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
free
He is most free from danger, who, even when safe, is on his guard.
accept benefit freedom sell
To accept a benefit is to sell one's freedom
debt-free slavery debt
Debt is the slavery of the free.
deserves question
It is not every question which deserves an answer.
advice altered bad cannot
It is bad advice that cannot be altered
marriage repent
You'll repent if you marry, and repent if you don't.
kindness refuse
It is kindness to immediately refuse what you intend to deny.
good
They do injury to the good who spares the bad.
bad
It is a bad plan that admits of no modification.
deserves question
It is not every question that deserves an answer.
caresses fool man
Fortune, when she caresses a man too much, makes him a fool
enemy formidable hid lies lies-and-lying
Formidable is that enemy that lies hid in a man's own breast
gives good man poor twice
He gives the poor man twice as much good who gives quickly.
acts wisely yields
He who yields to his times acts wisely