The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

more than all his own, now at the crossroads and in the alleyways has it off with the high-minded
descendants of Remus.
‘Carmina’ no. 58
Ut flos in saeptis secretus nascitur hortis,
Ignotus pecori, nullo contusus aratro,
Quem mulcent aurae, firmat sol, educat imber;
Multi illum pueri, multae optavere puellae.
As a flower grows concealed in an enclosed garden, unknown to the cattle, bruised by no
plough, which the breezes caress, the sun makes strong, and the rain brings out; many boys and
many girls long for it.
‘Carmina’ no. 62
Sed mulier cupido quod dicit amanti,
In vento et rapida scribere oportet aqua.
But what a woman says to her lusting lover it is best to write in wind and swift-flowing water.
‘Carmina’ no. 70
Desine de quoquam quicquam bene velle mereri,
Aut aliquem fieri posse putare pium.
Give up wanting to deserve any thanks from anyone, or thinking that anybody can be grateful.
‘Carmina’ no. 73
Siqua recordanti benefacta priora voluptas
Est homini.
If a man can take any pleasure in recalling the thought of kindnesses done.
‘Carmina’ no. 76
Difficile est longum subito deponere amorem.
It is difficult suddenly to lay aside a long-cherished love.
‘Carmina’ no. 76
Si vitam puriter egi.
If I have led a pure life.
‘Carmina’ no. 76
O di, reddite mi hoc pro pietate mea.
O gods, grant me this in return for my piety.
‘Carmina’ no. 76
Chommoda dicebat, si quando commoda vellet
Dicere, et insidias Arrius hinsidias.
Arrius, if he wanted to say ‘amenities’ used to say ‘hamenities’, and for ‘intrigue’ ‘hintrigue’.
‘Carmina’ no. 84
Odi et amo: quare id faciam, fortasse requiris.
Nescio, sed fieri sentio et excrucior.