A broken fortune is like a falling column; the lower it sinks, the greater weight it has to sustain.

It is not safe to despise what Love commands. He reigns supreme, and rules the mighty gods.

Let ancient times delight other folk, I rejoice that I was not born till now.

Seeking is all very well, but holding requires greater talent: Seeking involves some luck; now the demand is for skill.

The high-spirited man may indeed die, but he will not stoop to meanness. Fire, though it may be quenched, will not become cool.

Nowadays nothing but money counts: a fortune brings honors, friendships, the poor man everywhere lies low.

A ruler should be slow to punish and swift to reward.