Monosticha Catonis

Monosticha Catonis
by: M. Moravius Horatius Piscinus

Incipiunt dicta Marci Catonis ad filium suum. Cum anima adverterem quam plurimos graviter in via morum errare, succurrendum opinioni eorum et consulendum famae existimavi, maxime ut gloriose viverent et honorem contingerent. Nunc te, fili carissime, docebo, quo pacto morem animi tui componas. Igitur praecepta mea ita legito, ut intellegas; legere enim et non intelligere neglegere est.

These words are written by Marcus Cato to his own sons, that he may instruct them in how to avoid the ways that many take, and instead to follow the moral path that brings one dignity, that they may believe these things and consider the esteem they will bring to your reputations, so that you may live with the greatest glory and achieve honors. Now, my dearest sons, I shall teach you the manner by which to well compose yourselves. Therefore read my precepts that you may understand, for to read and not understand would be to neglect me, your father.

Itaque deo supplica. Therefore pray to God.

Parentes ama. Loveyour parents.

Cognatos cole. Show respect to your relatives.

Magistrum metue. Give fearful respect to your teacher.

Datum serva. Safeguard what is entrusted to you.

Fora para. Prepare for the Forum.

Cum bonis ambula. Go about in the company of good people.

Antequam voceris, ne accesseris. Do not approach before you are called.

Mundus esto. Be clean.

Saluta libenter. Willingly greet others.

Maiori concede. Minori parce. Concede to your superiors; be kind to your inferiors.

Rem tuam custodi. Keep your thought to yourself.

Verecundiam serva. Preserve your modesty.

Diligentiam adhibe. Apply yourself diligently.

Libros lege. Quae legeris, memento. Read books; remember what you read.

Familiam cura. Care for your family and its reputation.

Blandus esto. Be courteous.

Irascere ob rem noli. Do not become angry over nothing.

Neminem riseris. Do not laugh at anyone.

Mutuum da. Give in return for what you receive.

Cui des, videto. Be mindful of to whom you give.

In iudicio adesto. In court stand by your friends.

Ad praetorium stato. Attend to your commanding officer.

Convivare raro. Seldom entertain, or not too much.

Quod satis est, dormi. Get enough sleep.

Iusiurandum serva. Keep your oath.

Vino tempera. Be moderate in drinking wine.

Pugna pro patria. Fight for your country.

Nihil temere credideris. Do not be gullible.

Tute consule. Give good counsel.

Meretricem fuge. Flee from a prostitute.

Litteras disce. Study literature.

Nihil mentire. Do not deceive others.

Bono benefacito. Be beneficial to good people.

Maledicus ne esto. Do not curse others.

Existimationem retine. Safeguard your good reputation.

Aequum iudica. Judge fairly.

Parentem patienter vince. Overcome your parent with patience.

Beneficii accepti esto memor. Remember those from whom you receive favors.

Miserum noli ridere. Do not laugh at the misery of others (or ridicule the poor).

Consultus esto. Be a good adviser.

Virtute utere. Practice virtue.

Iracundiam temporale rege. Master your anger.

Trocho lude. Aleam fuge. Play games for enjoyment; spurn games of chance.

Nihil arbitrii virium feceris. Do not abuse your power and authority against anyone.

Minorem non contempseris. Do not be contemptuous of your inferiors.

Alienum noli concupisci. Desire nothing of others.

Coniugem ama. Liberos erudi. Love your wife. Teach your children.

Pati legem, quam ipse tuleris. Abide by the rules you make yourself.

Pauca in convivio loquere. Speak little at a banquet.

Illud stude agere, quod iustum est. Apply yourself to do that which is right and just.

Libenter amorem ferto. Show your affections freely.

Minime iudica. Do not misjudge.