Publius Tacitus
Publius Tacitus
burns eloquence excite feed matter motion requires
It is of eloquence as of a flame; it requires matter to feed it, and motion to excite it; and it brightens as it burns
hate human injured nature whom
It is human nature to hate those whom you have injured
hate human nature weakness whom
It is a weakness of your human nature to hate those whom you have wronged.
belonging calm qualities reason
Reason and calm judgment: the qualities especially belonging to a leader.
boldly courage danger meet
If we must fall, we should boldly meet the danger.
aspired equal higher talents
He had talents equal to business, and aspired no higher
against bear grudge people
We bear a grudge against the people we've done down
behind bitter jest leaves near satire sharp sting truth
Bitter the jest when satire comes too near truth and leaves a sharp sting behind it
actions deeds evil fear history infamous office prevent principle reputation virtuous words
The principle office of history I take to be this: to prevent virtuous actions from being forgotten, and that evil words and deeds should fear an infamous reputation with posterity.
atrocity calling lay peace waste
When monarchs through their bloodthirsty commanders lay waste a country, they dignify their atrocity by calling it "Making Peace
corrupt law-and-lawyers
The more corrupt the state, the more laws.
men vice
There will be vice as long as there are men
necessity reforms rich satiety
Necessity reforms the poor, and satiety the rich
fame last love wise
Love of fame is the last thing even the wise give up