the unjust fall.
35. Equally bear both Fortunes.
Do not complain when thy Estate doth fall,
Rather rejoyce that ill fate takes not all.
36. Bear with thy Friend.
Great losse is great vexation, yet there are
Some things the which true Friends should patient bear.
37. Trust not to time.
Promise not many dayes, few, short, they be;
Death, shadow-like doth alwayes follow thee.
38. What Sacrifice doth please God.
God loves not blood, his Altars do not stain;
Incense to Heaven, the Calf to earth ordain.
39. Conceal thy dammage receiv'd of a great one.
To Fortune yield wrong'd by her Favourite;
For he again may rise who can submit.
40. Chastise thy self.
Punish thy self when thou a sinner art;
The smart of wounds is cur'd by adding smart.
41. Disapprove not of thy changed friend.
An Old friend disapprove not; though he be
Now chang'd, yet think what he was once to thee.
42. Make use of a good turn.
Be thankfull unto him thy friend hath been,
Least you the Sirname of Ingratefull win.
43. Be not suspicious.
Who are suspicious, miserable are;
Such dying once dye to perpetual fear.
44. Be a man to thy man.
When you do Servants buy, although you will
Them Servants call, know they are human still.
45. Take hold of occasion.
The first occasion take, least you again
Lost opportunity re-ask in vain.
46. Rejoyce not at sodain death.
At Bad men's sodain death Joy do not shew;
They only well do dye who did live so.
47. Is married, shun acquaintance.
Having a Wife, shun thou a feined Friend,
Who thy few goods and richer fame may spend.
48. Alwaies learn.
Though learned, yet still learn, and shun the will
Of being unwilling to be Scholar still.
49. Brevity helps memory.
You ask why I this way of writing take;
Know brevity did bid me Disticks make.
THE END.
CATONIS DISTICHA DE MORIBUS.
Lib. 4. Dist. 1.
Divitiarum contemptus.
Despice divitias, si vis animo esse beatus;
Quas qui suspiciunt, mendicant semper avari.
2. Vivere ad naturam optimum.
Commoda naturae nullo tibi tempore deerunt,
Si contentus eo fueris, quod postulat usus,
3. Res ratione agendae.
Cum sis incautus, nec rem ratione gubernes,
Noli fortunam, quae non est, dicere coecam.
4. Amor pecuniae ad usum.
Dilige denarium, sed parce dilige formam:
Quam nemo sanctus, nec honestus captat habere?
5. In valetudine ne opibus parcas.
Cum fueris locuples, corpus curare memento.
Aeger dives habet nummos, sed non habet ipsum.
6. Castigatio paterna ferenda.
Verbera cum tuleris discens aliquando magistri,
Fer patris imperium cum verbis exit in iram.
7. Certa & utilia agenda.
Res age quae prosunt: rursus vitare memento,
In quibus error inest, nec spes est certa laboris.
8. Libenter donandum.
Quo donare potes, gratis concede roganti:
Nam recte fecisse bonis in parte lucrorum est.
9. Suspitio statim expedienda.
Quid tibi suspectum est, confestim discute quid sit:
Namque solent, primo quae sunt neglecta, nocere.
10. Venus abstinentia cohibenda.
Cum te detineat Veneris damnosa voluptas,
Indulgere gulae noli, quae ventris amica est.
11. Homo malus, fera pessima.
Cum tibi proponas animalia cuncta timere,
Unum hominem tibi praecipio plus esse timendum.
12. Sapientia fortitudini praeferenda.
Cum tibi praevalidae faeriut in corpore vires,
Fac sapias, sic tu poteris vir sortis haberi.
13. Amicus cordi medicus.
Auxilium à not is petito si forte laboras;
Nec quisquam melior medicus quam fidus amicus.
14. Sacrificium, spiritus contribulatus.
Cum sis ipse nocens, moritur cur victima pro te?
Scultitia est morte alterius sperare salutem.
15. Amicus ex moribus diligendus.
Cum tibi vel socium vel fidum quaeris amicum,
Nón tibi fortuna est hominis, sed vita petenda.
16. Avaritia vitanda.
Utere quaesitis opibus, fuge nomen avari:
Quid tibi divitiae prosunt, si pauper abundas?
17. Voluptas inimica famae.
Si famam servare cupis, dum vivis, honestam,
Fac fugias animo, quae sunt mala gaudia vitae.
18. Senem etiam delirum ne irriseris.
Cum sapias animo, noli irridere senectam;
Nam quicunque senex, sensus puerilis in illo est.
19. Opes fluxae, ars perpetua.
Disce aliquid; nam cum subito fortuna recedit,
Ars remanet, vitamque hominis non deserit unquam.
20. Mores ex verbis cogniti.
Omnia perspicito tacitus, quae quisque loquatur.
Sermo hominum mores & celat, & indicat idem.
21. Ars usu juvanda.
Exerce studium, quamvis perceperis artem.
Ut cura ingemum, sic & manus adjuvat usum.
22. Virae contemptus.
Multum ne cures venturis tempor a lethi;
Non timet is mortem qui scit contemnere vitam.
23. Discendum & Docendum.
Disce sed à doctis, indoctos ipse doceto:
Propaganda etenim rerum doctrina bonarum.
24. Bibendi ratio.
Hoc bibe quod profit, si tu vis vivere sanus:
Morbi causa mali est homini quandoque voluptas.
25. No damnes quod probaveris.
Laudaris quodcunque palam, quodcunque probaris,
Hoc vide ue rursus levitatis crimine damnes.
26. Circumspectus sis in utraque fortuna.
Tranquillis rebus quae sunt adversa caveto:
Bursus in adversis melius sperare memento.
27. Studio crescit sapientia.
Dicere ne cesses; cura sapientia crescit;
Rara datur longo prudentia temporis usu.
28. Parce laudandum.
Parce laudato: nam quem tu saepe probaris,
Una dies, qualis fuerit, monstrabit, amicus.
29. Discere ne pudeat.
Ne pudeat quae nescieris, te velle doceri.
Scire aliquid laus est; pudor est nil discere velle.
30. Rebus utendum ad sobrietatem.
Cum Venere & Baccho lis est, & junct a voluptas;
Quod lautum est animo complectere, sed fege lites.
31. Tristibus & tacitis non fidendum.
Demissos animo, ac tacitos vitare memento:
Qua flumen placidum est, forsan latet altius unda.
32. Sors sorti conferenda.
Cum tibi displiceat rerum fortuna tuarum,
Alterius specta, quo sis discrimine pejor.
33. Vltra vires nihil aggrediendum.
Quod potes id tenta; nam littus carpere remis
Tutius est multo, quam velum tendere in altum.
34. Cum justo inique non contendendum.
Contra hominem justum prave contendere nosi;
Semper enim Deus injustas ulciscitur iras.
35. Fotuna utraque aeque ferenda.
Ereptis opibus noli gaudere querendo:
Sed gaude potius, tibi si contingat habere.
36. Ab amico quid ferendum.
Est jactura gravis, quae sunt amittere damnis:
Sunt quaedam, quae ferre docet patienter amicum.
37. Tempori non confidendum.
Tempora longa tibi noli promittere vitae:
Quocunque ingrederis, sequitur mors corporis umbra.
38. Deus quibus placandus.
Thure Deum placa, vittulum sine crescat aratro;
Ne credas placare Deum, dum caede litatur.
39. A potentioribus laesus dissimula.
Caede locum laesus fortunae, cede potenti:
Laedere qui potuit, prodesse aliquando valebit.
40. Castiga teipsum.
Cum quid peccaris, castiga te ipse subinde.
Vulnera dum sanas, dolor est medicina doloris.
41. Amicus mutatus, non vituperandus.
Damnaris nunquam post longum tempus amicum:
Mutavit mores, sed pignora prima memento.
42. Beneficiorum collatio attendenda.
Gratior officiis quo sis mage, charior esto:
Ne nomen subeas, quod dicitur officiperda.
43. Suspitionem tolle.
Suspectus caveas, ne sis miser omnibus horis;
Nam timidis & suspectis aptissima mors est.
44. Humanitas erga servos.
Cum sueris servos proprios mercatus in usus,
Et famulos dicas, homines tamen esse memento.
45. Occasionem rei commodae ne praetermittas.
Quam primum rapienda tibi est occasio prima,
Ne rursus quaeras quae jam neglexeris ante.
46. Non laetandum de repentino obitu.
Morte repentina noli gaudere malorum:
Faelices obeunt, quorum sine crimine vita est.
47. Pauper simulatum viter amicum.
Cum conjux tibi sit, nec res, & sama laboret,
Vitandum ducas mimicum nomen amici.
48. Junge studium.
Cum tibi contingat studio cognoscere multa,
Fac discas multa, & vites non velle doceri.
49. Brevitas memoriae amica.
Miraris verbis nudis me scribere versus?
Hos brevitas sensus fecit conjungere binos.
FINIS.