Satires 1:3 lines 25-37

Question 1

cum tua pervideas oculis mala lippus inunctis,
cur in amicorum vitiis tam cernis acutum
quam aut aquila aut serpens Epidaurius? at tibicontra
evenit, inquirant vitia ut tua rursus et illi.

Answer 1

When you see your own faults, blinded with ointment smeared eyes, [25]
Why in [the matter of] faults of your friends do you perceive as sharply
As either an eagle or an Epidaurian snake? But for you the converse
Happens, that they also inquire into your faults in return.

Question 2

iracundior est paulo, minus aptus acutis
naribus horum hominum; rideri possit eo quod
rusticius tonso toga defluit et male laxus
in pede calceus haeret: at est bonus, ut melior vir
non alius quisquam, at tibi amicus, at ingenium ingens
inculto latet hoc sub corpore…

Answer 2

He’s a bit hot-tempered, less acceptable to the sharp
Noses of today’s men: it might be possible to be made to laugh by him because [30]
His toga flows sloppily, his hair cut too rustically, and a badly loose
Sandal clings on his foot; but he’s a good man, so that [there is]
Not anyone better; but [he’s] your friend: but a great character
Lies hidden under this unkempt body…

Question 3

…denique te ipsum
concute, num qua tibi vitiorum inseverit olim
natura aut etiam consuetudo mala; namque
neglectis urenda filix innascitur agris.

Answer 3

…In the end shake
Yourself whether nature has sowed in you any [35]
Vices, or even bad habit. For
The bracken to be burned is born in neglected fields.