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He who writes distichs, wishes, I suppose, to please by brevity. But, tell me, of what avail is their brevity, when there is a whose book full of them?

Martial

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Martial
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For life is only life when blessed with health.
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Life is not living, but living in health.
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If you have any shame, forbear to pluck the beard of a dead lion.
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All your female friends are either old or ugly nay, more ugly than old women usually are. These you lead about in your train, and drag with you to feasts, porticos and theaters. Thus, Fabulla, you seem handsome, thus you seem young.
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Nothing is more ill-timed than an ill-timed laugh.
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You give me nothing during your life, but you promise to provide for me at your death. If you are not a fool, you know what I wish for!
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While an ant was wandering under the shade of the tree of Phaeton, a drop of amber enveloped the tiny insect thus she, who in life was disregarded, became precious by death.
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I do not like the man who squanders life for fame give me the man who living makes a name. [Lat., Nolo virum facili redimit qui sanquine famam Hunc volo laudari qui sine morte potest.]
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The flaw which is hidden is deemed greater than it is.
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There is nothing more contemptible than a bald man who pretends to have hair.
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Why do strong arms fatigue themselves with frivolous dumbbells? To dig a vineyard is worthier exercise for men.
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Rarity gives a charm so early fruits and winter roses are the most prized and coyness sets off an extravagant mistress, while the door always open tempts no suitor.
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Do you ask why I am unwilling to marry a rich wife? It is because I am unwilling to be taken to husband by my wife. The mistress of the house should be subordinate to her husband, for in no other way, Priscus, will the wife and husband be on an equality.
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Life consists not merely in existing, but in enjoying health.
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Every epigram should resemble a bee it should have sting, honey, and brevity.
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To have nothing is not poverty. [Lat., Non est paupertas, Nestor, habere nihil.]
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Tis easy to write epigrams nicely, but to write a book is hard.
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He who prefers to give Linus the half of what he wishes to borrow, rather than to lend him the whole, prefers to lose only the half.
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Virtue extends our days: he lives two lives who relives his past with pleasure.
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A novice always behaves with propriety.
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