One finds many companions for food and drink, but in a serious business a man’s companions are very few.
Even to a wicked man a divinity gives wealth, Cyrnus, but to few men comes the gift of excellence.
Surfeit begets insolence, when prosperity comes to a bad man.
Adopt the character of the twisting octopus, which takes on the appearance of the nearby rock. Now follow in this direction, now turn a different hue.
The best of all things for earthly men is not to be born and not to see the beams of the bright sun; but if born, then as quickly as possible to pass the gates of Hades, and to lie deep buried.
No man takes with him to Hades all his exceeding wealth.
Bright youth passes swiftly as a thought.