Martial Quotes - Page 6

Every bird that upwards swings Bears the Cross upon its wings.

The bee is enclosed, and shines preserved, in a tear of the sisters of Phaeton, so that it seems enshrined in its own nectar. It has obtained a worthy reward for its great toils; we may suppose that the bee itself would have desired such a death.

Epigrams need no crier, but are content with their own tongue.

Be content to be what you are, and prefer nothing to it, and do not fear or wish for your last day.

No hero to me is the man who, by easy shedding of his blood, purchases fame: my hero is he who, without death, can win praise.

You give me nothing during your life, but you promise to provide for me at your death. If you are not a fool, you know what I wish for!

The flaw which is hidden is deemed greater than it is.

A jar of wine so priceless did not deserve to die. and Never think of leaving perfume or wines to your heir. Administer these youself and let him have the money.

Your page stands against you and says to you that you are a thief.

Non est, crede mihi, sapientis dicere 'Vivam': Sera nimis vita est crastina: vive hodie. Believe me, wise men don't say 'I shall live to do that', tomorrow's life is too late; live today. Variant translation: Tomorrow will I live, the fool does say; Today itself's too late; the wise lived yesterday.

See, how the liver is swollen larger than a fat goose! In amazement you will exclaim: Where could this possibly grow?

He who writes distichs, wishes, I suppose, to please by brevity. But, tell me, of what avail is their brevity, when there is a whose book full of them?

Glory comes too late when we are nought but ashes.

Be not too thick with anybody; your joys will be fewer, and so will pains.

Why do I not kiss you, Philaenis? you are bald. Why do I not kiss you, Philaenis? you are carrotty. Why do I not kiss you, Philaenis? you are one-eyed. He who kisses you, Philaenis, sins against nature.

Your seventh wife, Phileros, is now being buried in your field. No man's field brings him greater profit than yours, Phileros.

A good man enlarges the term of his own existence.

Some things are good, some middling, more bad.

I do not like the man who squanders life for fame; give me the man who living makes a name. [Lat., Nolo virum facili redimit qui sanquine famam; Hunc volo laudari qui sine morte potest.]

That which prevents disagreeable flies from feeding on your repast, was once the proud tail of a splendid bird.

If I remember right, Aelia, you had four teeth; a cough displaced two, another two more. You can now cough without anxiety all the day long. A third cough can find nothing to do in your mouth.

It is to live twice when we can enjoy the recollections of our former life.

Be satisfied, and pleased with what thou art, Act cheerfully and well thou allotted part; Enjoy the present hour, be thankful for the past, And neither fear, nor wish, the approaches of the last.

However great the dish that holds the turbot, the turbot is still greater than the dish.

You crystal break, for fear of breaking it: Careless and careful hands like faults commit.