It is of no consequence of what parents a man is born, as long as he be a man of merit.

Many brave men lived before Agamemnon; but, all unwept and unknown, are lost in the distant night, since they are without a divine poet (to chronicle their deeds).

A shoe that is too large is apt to trip one, and when too small, to pinch the feet. So it is with those whose fortune does not suit them.

The question is yet before the court.

Not worth is an example that does not solve the problem.

Not gods, nor men, nor even booksellers have put up with poets' being second-rate.

Wise were the kings who never chose a friend till with full cups they had unmasked his soul, and seen the bottom of his deepest thoughts.