Avoid inquisitive persons, for they are sure to be gossips, their ears are open to hear, but they will not keep what is entrusted to them.

Not to hope for things to last forever, is what the year teaches and even the hour which snatches a nice day away.

Kings play the fool, and the people suffer for it.

No man is born without faults.

What does drunkenness accomplish? It discloses secrets, it ratifies hopes, and urges even the unarmed to battle.

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.

What can be found equal to modesty, uncorrupt faith, the sister of justice, and undisguised truth?