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
advice altered bad cannot
It is bad advice that cannot be altered
deserves question
It is not every question which deserves an answer.
learned neglect profit
It is no profit to have learned well, if you neglect to do well
enemy formidable hid lies lies-and-lying
Formidable is that enemy that lies hid in a man's own breast
acts wisely yields
He who yields to his times acts wisely
hid himself law lies places remote unto
He who lies hid in remote places is a law unto himself
free
He is most free from danger, who, even when safe, is on his guard.
gives good man poor twice
He gives the poor man twice as much good who gives quickly.
condemned criminal judge
The judge is condemned when the criminal is acquitted
regretted silence
I have often regretted my speech, but never my silence
death dreaded fear
The fear of death is more to be dreaded then fear itself.
argument lose sight truth
In a heated argument we lose sight of the truth
astonished cease choose chosen literature
In literature as in love, we are astonished at what is chosen by others. We choose to love, we do not choose to cease loving.
servant
He who fears his servants is less than a servant.