Minor Latin poets; with introductions and English translations

^2'^ notis noli praeponere amicis Baehrens.6oiCATOOur life is but a frail uncertain breath :Rest not thy hopes, then, on another's death.When your poor friend ^ives of his poverty,Accept well pleased and thank him hand^^omely.A naked babe since nature fashioned thee,With patience bear the load of poverty.Fear not lest life's concluding]: l«'ip be niirh :He makes his life no life who dreads to die.If no friend helps you as your deeds demand.Tax not the gods but hold yourself in hand.Save up your gains lest you go short some day :To keep possessions, fancy they're away.Utter no promise that you cant redeem.Lest you inconstant prove, while kind you seem.The glib dissembler, faithless friend at heart,See that you copy : so art baffles art.Approve not men who wheedling nothings say :Fowlers pipe sweetly to delude their prey.Since sons you have—not wealth—such traininggiveTheir minds that they, though poor, unharmedmay live.Hold dear the cheap, and cheaply hold thedearSo none can say you hunt or hoard your gear.Do not yourself what you are wont to blame :When sin convicts the preacher's self, 'tis shame.Ask what is right or fair to human eye :Fools ask what others rightly may deny.Do not the unknown o'er the known advance :Known things on judgement hang, unknown onchance.