Neglected, calumny soon expires, show that you are hurt, and you give it the appearance of truth.
TACITUSNeglected, calumny soon expires, show that you are hurt, and you give it the appearance of truth.
TACITUSVictor and vanquished never unite in substantial agreement.
TACITUSThis I regard as history’s highest function, to let no worthy action be uncommemorated, and to hold out the reprobation of posterity as a terror to evil words and deeds.
TACITUSThose in supreme power always suspect and hate their next heir.
TACITUSAll inconsiderate enterprises are impetuous at first, but soon lanquish. [Lat., Omnia inconsulti impetus coepta, initiis valida, spatio languescunt.]
TACITUSNo one would have doubted his ability to reign had he never been emperor.
TACITUSFollowing Emporer Nero’s command, “Let the Christians be exterminated!:” . . . they [the Christians] were made the subjects of sport; they were covered with the hides of wild beasts and worried to death by dogs, or nailed to crosses or set fire to, and when the day waned, burned to serve for the evening lights.
TACITUSTo show resentment at a reproach is to acknowledge that one may have deserved it.
TACITUSThe repose of nations cannot be secure without arms, armies cannot be maintained without pay, nor can the pay be produced without taxes
TACITUSThat cannot be safe which is not honourable.
TACITUSNecessity reforms the poor, and satiety reforms the rich.
TACITUSThe most seditious is the most cowardly.
TACITUSThe principal 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.
TACITUSAbuse if you slight it, will gradually die away; but if you show yourself irritated, you will be thought to have deserved it.
TACITUSEvery recreant who proved his timidity in the hour of danger, was afterwards boldest in words and tongue.
TACITUSPosterity allows to every man his true value and proper honours.
TACITUS