Publius Tacitus
Publius Tacitus
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
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
aspired equal higher talents
He had talents equal to business, and aspired no higher
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.
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.
necessity reforms rich satiety
Necessity reforms the poor, and satiety the rich
cast desire fame last wise
The desire for fame is the last infirmity cast off even by the wise
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
men vice
There will be vice as long as there are men