And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you. Wise as you have become, with so much experience, you must already have understood what these Ithacas mean.

What are we waiting for, assembled in the forum? The barbarians are due here today.

When you set out for Ithaca, ask that your way be long

The frivolous can call me frivolous. I've always been most punctilious about important things. And I insist that no one knows better than I do the Holy Fathers, or the Scriptures, or the Canons of the Councils.

Body, remember not only how much you were loved, not only the beds you lay on, but also those desires glowing openly in eyes that looked at you, trembling for you in voices.

And if you can't shape your life the way you want, at least try as much as you can not to degrade it.

To certain people there comes a day when they must say the great Yes or the great No.