The Moral Sayings of Publius Syrus

The Moral Sayings of Publius Syrus, A Roman Slave offers readers a deep dive into the wisdom of one of ancient Rome's most celebrated playwrights. This treasured collection of proverbs and aphorisms, extracted from the mimes and plays of Publius Syrus, immortalises the insights of a man whose life journey was as remarkable as his words. Abducted from his homeland as a child and sold into slavery, Syrus' keen intellect and sharp wit eventually led him to captivate and conquer the Roman stage, leaving an indelible mark through his poignant maxims.

Born in the 1st century BC in Syria, a young boy lived under the threat of Roman conquests. Captured and brought to Rome by an army officer, this boy was renamed Syrus to signify his origins. His story took a turn when a delighted patron requested him from this officer, noticing the boy's brilliance and effervescent sense of humour. With a promise of liberty, Syrus’ new master provided him with an education that paved ways for intellectual freedom and personal emancipation. Upon gaining his freedom, Syrus remained lifelong friends with his former master, adopting his surname, Publius, as a token of gratitude.

Embracing his newfound freedom, Syrus set out on a journey through Italy, composing and performing mimes—comical representations of societal flaws and eccentricities. His works, a blend of humour and moral reflection, resonated with Roman audiences, which catapulted him into prominence. Notably, during the reign of Caesar as Dictator, he was invited to participate in a series of public games and performances. Syrus returned to Rome with flair, outshining his contemporaries in a contest of wit and quickly dominating the theatrical scene until his death.

Despite the centuries that have passed, the complete plays of this master have been lost to the sands of time. Yet, the essence of his wisdom lives on through the collection of his maxims. These sayings, believed to have been gathered in the 1st century AD, offer timeless reflections on human nature, choices, and societal norms. First translated from Latin into English in 1856, they continue to resonate with readers today.

Among the 1,087 proverbs are many that appear to echo modern expressions. Consider maxim #1086, "When the dog is too old you cannot get him used to the collar," which parallels "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." Similarly, #1076 with "If you gain new friends, don't forget the old ones," reminds us of the adage "Make new friends but keep the old."

In addition to those sayings that have strikingly entered common lexicon, this collection includes proverbs worth pondering:

● #47: The plainer the table, the more wholesome the food.

● #58: When the tree has fallen, anyone can cut wood.

● #91: He who boasts of a favour bestowed, would like it back again.

● #144: Society in shipwreck is a comfort to all.

● #324: Man's life is a loan, not a gift.

Some maxims offer seemingly contradictory advice. For instance, #184 claims "Wisdom is acquired by meditation," while #185 argues that "While we stop to think, we often miss our opportunity." Similarly, #263 posits "No one ever lost honour but him who never had any," contrasting with #264's "He who has forfeited his honour can lose nothing more."

Though additional context might enhance the understanding of these sayings, they hold standalone value. These maxims, crafted over two millennia ago, bestow a second, enduring fame on the brilliant playwright, providing a riveting study into timeless human contemplation.