Marmoreo Licinus tumulo jacet, at Cato parvo, Pompeius nullo. Quis putet esse deos? Saxa premunt Licinum, levat altum Fama Catonem, Pompeium tituli. Credimus esse deos.
Licinus lies in a marble tomb, Cato in an humble one, Pompey in none. Who can think that the gods exist? Heavy lies the stone on Licinus; Fame raises Cato on high; his glories, Pompey. We believe that the gods do exist.
The Wicked Licinus lies in a marble Tomb, but Cato in a small one, and Pompey in none; who would think there are Gods?
J. Hain Friswell, "Long Home", Notes and Queries, 4th s., no. 8 (12 August 1871), p. 125, col. 2:
In marble tomb the base Licinus lies, Cato is covered with a few rough sods, Pompey lies naked to the sea and skies, Yet we believe, weak mortals! there are gods!
Variant:
Marmoreo Licinus tumulo jacet, at Cato nullo, Pompeius parvo: credimus esse deos?In a marble tomb Licinus lies; yet Cato lies in none and Pompey in but a small: Do we believe there are gods?