Take subject matter equal to your powers, and ponder long, what your shoulders cannot bear, and what they can.

Avoid greatness in a cottage there may be more real happiness than kings or their favourites enjoy.

A poem is like a painting.

What does drunkenness not accomplish? It unlocks secrets, confirms our hopes, urges the indolent into battle, lifts the burden from anxious minds, teaches new arts.

A portion of mankind take pride in their vices and pursue their purpose; many more waver between doing what is right and complying with what is wrong.

What prevents a man's speaking good sense with a smile on his face?

He who studies to imitate the poet Pindar, O Julius, relies on artificial wings fastened on with wax, and is sure to give his name to a glassy sea.