Publilius Syrus
Publilius Syrus
Publilius Syrus, was a Latin writer, best known for his sententiae. He was a Syrian who was brought as a slave to Italy, but by his wit and talent he won the favour of his master, who freed and educated him. Publilius' name, due to early medieval palatalization of 'l' between two 'i's, is often presented by manuscriptsin corrupt form as 'Publius'...
NationalityRoman
ProfessionWriter
tears cruelty
Cruelty isn't softened by tears; it feeds on them.
acceptance favors accepting
To accept a favor is to sell one's freedom. -Beneficium accipere libertatem est vendere
opportunity deliberation lost
Opportunity is lost by deliberation.
disappointment refusal disappointment-in-friends
The prompter the refusal, the less the disappointment.
firsts should wells
What is to be once resolved on should be first often well considered.
justice spares
He who spares the bad injures the good.
instructors
Bad nature never lacks an instructor.
women apes homely
A homely woman is one of the most comely of apes.
Friendship neither finds nor makes equals.
causes virtuous good-causes
For a good cause, wrongdoing is virtuous.
judgement gone ends
The end always passes judgement on what has gone before.
wrath enemy overcoming
He who conquers his wrath overcomes his greatest enemy.
safe voyages favors
When Providence favors, you can make a safe voyage on a twig.
looks lightning defense
It is vain to look for a defense against lightning.