Juvenal
Juvenal
Decimus Iūnius Iuvenālis , known in English as Juvenal /ˈdʒuːvənəl/, was a Roman poet active in the late 1st and early 2nd century AD, author of the Satires. The details of the author's life are unclear, although references within his text to known persons of the late 1st and early 2nd centuries AD fix his terminus post quem...
NationalityRoman
ProfessionPoet
writing talent failing
When talent fails, indignation writes the verse.
mean prison virtue
Dare to do something worth of exile and prison if you mean to be anybody. Virtue is praised and left to freeze. [Lat., Aude aliquid brevibus Gyaris et carcere dignum Si vis esse aliquis. Probitas laudatur et alget.]
girl gay happy-life
The brief span of our poor unhappy life to its final hour Is hastening on; and while we drink and call for gay wreaths, Perfumes, and young girls, old age creeps upon us, unperceived.
inspirational jewels shining
Many individuals have, like uncut diamonds, shining qualities beneath a rough exterior.
nature
Nature and wisdom always say the same.
knowledge pay-the-price wish
All wish to possess knowledge, but few, comparatively speaking, are willing to pay the price.
two people long
Now that no one buys our votes, the public has long since cast off its cares; for the people that once bestowed commands, consulships, legions, and all else, now meddles no more and longs eagerly for just two things - bread and circuses.
men quality poverty
It is not easy for men to rise whose qualities are thwarted by poverty.
luck mirth beholder
Luck often raises vulgarity to a high position, to create mirth for the beholders.
oysters differences midnight
She knows no difference 'twixt head and privities who devours immense oysters at midnight.
rewards virtue fame
The thirst after fame is greater than that after virtue; for who embraces virtue if you take away its rewards?
nature earth-day doe
Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another.
giving circus bread
Give them bread and circuses and they will never revolt
guardian security
But who guards the guardians?