THE COMMON COLLECTION OF DISTICHS (EXCERPTS)
Libros lege.
Read books.
Liber I 18. Cum fueris felix, quae sunt aduersa caueto:
Non eodem cursu respondent ultima primis.
When fortune smiles, beware lest some ill strike;
End and beginning often are unlike.
Liber II 18. Insipiens esto, cum tempus postulat ipsum:
Stultitiam simulare ioco, cum tempore laus est.
To fit th' occasion laughable appear;
'T is sometimes wisdom folly's mask to wear.
Liber III 18. Multa legas facito, tum lectis neglege multa;
Nam miranda canunt, sed non credenda poetae.
Read much and much of it forget:
'T is well T' admire but not believe what poets tell.
Liber IV 18. Cum sapias animo, noli ridere senectam;
Nam quoicumque seni puerilis sensus inhaeret.
Flout not old age while thou dost sense possess;
Age ever brings to all some childishness.
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Libros lege.
Read books.
Liber I 18. Cum fueris felix, quae sunt aduersa caueto:
Non eodem cursu respondent ultima primis.
When fortune smiles, beware lest some ill strike;
End and beginning often are unlike.
Liber II 18. Insipiens esto, cum tempus postulat ipsum:
Stultitiam simulare ioco, cum tempore laus est.
To fit th' occasion laughable appear;
'T is sometimes wisdom folly's mask to wear.
Liber III 18. Multa legas facito, tum lectis neglege multa;
Nam miranda canunt, sed non credenda poetae.
Read much and much of it forget:
'T is well T' admire but not believe what poets tell.
Liber IV 18. Cum sapias animo, noli ridere senectam;
Nam quoicumque seni puerilis sensus inhaeret.
Flout not old age while thou dost sense possess;
Age ever brings to all some childishness.
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