He who writes distichs, wishes, I suppose, to please by brevity. But, tell me, of what avail is their brevity, when there is a whose book full of them?
MARTIALYou’re obstinate, pliant, merry, morose, all at once. For me there’s no living with you, or without you.
More Martial Quotes
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Our days pass by, and are scored against us.
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When your crowd of attendants so loudly applaud you, Pomponius, it is not you, but your banquet, that is eloquent.
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If you want him to mourn, you had best leave him nothing.
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Some good, some so-so, and lots plain bad: that’s how a book of poems is made, my Friend.
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I wont let a wife lead me to the altar.
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It is not he who forms idols in gold or marble that makes them gods, but he who kneels before them.
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Be cheerful, if you are wise.
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The shameless Chloe placed on the tombs of her seven husbands the inscription, “The work of Chloe.” How could she have expressed herself more plainly?
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Whoever makes great presents, expects great presents in return.
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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.
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Rarity gives a charm; so early fruits and winter roses are the most prized; and coyness sets off an extravagant mistress, while the door always open tempts no suitor.
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Wine and women bring misery.
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He who weighs his burdens, can bear them.
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Hidden evils are most dreaded.
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It is not, believe me, the act of a wise man to say, “I will live.” To-morrow’s life is too late; live to-day.
MARTIAL