Sayings of Publilius Syrus 199

It is a fraud to receive the trust which you cannot return. 

IMAGE: John Everett Millais, Trust Me (1862) 

Sayings of Publilius Syrus 198

His own character is the arbiter of every man's fortune. 

Sayings of Publilius Syrus 197

It is easier to get a favor from Fortune than to keep it. 

IMAGE: Godfried Schalcken, Fortune (c. 1680) 

Sayings of Publilius Syrus 196

The great gifts of Fortune are waited on by fear. 

Sayings of Publilius Syrus 195

Fortune is like glass; the brighter the glitter, the more easily broken. 

 

Sayings of Publilius Syrus 194

Fortune makes many loans, but gives no presents. 

Sayings of Publilius Syrus 193

When the edifice of our Fortune is but slightly fractured, a chasm opens through the whole. 

Sayings of Publilius Syrus 192

When fortune flatters, she does it to betray. 

Sayings of Publilius Syrus 191

Fortune has more power over a man than his own forethought. 

Sayings of Publilius Syrus 190

When Fortune is on our side, popular favor bears her company. 

IMAGE: Anonymous Venetian, Fortune Distributes Her Gifts (c. 1650) 

Sayings of Publilius Syrus 189

Fortune is not satisfied with inflicting one calamity. 

Sayings of Publilius Syrus 188

Fortune has no more power over our destiny than our own actions.  

Sayings of Publilius Syrus 187

Fortune masters us if we do not master her. 

Sayings of Publilius Syrus 186

Fortune makes a fool of him whom she favors too much. 

Sayings of Publilius Syrus 185

Fortune often spares men a present affliction, that they may suffer a greater. 

IMAGE: Antoni Brodowski, Oedipus and Antigone (1828) 

Sayings of Publilius Syrus 184

A great property is a great bondage for the owner. 

Sayings of Publilius Syrus 183

Fortune has no lawful control over men's morals. 

IMAGE: Francesco Rosaspina, Allegory of Fortitude (c. 1820) 

Sayings of Publilius Syrus 182

What is left when honor is lost? 

IMAGE: Caravaggio, The Taking of Christ (1602) 

Sayings of Publilius Syrus 181

He who has forfeited his honor can lose nothing more. 

IMAGE: Thomas Cole, Expulsion from the Garden of Eden (1828) 

Sayings of Publilius Syrus 180

No one ever lost honor but him who never had any.