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
journey yesterday each-day
A pleasant traveling companion on a journey is as good as a carriage. Each day is the scholar of yesterday.
favors refuse
To refuse graciously is to confer a favor.
audacity hesitation
Audacity augments courage; hesitation, fear.
done prudence nothingness
Nothing can be done quickly and prudently at the same time.
littles nothingness
It is better to have a little than nothing.
honesty kindness deny
It is kindness immediately to refuse what you intend to deny.
pain mind body
Pain of mind is worse than pain of body.
wise men evil
The wise man avoids evil by anticipating it.
wise men refuse
A wise man never refuses anything to necessity.
pay payment fraud
It is a fraud to borrow what we are unable to pay.
corn thrust
Never thrust your sickle into another's corn.
life-is-short lasts misfortunes
Life itself is short, but lasts longer than misfortunes.
vices virtue familiar
We tolerate without rebuke the vices with which we have grown familiar.
betrayal faults bears
Unless you bear with the faults of a friend you betray your own.