Terence

I am human, I consider nothing human alien to me.

Publius Terentius Afer (195/185–159 BC), more commonly referred to as Terence, was a comic playwright of the Roman Republic. A berber born in Carthage, his comedies were first performed between 170 BC-160 BC.

Quotes

Nothing is so difficult but that it may be found out by seeking.

Andria (The Lady of Andros)

Ne quid nimis.
- Moderation in all things. (Not anything in excess)
  - Line 61.

Obsequium amicos, veritas odium parit.
- Obsequiousness begets friends, truth hatred.
  - Line 68.

Hinc illae lacrimae.
- Hence these tears.
  - Line 126.
- Variant translation: Hence all those tears shed.

Amantium irae amoris integratio est.
- Lovers' quarrels are the renewal of love.
  - Line 555.
- Variant translation: Lovers’ rows make love whole again.

Heauton Timorumenos (The Self-Tormentor)

Homo sum: humani nil a me alienum puto.
- I am human, I consider nothing human alien to me.
  - Line 77
- Variant translations:
- I am a human and consider nothing human alien to me.
- I am human, I consider nothing human to be alien to me.
- I am a man; I consider nothing human alien to me.
- I am a man, I regard nothing that is human alien to me.
- I am a man, I count nothing human foreign to me.

Periclum ex aliis facito tibi quod ex usu siet.
- Draw from others the lesson that may profit yourself.
  - Line 221.

Diem adimere aegritudinem hominibus.
- Time removes distress.
  - Line 421
- Variant translation: Time heals all wounds.

Nil tam difficile est quin quaerendo investigari possiet.
- Nothing is so difficult but that it may be found out by seeking.
  - Line 675.

Ius summum saepe summa est malitia.
- Extreme law is often extreme injustice.
  - Line 796
- Variant translations:
- The highest law is often the greatest wrong.
- Extreme justice is often extreme malice.

There is nothing so easy but that it becomes difficult when you do it reluctantly.
- Line 805.

Modo liceat vivere, est spes.
- While there's life, there's hope.
  - Line 981.

Eunuchus

Nullumst iam dictum quod non dictum sit prius.
In fact, nothing is said that has not been said before.
- Prologue, Line 41.
- Variant translation: Nothing has yet been said that’s not been said before.

It is up with you; all is over; you are ruined.
- Act I, scene 1, 9, line 54.

If I could believe that this was said sincerely, I could put up with anything.
- Act I, scene 2, 96, line 176.

Immortal gods! how much does one man excel another! What a difference there is between a wise person and a fool!
- Act II, scene 2, 1, line 232.

I have everything, yet have nothing; and although I possess nothing, still of nothing am I in want.
- Act II, scene 2, 12, line 243.

There are vicissitudes in all things.
- Act II, scene 2, 45, line 276.

The very flower of youth.
- Act II, scene 3, 28, line 319.

I did not care one straw.
- Act III, scene 1, 21, line 411.

Jupiter, now assuredly is the time when I could readily consent to be slain, 4 lest life should sully this ecstasy with some disaster.
- Act III, scene 5, 2, line 550.

Sine Cerere et Baccho friget Venus
- Without Ceres (bread) and Bacchus (wine) Venus (love) freezes.
- Act IV, scene 1, 1, line 5.

This and a great deal more like it I have had to put up with.
- Act IV, scene 6, 8, line 746.

Take care and say this with presence of mind.
- Act IV, scene 6, 31, line 769.

It behooves a prudent person to make trial of everything before arms.
- Act IV, scene 7, 19, line 789.

I know the disposition of women: when you will, they won't; when you won't, they set their hearts upon you of their own inclination.
- Act IV, scene 7, 42, line 812.

I took to my heels as fast as I could.
- Act V, scene 2, 5, line 844.

Many a time,… from a bad beginning great friendships have sprung up.
- Act V, scene 2, 34, line 873.

I only wish I may see your head stroked down with a slipper.
- Act V, scene 7, 4, line 1028.

Phormio

Fortis fortuna adiuvat.
- Fortune favours the brave.
- Line 203.
- Variant translation:
- Fortune assists the brave.

Nil est dictu facilius.
- Nothing is easier to say.
- Line 300.

Quot homines tot sententiae: suo' quoique mos.
- So many men, so many opinions: to each his own way.
- Line 454
- Variant translations:
- There are as many opinions as there are people: each has his own view.
- There are as many opinions as there are people: each has his own correct way.
- There are as many opinions as there are people: everyone has their own way of doing things.