Wit is the flower of the imagination.
—Livy.
Livy, the great Roman historian, was born at Patavium (Padua), 59 B.C., and died there A.D. 17. He wrote the “History of Rome from the Founding of the City,” in 142 “books,” many of which have been lost.
Perjuria ridet amantum Jupiter.[1]
—Tibullus.
Albius Tibullus, a renowned Roman poet, was born about 54 B.C., and died probably in 19 B.C. Three books of his elegies have come down to us.
Qua pote quisque in ca conterat diem.[2]
—Propertius.
Sextus Propertius, the great Roman elegiac poet, was born at Aassisium, about 50 B.C., and died about 15 B.C. His poems consist of four books.
In my opinion, he only may be truly said to live, and enjoy his being, who is engaged in some laudable pursuit and acquire a name by some illustrious action or useful art.