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
favors return comeback
The person who receives the most favors is the one who knows how to return them.
sage doe profit
He is a despicable sage whose wisdom does not profit himself.
projects plans multitudes
Amid a multitude of projects, no plan is devised.
over-you empires great-empires
Would you have a great empire? Rule over yourself.
evil want bent
He who is bent on doing evil can never want occasion.
failure sea blame
He is foolish to blame the sea that is shipwrecked twice.
secret delight pleasure
There is more of fear than delight in a secret pleasure.
favors sides bears
When Fortune is on our side, popular favor bears her company.
should accounts loses
Whatever you can lose, you should reckon of no account.
yesterday pupils
To-day is the pupil of yesterday
wise gains mishaps
He is truly wise who gains wisdom from another's mishap.
giving benefits needy
He doubly benefits the needy who gives quickly.
law giving doe
Necessity gives the law and does not itself receive it.
greed want poverty
Poverty wants much; but avarice, everything.