Horace Quotes

That best of blessings, a contented mind.

Wine brings to light the hidden secrets of the soul.

Money is a handmaiden, if thou knowest how to use it A mistress, if thou knowest not.

I have completed a monument more lasting than brass.

He possesses dominion over himself, and is happy, who can every day say, "I have lived." Tomorrow the heavenly father may either involve the world in dark clouds, or cheer it with clear sunshine, he will not, however, render ineffectual the things which have already taken place.

If the crow had been satisfied to eat his prey in silence, he would have had more meat and less quarreling and envy.

I am frightened at seeing all the footprints directed towards thy den, and none returning.

Better to accept whatever happens.

Despise pleasure; pleasure bought by pain in injurious.

He who feared that he would not succeed sat still.

Being, be bold and venture to be wise.

Life gives nothing to man without labor.

Even virtue followed beyond reason's rule May stamp the just man knave, the sage a fool.

It is your concern when your neighbor's wall is on fire.

A word, once sent abroad, flies irrevocably.

Not treasured wealth, nor the consul's lictor, can dispel the mind's bitter conflicts and the cares that flit, like bats, about your fretted roofs.

Cease to admire the smoke, wealth, and noise of prosperous Rome.

Smooth out with wine the worries of a wrinkled brow.

In love there are two evils: war and peace.

Humble things become the humble.

Be not for ever harassed by impotent desire.

If a man's fortune does not fit him, it is like the shoe in the story; if too large it trips him up, if too small it pinches him.

Now is the time for drinking; now the time to beat the earth with unfettered foot.

Hatched in the same nest.

Nature is harmony in discord.

The musician who always plays on the same string is laughed at.

All men do not admire and delight in the same objects.

The one who prosperity takes too much delight in will be the most shocked by reverses.

The cask will long retain the flavour of the wine with which it was first seasoned.

Come, let us take a lesson from our forefathers, and enjoy the Christmas holyday.

He will be loved when dead, who was envied when he was living.

The years as they pass plunder us of one thing after another.

The wolf dreads the pitfall, the hawk suspects the snare, and the kite the covered hook.

The question is yet before the court.

Pale death with an impartial foot knocks at the hovels of the poor and the palaces of king.

It is a sweet and seemly thing to die for one's country.

Who knows if the gods above will add tomorrow's span to this day's sum?

It is not enough for poems to be fine; they must charm, and draw the mind of the listener at will.

The brave are born from the brave and good. In steers and in horses is to be found the excellence of their sire; nor do savage eagles produce a peaceful dove.

Sapere aude. Dare to be wise.

That man lives happy and in command of himself, who from day to day can say I have lived. Whether clouds obscure, or the sun illumines the following day, that which is past is beyond recall.

What with your friend you nobly share, At least you rescue from your heir.

Years, following years, steal something every day; At last they steal us from ourselves away.

Mingle a little folly with your wisdom; a little nonsense, now and then, is pleasant.

The mind that is cheerful in its present state, will be averse to all solicitude as to the future, and will meet the bitter occurrences of life with a placid smile.

The gods have given you wealth and the means of enjoying it.

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.

Each day that fate adds to your life, put down as so much gain.