Propertius quotes

Propertius was a Roman elegiac poet, renowned for his deeply personal and emotional love poetry. His works are considered some of the finest examples of Latin elegiac verse and often explore themes of love, passion, and personal experience. He significantly influenced later poets and remains a key figure in the history of Roman literature. Here are 28 of his quotes:

Let no one be willing to speak ill of the absent.

Propertius

Let each man pass his days in that wherein his skill is greatest.

Propertius

Let each man have the wit to go his own way.

Propertius

Make way, you Roman writers, make way, Greeks! Something greater than the Iliad is born.

Propertius

Never change when love has found its home.

Propertius

The sailor tells of winds, the ploughman of bulls, the soldier counts his wounds, the shepherd his sheep.

Propertius

There is something beyond the grave; death does not end all, and the pale ghost escapes from the vanquished pyre.

Propertius

Nudus Amor formam non amat artificem.

Propertius

Tell me who is able to keep his bed chaste, or which goddess is able to live with one god alone?

Propertius

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Propertius

Afflicted by love's madness all are blind.

Propertius

No one in love can see.

Propertius

Even a faithful mistress can be bent by constant threats.

Propertius

Not only the bull attacks his enemies with curved horn, but also the sheep, when harmed fights back.

Propertius

What though strength fails? Boldness is certain to win praise. In mighty enterprises, it is enough to have had the determination.

Propertius

Love is naked, and loves not beauty gained by artifice.

Propertius

Woever he was who first depicted Amor as a boy, don't you think it was a wonderful touch? He was the first to see that lovers live without sense.

Propertius

He errs that seeks to set a term to the frenzy of love; true love hath no bound.

Propertius

Every man now worships gold, all other reverence being done away.

Propertius

Among absent lovers, ardor always fares better.

Propertius

Age makes all things greater after their death; a name comes to the tongue easier from the grave.

Propertius

Anyone who is an enemy of mine, let him love women, but let he who is my friend rejoice in men.

Propertius