Many heroes lived before Agamemnon; but all are unknown and unwept, extinguished in everlasting night, because they have no spirited chronicler.

Amiability shines by its own light.

I would advise him who wishes to imitate well, to look closely into life and manners, and thereby to learn to express them with truth.

All singers have this fault: if asked to sing among friends they are never so inclined; if unasked, they never leave off.

In the same [hospitable] manner that a Calabrian would press you to eat his pears.

I shall not completely die.

Come boy, and pour for me a cup Of old Falernian. Fill it up With wine, strong, sparkling, bright, and clear; Our host decrees no water here. Let dullards drink the Nymph's pale brew, The sluggish thin their blood with dew. For such pale stuff we have no use; For us the purple grape's rich juice. Begone, ye chilling water sprite; Here burning Bacchus rules tonight! Catullus, Selections From Catullus No poems can live long or please that are written by water-drinkers.