Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso), (43 BC - 17 AD), Roman Poet Quotes

Sleep, thou most gentle of the deities.

A spirit superior to every weapon. [Lat., Teloque animus praestantior omni.]

If Jupiter hurled his thunderbolt as often as men sinned, he would soon be out of thunderbolts. [Lat., Si quoties homines peccant sua fulmina mittat Jupiter, exiguo tempore inermis erit.]

He who has it in his power to commit sin, is less inclined to do so. The very idea of being able, weakens the desire. [Lat., Cui peccare licet peccat minus. Ipsa potestas Semina nequitiae languidiora facit.]

Indulgent gods, grant me to sin once with impunity. That is sufficient. Let a second offence bear its punishment. [Lat., Di faciles, peccasse semel concedite tuto: Id satis est. Peonam culpa secunda ferat.]

The silent countenance often speaks. [Lat., Saepe tacens vocem verbaque vultus habet.]

But still her silent looks loudly reproached me. [Lat., Sed taciti fecere tamen convicia vultus.]

Slight is the merit of keeping silence on a matter, on the other hand serious is the guilt of talking on things whereon we should be silent. [Lat., Exigua est virtus praestare silentia rebus; At contra, gravis est culpa tacenda loqui.]

To be silent is but a small virtue; but it is a serious fault to reveal secrets.

Simplicity is a jewel rarely found.

Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop. [Lat., Da requiem; requietus ager bene credita reddit.]

What is reason now was passion heretofore.

Alas! How difficult it is to prevent the countenance from betraying guilt! [Heu! quam difficile est crimen non prodere vultu.]

Often a silent face has voice and words. [Lat., Saepe tacens vocem verbaque vultus habet.]

You will be melancholy, if you are solitary.

You began better than you have finished; the last act is not equal to the first.

Work while your strength and years permit you; crooked age will by-and-by come upon you with silent foot.

With the arm which won the victory he protects the vanquished.

While I am speaking the opportunity is lost.

When you have set yourself a task finish it.