Anonymous Greek Poet Fragments
Whereas a man of worth’s now wretch, now gent. 2
As wolves love a lamb, so lovers love a lad. 2a
Goodness is one; of vice there’s every sort. 3
Many a friendship by not speaking’s been dissolved. 4
He was a good man, but he met his better. 10
Even the worthless man’s esteemed in times of strife. 12
For any issue there’s no better test than time, which brings even men’s inmost thoughts to light. 22
If only hidden opportunity were plain to see. It’s best increased by wariness. 23
Youth's always wayward; that’s how human beings are. Far worse, though, if it injures what is right. 25
Hail, fellow drinkers, agemates: from this happy start I’ll bring my discourse to a happy end. When friends foregather for occasions such as this, we ought to laugh and joke in high-class style, enjoy each other’s company, make silly chat and banter such as fosters merriment. The serious talk should follow, with each speaker heard in turn: that’ s what symposiums are for. But let’s be guided by the MC: that’s what fine fellows must do, and show their eloquence. 27
Back To Top
Back to Collected Wisdom
Home Page
© 2009