It never was our guise to slight the poor, or aught humane despise.

One who contends with immortals lives a very short life.

Wine sets even a thoughtful man to singing, or sets him into softly laughing, sets him to dancing. Sometimes it tosses out a word that was better unspoken.

Among all men on the earth bards have a share of honor and reverence, because the muse has taught them songs and loves the race of bards.

Better to flee from death than feel its grip.

Come, weave us a scheme so I can pay them back! Stand beside me, Athena, fire me with daring, fierce as the day we ripped Troy's glittering crown of towers down. Stand by me - furious now as then, my bright-eyed one - and I would fight three hundred men, great goddess, with you to brace me, comrade-in-arms in battle!

A young man is embarrassed to question an older one.