'The Common Collection of Distichs (Excerpts)'

Libros lege.
Read books.

Liber I   18. Cum fueris felix, quae sunt aduersa caueto:
          Non eodem cursu respondent ultima primis.
     When fortune smiles, beware lest some ill strike;
     End and beginning often are unlike.

Liber II  18. Insipiens esto, cum tempus postulat ipsum:
          Stultitiam simulare ioco, cum tempore laus est.
     To fit th' occasion laughable appear;
     'T is sometimes wisdom folly's mask to wear.


Liber III 18. Multa legas facito, tum lectis neglege multa;
          Nam miranda canunt, sed non credenda poetae.
     Read much and much of it forget:
     'T is well T' admire but not believe what poets tell.

Liber IV  18. Cum sapias animo, noli ridere senectam;
          Nam quoicumque seni puerilis sensus inhaeret.
     Flout not old age while thou dost sense possess;
     Age ever brings to all some childishness.

           -- Dionysius Cato