Gifts are like fish-hooks; for who is not aware that the greedy char is deceived by the fly which he swallows?

While you cannot resolve what you are, at last you may be nothing.
MARTIAL

Solution Yourself
In adversity it is easy to despise life; he is truly brave who can endure a wretched life.
MARTIAL

Adversity Brave Himself Life True
My poems are naughty, but my life is pure.
MARTIAL

Life Naughty Poem Purity
You importune me, Tucca, to present you with my books. I shall not do so; for you want to sell, not to read, them.
MARTIAL

Book Myself Present Reading Yourself
Glory comes too late when we are nought but ashes.
MARTIAL

Ash Glory Late
The face that cannot smile is never fair.
MARTIAL

Face Fair Happiness Smile
The flaw which is hidden is deemed greater than it is.
MARTIAL

Flaw Greatness Hide
Life’s not just about being alive, but being well.
MARTIAL

Alive Health Life
The African lions rush to attack bulls; they do not attack butterflies.
MARTIAL

Advice Attack Deep Lion Rush
Be cheerful, if you are wise.
MARTIAL

Cheerful One Liner Wisdom Yourself
I do not hate the man, but his vices.
MARTIAL

Hate Himself Man One Liner Vice
A vagrant is everywhere at home.
MARTIAL

Home One Liner
You puff the poets of other days, The living you deplore. Spare me the accolade: your praise Is not worth dying for.
MARTIAL

Death Live Poet Praise Worth
Tomorrow’s life is too late. Live today.
MARTIAL

Inspirational Life Live
If you want him to mourn, you had best leave him nothing.
MARTIAL

Himself Leaving Mourn
There is no glory in outstripping donkeys.
MARTIAL

Animal Glory

More Martial Quotes