mottos vol. 1

Sundial mottos, often incorporated directly in their design, usually (and unsurprisingly) evoke the fleeting passage of time, light, etc., and sometimes refer to their own malfunction when the sun is absent. Here are examples from The Book of Old Sundials, OYO, TN Foulis, Ltd., 1922 –more in a future post (perhaps on another rainy day), there are tons.

Let others tell of storms and showers
I’ll only count your sunny hours

Abi Non Moratur Hora Ambula In Luce
(Begone, Time Flies, Walk in Light)

United in time parted in time to be reunited when time shall be no more

Behold and begone about your business

Cursum Peregi
(I have finished my course)

Carpe Diem
Ah, take the cash in hand and waive the Rest

Know Thyself

As Shadow So Man Speedeth

Dies Diem Trudit
(A day May ruin thee)

Dum-Spectas-Fugio
I fly away even whilst thou watchest me

TIME – TIDE
DOTH – WAIST (sic)
THEREFORE
MAKE – HASTE
WE – SHALL

Dum Fugit Umbra Quiesco
(The Shadow moves though I be at rest)

As the sune runs so death comes

DEPRESSA – RESURGO
I set to rise

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