Publius Tacitus
Publius Tacitus
against bear grudge people
We bear a grudge against the people we've done down
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
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
men vice
There will be vice as long as there are men
corrupt law-and-lawyers
The more corrupt the state, the more laws.
call peace
They (the Romans) make a desert, and they call it peace
call peace wilderness
They make a wilderness and call it peace.
proper prudence qualities
Forethought and prudence are the proper qualities of a leader.
peace
They made a wasteland and called it peace
bad discord excellence men mental moral peace require
In times of tumult and discord bad men have the most power; mental and moral excellence require peace and quiteness.
bad discord excellence men mental moral peace require seasons
In seasons of tumult and discord bad men have the most power; mental and moral excellence require peace and quietness.