Distichs of Cato

"When I noticed how very many go seriously wrong in their manner of living I concluded that I must apply a corrective to their belief and take counsel of the experience of mankind in order that they may live most gloriously and attain honor. Now I will teach thee, dearest son, in what way thou mayest fashion a rule for thy life. Therefore, so read my precepts that thou mayest understand them, for to read and not to understand is equivalent to not reading."

"Try not with words the talker to outdo; On all is speech bestowed: good sense on few. (10) Love others so that thou'rt to self a friend; Prefer the good and thus dire harm forfend. (11) On others' promise do not base thine own; Talk doth abound: good faith is rarely shown. (13)"

"Let not despair o'er ill thy courage take; Not e'en at death doth hope a man forsake. (25) Observe what's past and what may next ensue And Janus-like keep both ways under view. (27) Disdain not, arrogant, what most advise; Thou none canst please while thou dost all despise. (29) Guard well thy health with special care and skill; Thyself and not the seasons blame when ill. (30)"

"If wealth abounds, when life draws near its end, Be not a stingy, but a generous friend. (9) If from thy wealth and place thou dost descend, Still be content with what the seasons send. (11) For dowry take not to thyself a wife. Nor keep her with thee if she spoils thy life.(12) From others' actions seek to find the clue To what thou best mayst shun and best mayst do. (13) Speak out when wrong thou knowest hath been done, Lest thou thro' silence urge the culprit on. (15)"

"Deo supplica. Parentes ama. Cognatos cole."

"Libros lege. Quae legeris memento. Liberos erudi."

"Alienum noli concupiscere."

"Stultitiam simulare loco, prudentia summa est."

"He knew nat Catoun, for his wit was rude, That bad man sholde wedde his similitude."