Distichs of Cato

The Distichs of Cato (Latin: Catonis Disticha), is a Latin collection of proverbial wisdom and morality by an unknown author from the 3rd or 4th century AD.

Quotes

Distichs of Cato, by Dionysius Cato, translated by Wayland Johnson Chase (1922)

• 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.
  • Introduction

• 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)
  • Book I

• 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)
  • Book II

• 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)
  • Book III

Minor Latin Poets, Vol. 2, J. Wight Duff, Arnold M. Duff, eds. LCL 434 (1934)

• Deo supplica. Parentes ama. Cognatos cole.
  • Pray to God. Love your parents. Respect your kindred.
    • advice to his son, p. 593

• Libros lege. Quae legeris memento. Liberos erudi.
  • Read books. Remember what you read. Instruct your children.
    • advice to his son, p. 595

• Alienum noli concupiscere.
  • Do not covet what is another's.
    • advice to his son, p. 597

• Stultitiam simulare loco, prudentia summa est.
  • To act the fool at times is truly wise.
    • advice to his son, p. 607.

About

• He knew nat Catoun, for his wit was rude,
  That bad man sholde wedde his similitude.
  • Chaucer, "The Milleres Tale", ll. 40–41