Hell to ships, hell to men, hell to cities - of Helen of Troy

The construction of too many bridges may prevent large oceangoing ships from sailing directly to inland cities along the river.

For a city consists in men, and not in walls nor in ships empty of men

I have seen old ships sail like swans asleep / Beyond the village which men still call Tyre.

Ah, lives of men! When prosperous they glitter - Like a fair picture; when misfortune comes - A wet sponge at one blow has blurred the painting

It is good even for old men to learn wisdom.