Social Commentaries
Fragment XXXVIII: At entertainments show yourself discreet
Translated by John Hookham Frere (1842; Bohn 1856) · From Fragments of Theognis (Frere, 1842)
At entertainments show yourself discreet :
Remember, that amongst the guests you meet
The absent have their friends ; and may be told
Of rash or idle language which you hold.
Learn to endure a jest—you may display
Your courage elsewhere, in a better way.
Cite this poem
MLA
Megara, Theognis of. “Fragment XXXVIII: At entertainments show yourself discreet.” Translated by John Hookham Frere. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/theognis/38/.
Chicago
Megara, Theognis of. “Fragment XXXVIII: At entertainments show yourself discreet.” Translated by John Hookham Frere. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/theognis/38/.
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