Publius Tacitus
Publius Tacitus
aspired equal higher talents
He had talents equal to business, and aspired no higher
belonging calm qualities reason
Reason and calm judgment: the qualities especially belonging to a leader.
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
boldly courage danger meet
If we must fall, we should boldly meet the danger.
candor due lead ruin tempered unless
Candor and generosity, unless tempered by due moderation, lead to ruin
hate human injured nature whom
It is human nature to hate those whom you have injured
proper prudence qualities
Forethought and prudence are the proper qualities of a leader.
atrocity calling lay peace waste
When monarchs through their bloodthirsty commanders lay waste a country, they dignify their atrocity by calling it "Making Peace