Man learns more readily and remembers more willingly what excites his ridicule than what deserves esteem and respect.

It is sweet to let the mind unbend on occasion.

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.

You must avoid sloth, that wicked siren.

As we speak cruel time is fleeing. Seize the day, believing as little as possible in tomorrow.

Let me posses what I now have, or even less, so that I may enjoy my remaining days, if Heaven grant any to remain.

Don't yield to that alluring witch, laziness, or else be prepared to surrender all that you have won in your better moments.