I hold revel, regarding the golden choir of the stars at evening, nor do I spurn the dances of others; but garlanding my hair with flowers that drop their petals over me, I waken the melodious harp into passion with musical hands; and doing thus I lead a well-ordered life, for the order of the heavens too has its Lyre and Crown.
IX SUMMER SAILING ANTIPHILUS
Mine be a mattress on the poop, and the awnings over it surrounding with the blows of the spray, and the fire forcing its way out of the hearth-stones, and a pot upon them with empty turmoil of bubbles; and let me see the boy dressing the meat, and my table be a ship's plank covered with a cloth; and a game of pitch and toss, and the boatswain's whistle: the other day I had such fortune, for I love common life.
X L'ALLEGRO JULIANUS AEGYPTIUS
All the ways of life are pleasant; in the market-place are goodly companionships, and at home griefs are hidden; the country brings pleasure, seafaring wealth, foreign lands knowledge. Marriages make a united house, and the unmarried life is never anxious; a child is a bulwark to his father; the childless are far from fears; youth knows the gift of courage, white hairs of wisdom: therefore, taking courage, live, and beget a family.
XI DUM VIVIMUS VIVAMUS AUTHOR UNKNOWN
Six hours fit labour best: and those that follow, shown forth in letters, say to mortals, "Live."
XII HOPE AND EXPERIENCE AUTHOR UNKNOWN
Whoso has married once and again seeks a second wedding, is a shipwrecked man who sails twice through a difficult gulf.