It makes a great difference whether Davus or a hero speaks.

Stronger than thunder's winged force All-powerful gold can speed its course; Through watchful guards its passage make, And loves through solid walls to break.

Our parents, worse than our grandparents, gave birth to us who are worse than they, and we shall in our turn bear offspring still more evil.

Everything, virtue, glory, honor, things human and divine, all are slaves to riches.

All things considered, nothing is beautiful.

The explanation avails nothing, which in leading us from one difficulty involves us in another.

And take back ill-polished stanzas to the anvil.