Arcu atque animo

"Arcu atque animo" is the motto of the Royal Company of Archers, which is the Queen's ceremonial bodyguard in Scotland.  It means: "with bow and spirit", which is, of course, a suitable motto for such a body.

I discussed arcus and its near homophones in an earlier post Arca, arcus & arx

Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes

With Greece approaching Grexit, the phrase "Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes" came to mind unbidden.  This is the Trojan priest Laocoon's advice in the Aeneid: "I fear the Greeks, even bearing gifts." 

More fully Laocoon actually says: "Equō nē crēdite, Teucrī! Quidquid id est, timeō Danaōs et dōna ferentīs", which translates as: "Do not trust the horse, Trojans.  Whatever it is, I fear the Greeks, even bearing gifts."

Note that in the phrase "equo ne credite", equo is in the dative.

Wikipedia has a short article which gives more information about the quotation timeo Danaos.

Crux Spes Unica

"Crux Spes Unica", which is the motto of the Catholic Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh, means: "The Cross our only hope."

There is a slightly longer form "Ave Crux Spes Unica", which is used as a pious expression as well as being a motto.  This translates as: "Hail the Cross our only hope."  There is a short article on Wikipedia about Ave_crux_spes_unica.

Via Veritas Vita

 

"Via Veritas Vita", which is the motto of Glasgow University, means in English: "The way, the truth, the life."  It is a phrase which should be familiar to all Christians, for Jesus famously said: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me."  St John, chapter 14, verse 6 reads in Latin:

Dicit ei Iesus: "Ego sum via et veritas et vita.  Nemo venit ad Patrem nisi per me."

Fortiter in re, Suaviter in modo

"Fortiter in re, Suaviter in modo", which means "vigorous in deed, gentle in manner", is an excellent motto.  It is associated with the fifth Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Claudio Acquaviva.

Facta non Verba

Facta non verba is a good and frequently used motto.  It means: "Deeds not words".

Optimum Cuique

Optimum cuique is the motto of Lochgelly High School in the Scottish region of Fife. It translates as "the best for everyone".  Cuique is the dative of quisque, which means each one, each person, anyone.