Elegies

• One finds many companions for food and drink, but in a serious business a man's companions are few.
  • Line 115.

• Even to a wicked man a divinity gives wealth, Cyrus, but to few men comes the gift of excellence.
  • Line 149.

• Surfeit begets insolence, when prosperity comes to a bad man.
  • Line 153.

• Adopt the character of the twisting octopus, which takes on the appearance of the nearby rock. Now follow in this direction, now turn a different hue.
  • Line 215.

• The best of all things for earthly men is not to be born and not to see the beams of the bright sun; but if born, than as quickly as possible to pass the gates of Hades, and to lie deep buried.
  • Line 425.

• Wine is wont to show the mind of man.
  • Line 500.

• No man takes with him to Hades all his exceeding wealth.
  • Line 725. Compare: "For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away, his glory shall not descend after him", Psalm xlix, 17.

• Bright youth passes swiftly as a thought.
  • Line 985.