Virgil, Aeneid II.65-66
Melphi speaks
Accipe nunc Danaum insidias, et crimine ab uno
disce omnes.
The priest translates
«Hear now the treachery of the Greeks, and from a single crime learn what they all are.»
And interprets
This line asks you to learn from one precise experience. Perhaps you have just discovered some unfair behaviour, a small lie, a broken agreement, and you are wondering whether to give it weight or let it go. Melphi tells you that a single episode can reveal a method: if someone has skilfully manipulated you once, that is probably how they operate. Be careful, though, not to stretch your suspicion to everyone who resembles them: learn to recognise the pattern, not to condemn a whole group. Make a note of what you saw, and use it to protect yourself next time, with a clear head and without resentment.
The historical translations
A schernire il prigione. Or ascoltate
Le malizie de’ Greci: e da quest’uno
Conosceteli tutti. Egli nel mezzo
Hear now what Greek deception is, and learn
from one dark wickedness the whole. For he,