Be merry if you are wise.

While you cannot resolve what you are, at last you may be nothing.

If pale beans bubble for you in a red earthenware pot, you can often decline the dinners of sumptuous hosts.

Short is the life of those who possess great accomplishments, and seldom do they reach a good old age. Whatever thou lovest, pray that thou mayest not set too high a value on it.

Some good, some so-so, and lots plain bad: that's how a book of poems is made, my Friend.

Be content to be what you are, and prefer nothing to it, and do not fear or wish for your last day.

Rarity gives a charm; so early fruits and winter roses are the most prized; and coyness sets off an extravagant mistress, while the door always open tempts no suitor.