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These are the things, most prolific, fruitful
And inventive Martialis, that make life good.
Property you acquire not by working
But through inheritance: fertile land,
A welcoming hearth and no litigation.
Few, if any, civic honours.
A quiet mind and a natural way,
A healthy body, simple discretion,
Like minded friends, and a quick understanding,
Without the burden of too much intelligence.
Nights without drunkenness, but free from anxiety,
A bed that’s not sad, but is nonetheless chaste,
And sleep that makes the night go quickly.
Finally not to wish for the end
But to face one’s death with equanimity.
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Vitam quae faciant beatiorem,
Iucundissime Martialis, haec sunt:
Res non parta labore, sed relicta;
Non ingratus ager, focus perennis;
Lis numquam, toga rara, mens quieta;
Vires ingenuae, salubre corpus;
Prudens simplicitas, pares amici;
Convictus facilis, sine arte mensa;
Nox non ebria, sed soluta curis;
Non tristis torus, et tamen pudicus;
Somnus, qui faciat breves tenebras:
Quod sis, esse velis nihilque malis;
Summum nec metuas diem nec optes.
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