Original text (Ancient Greek)
His nose he anoints, and thinks it plain
'Tis good for health with scents to feed the brain.
For no long time the flatterer flourishes,
For none can brook a grey-haired parasite.
Not in vain oaths should prudent men believe,
But put their trust in actions.
In the fields of observation chance favors only the prepared mind.
Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em.
O Fortune, cruellest of heavenly powers,
Why make such game of this poor life of ours?
Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Alexis (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.