“If you are poor now, Aemilianus, you will always be poor. Riches are now given to none but the rich.”

Gifts are like hooks.

Make it a point not to be over-fascinating.

I seem to you cruel and too much addicted to gluttony, when I beat my cook for sending up a bad dinner. If that appears to you too trifling a cause, say for what cause you would have a cook flogged.

Nothing is more ill-timed than an ill-timed laugh.

A jar of wine so priceless did not deserve to die. and Never think of leaving perfume or wines to your heir. Administer these youself and let him have the money.

To have nothing is not poverty.

If your slave commits a fault, do not smash his teeth with your fists; give him some of the (hard) biscuit which famous Rhodes has sent you.

I would not miss your face, your neck, your hands, your limbs, your bosom and certain other of your charms. Indeed, not to become boring by naming them all, I could do without you, Chloe, altogether.

A fisherman’s walk: three steps and overboard.

It is not he who forms idols in gold or marble that makes them gods, but he who kneels before them.

Life’s not just about being alive, but being well.

Whoever makes great presents, expects great presents in return.

The flaw which is hidden is deemed greater than it is.

While an ant was wandering under the shade of the tree of Phaeton, a drop of amber enveloped the tiny insect; thus she, who in life was disregarded, became precious by death.

They let out on hire their passions and eloquence. [Referring to lawyers.]

Wish to be what you are, and wish for no other position.