Original artwork, not a still
There is no happiness where there is no wisdom; No wisdom but in submission to the gods. Big words are always punished, And proud men in old age learn to be wise.
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Happiness, wisdom and submission to the gods form a chain in these lines, while boastful speech brings punishment. Pride is portrayed as something experience eventually corrects. The closing reference to old age gives that education a long timescale: understanding may arrive only after painful lessons.
Context reviewed
