The book features a collection of moral maxims by Publius Syrus, a 1st-century BC Latin writer who rose from slavery to become a respected figure. His work, preserved in iambic and trochaic verse, includes around 700 original sayings, arranged alphabetically. This enduring collection has influenced later writers and includes notable phrases like "The judge is condemned when the guilty is acquitted." The text reflects Syrus's wit and ethical insights, highlighting the timeless nature of his wisdom.
