The Distichs of Cato (Latin: Catonis Disticha, most famously known simply as Cato), is a Latin collection of proverbial wisdom and morality by an unknown author named Dionysius Cato from the 3rd or 4th century AD. The Cato was the most popular medieval schoolbook for teaching Latin, prized not only as a Latin textbook, but as a moral compass. Cato was in common use as a Latin teaching aid all the way to the 18th century, used by Benjamin Franklin. It was one of the best-known books of the Middle Ages and was translated into many languages. "He knew nat Catoun, for his wit was rude." — Canterbury Tales Cato was the most popular Latin textbook during the Middle Ages, prized not only as a Latin textbook, but as a moral compass for impressionable students. It was translated into many languages, including Norse. The influence of Cato on young minds across such a vast stretch of time and place should not be underestimated. Geoffrey Chaucer referred to Cato in Canterbury Tales, through which modern students, less versed in Latin, often first come upon it.
the common collection of distichs (excerpts)
Libros lege.
Read books.
Liber I 18. Cum fueris felix, quae sunt aduersa caueto:...[read poem]
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Read books.
Liber I 18. Cum fueris felix, quae sunt aduersa caueto:...
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