That man is worthless who knows how to receive a favor, but not
how to return one.
[Lat., read more

That man is worthless who knows how to receive a favor, but not
how to return one.
[Lat., Nam improbus est homo qui beneficium scit sumere et
reddere nescit.]

To refuse graciously is to confer a favor.

To refuse graciously is to confer a favor.

No free man will ask as favor, what he can not claim as reward.
[Lat., Neutiquam officium liberi esse read more

No free man will ask as favor, what he can not claim as reward.
[Lat., Neutiquam officium liberi esse hominis puto
Cum is nihil promereat, postulare id gratiae apponi sibi.]

Benefits should be conferred gradually; and in that way they will taste better.

Benefits should be conferred gradually; and in that way they will taste better.

A favor tardily bestowed is no favor; for a favor quickly granted
is a more agreeable favor.
[Lat., read more

A favor tardily bestowed is no favor; for a favor quickly granted
is a more agreeable favor.
[Lat., Gratia, quae tarda est, ingrata est: gratia namque
Cum fieri properat, gratia grata magis.]

To accept a favor is to forfeit liberty.

To accept a favor is to forfeit liberty.

All good fortune is a gift of the gods, and. . . you don't win the favor of the ancient read more

All good fortune is a gift of the gods, and. . . you don't win the favor of the ancient gods by being good, but by being bold.

To accept a favor is to sell one's freedom.
[Lat., Beneficium accipere, libertatem est vendere.]

To accept a favor is to sell one's freedom.
[Lat., Beneficium accipere, libertatem est vendere.]

For however often a man may receive an obligation from you, if
you refuse a request, all former favors read more

For however often a man may receive an obligation from you, if
you refuse a request, all former favors are effaced by this one
denial.
[Lat., Nam quamblibet saepe obligati, si quid unum neges, hoc
solum meminerunt, quod negatum est.]