Do you wonder that I write verses with bare words? Brevity has done this, to join two thoughts together.
Miraris verbis nudis me scribere versus? Hoc brevitas fecit, sensus coniungere binos.
IV.49
Distichs of Cato
@cato · 147 excerpts
When it has been your lot to learn many things by study, see that you learn much; shun the wish to learn nothing.
Cum tibi contigerit studio cognoscere multa, Fac discas multa, vita nil discere velle.
IV.48
When you have a wife, lest property and reputation suffer, avoid the enemy title of ‘friend’.
Cum tibi sit coniux, ne res et fama laboret, Vitandum ducas inimicum nomen amici.
IV.47
Do not rejoice at the sudden death of the wicked: happy are those who die whose life is without fault.
Morte repentina noli gaudere malorum: Felices obeunt quorum sine crimine vita est.
IV.46
Seize the earliest opportunity at once, lest you again seek what you have already neglected.
Quam primum rapienda tibi est occasio prima, Ne rursus quaeras quae iam neglexeris ante.
IV.45
When you have bought slaves for your own use and call them servants, still remember they are men.
Cum fueris proprios servos mercatus in usus, Et famulos dicas, homines tamen esse memento.
IV.44
Beware lest you be suspicious and miserable every hour; for death fits the fearful and suspicious best.
Suspectus caveas ne sis miser omnibus horis, Nam timidis et suspectis aptissima mors est.
IV.43
Be more grateful for kindnesses, so that you may be dearer, lest you earn the name that is called a favor-destroyer.
Gratior officiis, quo sis mage carior, esto, Ne nomen subeas quod dicitur officiperdi.
IV.42
Never condemn a friend after a long time; he has changed habits, but remember the first pledges.
Damnaris nunquam post longum tempus amicum, Mutavit mores, sed pignora prima memento.
IV.41
When you have sinned, punish yourself again and again; while you heal wounds, pain is the medicine of pain.
Cum quid peccaris, castiga te ipse subinde; Vulnera dum sanas, dolor est medicina doloris.
IV.40