I do not play to please others.

Alone I play, alone I sing,

and this brings joy to my heart.

It is desirable to have a knowledge of true literature,

of composition and versifying,of wind and stringed instruments;

and it is well, moreover, to be learned in precedent and court ceremonies,

so as to be a model for others.

One should write not unskillfully in the running hand,

be able to sing in a pleasing voice and keep good time to music;

and, lastly,

a man should not refuse a little wine when it is pressed upon him.