Painterly glowing horseshoe on a blacksmith anvil with a hammer resting beside it.

Original artwork, not a still

Sententiae

Publilius Syrus

You should hammer your iron when it is glowing hot.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

Publilius Syrus offers ancient, practical wisdom about timing, urging action while conditions are favorable rather than waiting for a better moment. The blacksmith's image captures a simple truth, opportunity cools quickly, so hesitation often wastes what heat remains.

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