Publilius Syrus
Publilius Syrus
Publilius Syrus, was a Latin writer, best known for his sententiae. He was a Syrian who was brought as a slave to Italy, but by his wit and talent he won the favour of his master, who freed and educated him. Publilius' name, due to early medieval palatalization of 'l' between two 'i's, is often presented by manuscriptsin corrupt form as 'Publius'...
NationalityRoman
ProfessionWriter
hid himself law lies places remote unto
He who lies hid in remote places is a law unto himself
deserves question
It is not every question which deserves an answer.
advice altered bad cannot
It is bad advice that cannot be altered
borrow fraud repay unable
It is a fraud to borrow what we are unable to repay
gives good man poor twice
He gives the poor man twice as much good who gives quickly.
enemy formidable hid lies lies-and-lying
Formidable is that enemy that lies hid in a man's own breast
acts wisely yields
He who yields to his times acts wisely
free
He is most free from danger, who, even when safe, is on his guard.
aid injury man stand ungrateful
One ungrateful man does an injury to all who stand in need of aid
alone money motion sets
Money alone sets all the world in motion
gives itself necessity submit
Necessity gives the law, but does not itself submit to it
Nothing can be done at once hastily and prudently
knows till tries
No one knows what he can do till he tries
accept benefit freedom sell
To accept a benefit is to sell one's freedom