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Often appears with: justice as a virtue · fate, destiny, and necessity · courage and cowardice · counsel and advisers to rulers · pleasure, pain, and the good life · education and the training of the young · honor, shame, and reputation · rank, class, and social order · political legitimacy and consent · forms of government · the passions and the emotions · prudence and practical wisdom
Usually: argument (136) · detachment (108) · ambition and its cost (79) · narrative (76) · censure (72) · exhortation (54) · skepticism (54) · reflection (51) · curiosity (45) · temptation (42)
“For my part I consider that it is better to be adventurous than cautious, because fortune is a woman, and if you wish to keep her under it is necessary to beat and ill-use her; and it is seen that she allows herself to be mastered by the adventurous rather than by those who go to work more coldly.” Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince · wit
“For although I am not immoderately desirous of glory, or even, if I may venture so to say, although I am averse from it in so far as I deem it hostile to repose which I hold in greater account than aught else, yet, at the same time, I have never sought to conceal my actions as if they were crimes” René Descartes, Discourse on the Method of Rightly Conducting One's · insight
“Then from her rosy lips began to speak: ‘My son, from whence this madness, this neglect / Of my commands, and those whom I protect?” Virgil, The Aeneid · precept
“If Diomede refuse his aid to lend,\n The great Messapus yet remains our friend:” Virgil, The Aeneid · insight
“Today it makes little difference to Atlanta, to the South, what the Negro thinks or dreams or wills. In the soul-life of the land he is to-day, and naturally will long remain, unthought of, half forgotten; and yet when he does come to think and will and do for himself,—and let no man dream that day will never come,—then the part he plays will not be one of sudden learning, but words and thoughts he has been taught to lisp in his race-childhood.” W. E. B. Du Bois (William Edward Burghardt Du Bois), The Souls of Black Folk · insight
“They delight in sloth, they detest tranquility. The languid soul, oppressed with its own weight, anxiously required some new and powerful sensation; and war and danger were the only amusements adequate to its fierce temper.” Edward Gibbon, History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · observation
“Such is the constitution of civil society, that, whilst a few persons are distinguished by riches, by honors, and by knowledge, the body of the people is condemned to obscurity, ignorance and poverty.” Edward Gibbon, History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · insight
“At the approach of an election the head of the executive government is wholly occupied by the coming struggle; his future plans are doubtful; he can undertake nothing new, and the he will only prosecute with indifference those designs which another will perhaps terminate.” Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America — Volume 1 · observation
“The period during which Mr. Buchanan retained office, after the election of Mr. Lincoln, from November, 1860, to March, 1861, was that which enabled the seceding States of the South to complete their preparations for the Civil War, and the Executive Government was paralyzed.” Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America — Volume 1 · observation
“For thou must know that according to our way of thinking in chivalry, it is a high honour to a lady to have many knights-errant in her service, whose thoughts never go beyond serving her for her own sake, and who look for no other reward for their great and true devotion than that she should be willing to accept them as her knights.” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote · precept
“Ah, dear lady of my soul and life! why did you wake me? The greatest kindness fortune could do me now would be to close my eyes and ears so as neither to see or hear that unhappy musician.” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote · vivid
“WHEREIN IS RELATED THE PLEASANT STORY OF THE MULETEER, TOGETHER WITH OTHER STRANGE THINGS THAT CAME TO PASS IN THE INN” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote · observation
Pepys records journeys to Deptford and Woolwich, theatrical and local entertainments, and social talk about Sir G. Carteret’s marriage plans and a Banstead Down foot-race heavily bet on by the King and Duke of York.
to see who we were, and went back again. What his meaning is I know not, but was fearful that I might not go far enough with my hat off. 29th. To Deptford, reading by the way a most ridiculous play, a new one, called "The Politician cheated." [A comedy by Alexander Green.] 30th. To Woolwich, and there come Sir G. Carteret, and then by water back to Deptford, where we dined with him at his house. I find his litt…
Nicias urges voting against the expedition, criticizing would-be commanders driven by personal ambition and horse-wealth, and asks the Prytanis to put the question again to the vote.
the public fortune while they squander their own, and that this is a matter of importance, and not for a young man to decide or hastily to take in hand. “When I see such persons now sitting here at the side of that same individual and summoned by him, alarm seizes me; and I, in my turn, summon any of the older men that may have such a person sitting next him not to let himself be shamed down, for fear of being thoug…
Odysseus keeps taunting Polyphemus, who hurls mountains and rocks to wreck the ship, but they row farther out; Odysseus then identifies himself as Ulysses and the Cyclops prays to Neptune to delay his return.
wretch, eat up your visitors in your own house? You might have known that your sin would find you out, and now Jove and the other gods have punished you.’ “He got more and more furious as he heard me, so he tore the top from off a high mountain, and flung it just in front of my ship so that it was within a little of hitting the end of the rudder.81 The sea quaked as the rock fell into it, and the wash of the wave it…
Penelope confronts Antinous, calling the plot wicked and reminding him of Ulysses’ past survival against Taphian attackers, while Eurymachus boasts Telemachus will not die as long as he lives; Penelope then mourns until Athena puts her to sleep.
maidens, and when she reached the suitors she stood by one of the bearing-posts supporting the roof of the cloister holding a veil before her face, and rebuked Antinous saying: “Antinous, insolent and wicked schemer, they say you are the best speaker and counsellor of any man your own age in Ithaca, but you are nothing of the kind. Madman, why should you try to compass the death of Telemachus, and take no heed of su…
Philoetius tells Odysseus he is troubled by watching other men’s herds and waiting for Odysseus’s return; Odysseus vows the wooers will be slain, and meanwhile the wooers plot harm to Telemachus.
So he spake, and came close to him offering his right hand in welcome, and uttering his voice spake to him winged words: “Father and stranger, hail! may happiness be thine in the time to come; but as now, thou art fast holden in many sorrows! Father Zeus, none other god is more baneful than thou; thou hast no compassion on men, that are of thine own begetting, but makest them to have fellowship with evil and with bi…
He extends the gold temptation beyond Atlanta to the “Black World beyond the Veil,” warning that new leaders and growing property can shift aspirations from righteousness to cash.
end and aim of politics, and as the legal tender for law and order; and, finally, instead of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness, wealth as the ideal of the Public School. Not only is this true in the world which Atlanta typifies, but it is threatening to be true of a world beneath and beyond that world,—the Black World beyond the Veil. Today it makes little difference to Atlanta, to the South, what the Negro thinks or drea…
Du Bois begins the biography “Of Alexander Crummell,” describing how Crummell struggled with temptations of Hate, Despair, and Doubt, and how sympathy and education first eased the temptation of Hate.
mocking world which seemed to me at once so light and dark, so splendid and sordid. Fourscore years had he wandered in this same world of mine, within the Veil. He was born with the Missouri Compromise and lay a-dying amid the echoes of Manila and El Caney: stirring times for living, times dark to look back upon, darker to look forward to. The black-faced lad that paused over his mud and marbles seventy years ago sa…
Paul continues to Philippians, saying he counts former legal righteousness as loss to gain Christ, presses toward the goal, warns of enemies of the cross, and calls Euodias and Syntyche to be reconciled and to rejoice.
Pharisee, and as concerning ferventness I persecuted the congregation, and as touching the righteousness which is in the law I was such a one as no man could complain on. But the things that were winning unto me I counted loss for Christe's sake. Yee I think all things but loss for that excellent knowledge's sake of Christ Iesu my lord. For whom I have counted all thing loss, and do judge them but dung, that I might…
Hannibal urges his soldiers to preserve the feelings they saw in the staged combats, promising that victory will give them Roman rewards and explaining that defeating a despised enemy is not impossible; he contrasts his own long campaign experience with the Romans’ six-month generalship.
their companions in the same circumstances, but among the spectators in general, that the fortune of those who conquered was not praised more than that of those who died bravely. 43. When he had dismissed the soldiers, thus affected after viewing several pairs of combatants, having then summoned an assembly, he is said to have addressed them in these terms: "If, soldiers, you shall by and by, in judging of your own …
Publius Sulpicius receives Macedonia by lot and proposes war against Philip, while the people initially reject it; their reluctance is attributed to war-weariness and a tribune’s attacks on patricians for causing endless wars.
lots for the provinces; and when the consul to whose lot Macedonia fell should have proposed to the people, that war should be declared against Philip, king of the Macedonians. 6. The province of Macedonia fell by lot to Publius Sulpicius; and he proposed to the people to declare, "that they chose and ordered, that on account of the injuries and hostilities committed against the allies of the Roman people, war shoul…
Hamilton explains that personal passions and private interests often drive leaders to sacrifice public stability, using examples from Pericles and other European and Greco-Roman cases, and he urges skepticism about “perpetual peace” among separated states.
and friendship. An alliance so contrary to their immediate interest would not therefore be easy to form, nor, if formed, would it be observed and fulfilled with perfect good faith. Nay, it is far more probable that in America, as in Europe, neighboring nations, acting under the impulse of opposite interests and unfriendly passions, would frequently be found taking different sides. Considering our distance from Europ…
Madison argues the Constitution is a “mixed” system—partly national and partly federal—depending on whether one looks at its foundation, sources of power, how it operates, its jurisdiction, and the amendment method.
general rather than under the local governments, or, to speak more properly, that it could be safely established under the first alone, is a position not likely to be combated. If we try the Constitution by its last relation to the authority by which amendments are to be made, we find it neither wholly NATIONAL nor wholly FEDERAL. Were it wholly national, the supreme and ultimate authority would reside in the MAJORI…
Hamilton claims that disunion would produce frequent violent contests among states due to human ambition and private passions, and he supports this with examples from Pericles, Wolsey, European court influence, and Massachusetts’ Shays’s Rebellion.
too many instances abused the confidence they possessed; and assuming the pretext of some public motive, have not scrupled to sacrifice the national tranquillity to personal advantage or personal gratification. The celebrated Pericles, in compliance with the resentment of a prostitute,(1) at the expense of much of the blood and treasure of his countrymen, attacked, vanquished, and destroyed the city of the SAMMIANS.…
Hamilton warns that entrusting treaty power solely to an elective four-year President is unsafe due to temptations of wealth or ambition, and he rejects limiting treaties to the Senate alone as well.
the trust, and the operation of treaties as laws, plead strongly for the participation of the whole or a portion of the legislative body in the office of making them. However proper or safe it may be in governments where the executive magistrate is an hereditary monarch, to commit to him the entire power of making treaties, it would be utterly unsafe and improper to intrust that power to an elective magistrate of fo…
Aeneas, fearing his father and son are gone, finds Helen near Vesta’s temple and rages to punish her, then his mother Venus appears, points out gods destroying Troy, and urges him to escape.
He, who the scepter of all Asia sway’d, Whom monarchs like domestic slaves obey’d. On the bleak shore now lies th’ abandon’d king, A headless carcass, and a nameless thing. “Then, not before, I felt my curdled blood Congeal with fear, my hair with horror stood: My father’s image fill’d my pious mind, Lest equal years might equal fortune find. Again I thought on my forsaken wife, And tre…
Turnus responds angrily, defends his battlefield record, insults Drances for cowardly speech, challenges him indirectly via Aeneas’s duel, and then declares that Turnus himself will answer Aeneas hand to hand.
a crew Should share such triumphs, and detain from you The post of honour, your undoubted due. Rather alone your matchless force employ, To merit what alone you must enjoy.” These words, so full of malice mix’d with art, Inflam’d with rage the youthful hero’s heart. Then, groaning from the bottom of his breast, He heav’d for wind, and thus his wrath express’d: “You, Drances, never want a stre…
He concludes that overcoming obstacles strengthens character, says he would rather be a Negro than belong to a favored race without merit, and emphasizes a universal law that merit is eventually recognized.
and unusual struggle through which he is compelled to pass, he gets a strength, a confidence, that one misses whose pathway is comparatively smooth by reason of birth and race. From any point of view, I had rather be what I am, a member of the Negro race, than be able to claim membership with the most favoured of any other race. I have always been made sad when I have heard members of any race claiming rights or pri…
Machiavelli argues that princes gain esteem through great enterprises, bold internal examples, and cultivating an image of greatness, stressing the advantages of taking clear sides over neutrality.
HOW A PRINCE SHOULD CONDUCT HIMSELF SO AS TO GAIN RENOWN Nothing makes a prince so much esteemed as great enterprises and setting a fine example. We have in our time Ferdinand of Aragon, the present King of Spain. He can almost be called a new prince, because he has risen, by fame and glory, from being an insignificant king to be the foremost king in Christendom; and if you will consider his deeds you will find them…
He contrasts rulers who change with the times versus those who remain constant, gives Pope Julius II as an example of impetuous success, and claims fortune favors bold audacity.
follows from what I have said, that two men working differently bring about the same effect, and of two working similarly, one attains his object and the other does not. Changes in estate also issue from this, for if, to one who governs himself with caution and patience, times and affairs converge in such a way that his administration is successful, his fortune is made; but if times and affairs change, he is ruined …
This passage gives the translator’s long table-of-contents for Sallust’s two works, then begins Conspiracy of Catiline with a moral argument for seeking glory through intellect rather than bodily appetite.
and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. SALLUST'S CONSPIRACY OF CATILINE AND THE JUGURTHINE WAR LITERALLY TRANSLATED WITH EXPLANATORY NOTES BY THE REV. JOHN SELBY WATSON, M.A. CONSPIRACY OF CATILINE. THE ARGUMENT. The Introduction, I.-IV. The character of Catiline, V. Virtues of the ancient Romans, VI.-IX. Degeneracy of their posterity, X.-XIII. Catiline's associates and supporters, and the arts by which …
He describes Catiline as noble-born yet vicious, ambitious, eloquent without wisdom, hardened to hunger and hardships, and driven by a desire for government since Sulla’s dictatorship.
subject, places in which the Roman people, with a small body of men, routed vast armies of the enemy; and cities, which, though fortified by nature, they carried by assault. VIII. But, assuredly, Fortune rules in all things. She makes every thing famous or obscure rather from caprice than in conformity with truth. The exploits of the Athenians, as far as I can judge, were very great and glorious,[59] something infer…
An augur at Utica predicts great things to Marius; after this, Marius seeks Metellus’ leave to run for consul, and Metellus warns him with disdain and sarcastic timing about Marius’ son.
At Rome, meanwhile, the senate, having been consulted about the provinces, had decreed Numidia to Metellus. LXIII. About the same time, as Caius Marius, who happened to be at Utica, was sacrificing to the gods[183], an augur told him that great and wonderful things were presaged to him; that he might therefore pursue whatever designs he had formed, trusting to the gods for success; and that he might try fortune as o…
Marius, stung by Metellus’s taunt about his candidacy with his son, uses flattery and relaxed discipline to boost his popularity among merchants at Utica, claiming Metellus deliberately prolongs the war.
be soon enough if he became a candidate with his own son."[187] Metellus's son was then on service in the camp with his father[188], and was about twenty years old. This taunt served only to rouse the feelings of Marius, as well for the honor at which he aimed, as against Metellus. He suffered himself to be actuated, therefore, by ambition and resentment, the worst of counselors. He omitted nothing henceforward, eit…
The narrative concludes with a moral summary: Spaniards sailed to America for avarice and ambition to dominate and expel Castilian kings rather than for God, salvation, or lawful service.
and openly, others clancularly and secretly, so naturally addicted to Rob, Thieve and Steal; and thus under pretext of serving the King, they dishonour God, and defraud his Imperial Majesty. Here the Author having finished the matter of Fact in this Compendious History, for Confirmation of what he has here written, quotes a tedious and imperfect Epistle (as he styles it) beginning and ending anonymous withal, contai…
Plutarch argues Theseus’s repeated abductions of women lack excuses and often involve lust, while Romulus’s taking of women is portrayed as politically necessary and eventually stabilized by long-lasting Roman marriage fidelity.
running hastily to the Acropolis to see what news, slipped and fell down, as if he had no servants, or none would attend him on his way to the shore. And, indeed, the faults committed in the rapes of women admit of no plausible excuse in Theseus. First, because of the often repetition of the crime; for he stole Ariadne, Antiope, Anaxo the Troezenian, at last Helen, when he was an old man, and she not marriageable; …
Plutarch portrays Themistocles as impulsive but ambitious, claims he studied political “wisdom” connected to Solon, and narrates his rivalry with Aristides from youth to early political rise.
practical part of it into a mere art of speaking and an exercise of words, were generally called sophists. Themistocles resorted to Mnesiphilus when he had already embarked in politics. In the first essays of his youth he was not regular nor happily balanced; he allowed himself to follow mere natural character, which, without the control of reason and instruction, is apt to hurry, upon either side, into sudden and v…
Plutarch begins the Alcibiades biography, detailing Alcibiades’ lineage, guardianship, beauty, and early traits of ambition, including anecdotes about wrestling, dice, and refusing to learn the flute.
"Of all fair things the autumn, too, is fair," is by no means universally true. But it happened so with Alcibiades, amongst few others, by reason of his happy constitution and natural vigor of body. It is said that his lisping, when he spoke, became him well, and gave a grace and persuasiveness to his rapid speech. Aristophanes takes notice of it in the verses in which he jests at Theorus; "How like a colax he is,…
Plutarch explains why early fame can dull ambition, saying Marcius instead grows more driven by honor, repeatedly wins laurels, and prioritizes his mother Volumnia’s joy, living with her even after marriage.
news of the victory to the people in the Forum. The fifteenth of July, being the day of this conquest, became consequently a solemn holiday sacred to the Twin Brothers. It may be observed in general, that when young men arrive early at fame and repute, if they are of a nature but slightly touched with emulation, this early attainment is apt to extinguish their thirst and satiate their small appetite; whereas the fir…
In comparing Alcibiades and Coriolanus, Plutarch weighs their generalship and political character, arguing that seeking power by servility is disgraceful, but ruling by terror and oppression is not just disgraceful but unjust.
flattering, insults. To seek power by servility to the people is a disgrace, but to maintain it by terror, violence, and oppression, is not a disgrace only, but an injustice. Marcius, according to our common conceptions of his character, was undoubtedly simple and straightforward; Alcibiades, unscrupulous as a public man, and false. He is more especially blamed for the dishonorable and treacherous way in which, as …
Plutarch begins the life of Marcellus, describing Marcus Claudius Marcellus as a martial Roman and war leader, detailing his character, his quarrel with Capitolinus over his son’s assault, and his honors.
From their first youth unto their utmost age Appointed the laborious wars to wage, certainly they were the chief Romans of that time; who in their youth had war with the Carthaginians in Sicily, in their middle age with the Gauls in the defense of Italy itself; and, at last, when now grown old, struggled again with Hannibal and the Carthaginians, and wanted in their latest years what is granted to most men, exemptio…
Marcellus escapes unhurt and mocks Archimedes’ “geometrical Briareus”; Archimedes is praised for refusing engineering as profit, focusing on pure mathematical truth, and for reputedly drawing figures even while distracted.
most of his engines immediately under the wall; whence the Romans, seeing that infinite mischiefs overwhelmed them from no visible means, began to think they were fighting with the gods. Yet Marcellus escaped unhurt, and, deriding his own artificers and engineers, "What," said he, "must we give up fighting with this geometrical Briareus, who plays pitch and toss with our ships, and, with the multitude of darts which…
Plutarch describes Pyrrhus’s military philosophy and customs—valuing tactics over music—his kindness and remarriages, the upbringing of his sons for war, and an ambition-driven curse-like remark.
of their king, and admiring his courage, forced through and cut in pieces the phalanx of the Macedonians, and pursuing those that fled, killed many, and took five thousand prisoners. This fight did not so much exasperate the Macedonians with anger for their loss, or with hatred to Pyrrhus, as it caused esteem, and admiration of his valor, and great discourse of him among those that saw what he did, and were engaged …
Cineas reasons with Pyrrhus that conquering the Romans will lead to controlling all Italy, then Sicily and beyond, ending in a life of ease; Pyrrhus is troubled by the happiness he will lose.
-- the force of words Can do whate'er is done by conquering swords. And Pyrrhus was used to say, that Cineas had taken more towns with his words, than he with his arms, and always did him the honor to employ him in his most important occasions. This person, seeing Pyrrhus eagerly preparing for Italy, led him one day when he was at leisure into the following reasonings: "The Romans, sir, are reported to be great wa…
Plutarch reflects on Marius’s death: sources say his ambition or delirium caused his decline, and he died on the seventeenth day of his seventh consulship; Rome’s hopes shift to his son’s savagery, ending with Marius’s son’s suicide at Praeneste.
become a prudent man to trust himself any longer with fortune; and, thereupon, taking leave of those that were with him, he kept his bed seven days, and then died. Some say his ambition betrayed itself openly in his sickness. and that he ran into an extravagant frenzy, fancying himself to be general in the war against Mithridates, throwing himself into such postures and motions of his body as he had formerly used w…
Lysander commemorates his victory with Delphi dedications and honors, becomes mythologized in songs and decrees, and Plutarch notes the pride and ambition that grew from extraordinary power and flattery.
set up to be striven after, as a high and noble object. On this point, however, we have given our censure of the Lacedaemonians in one of our other writings. Lysander erected out of the spoils brazen statues at Delphi of himself, and of every one of the masters of the ships, as also figures of the golden stars of Castor and Pollux, which vanished before the battle at Leuctra. In the treasury of Brasidas and the Aca…
Plutarch argues Lysander’s ambition produces contempt and excessive cruelty, citing massacres like the killing of Milesian popular leaders and the proverb-like saying that Greece could not bear two Lysanders.
games, told him as a piece of flattery, that if he were successful again, he would proclaim himself in the name of Lysander, "that is," he answered, "as his slave?" This ambitious temper was indeed only burdensome to the highest personages and to his equals, but through having so many people devoted to serve him, an extreme haughtiness and contemptuousness grew up, together with ambition, in his character. He obser…
In further comparison, Plutarch discusses how Nicias’s peace-seeking and cautious leadership contrast with Crassus’s ambitions and misjudgment in the Parthian war, using examples from Athens, Sparta, and Roman politics.
one might wonder at anyone's failing to see that vice is a certain inconsistency and incongruity of habit, after such an example of money dishonorably obtained, and wastefully lavished away. Let so much be said of their estates; as for their management of public affairs, I see not that any dishonesty, injustice, or arbitrary action can be objected to Nicias, who was rather the victim of Alcibiades's tricks, and was …
On the battlefield of Pharsalia, Caesar and Pompey’s forces clash amid reflections on private ambition destroying unity, and the centurion Crassianus leads the first charge and is slain.
with impulse and inspiration, the very shouts and rapid pace adding to their fury; of which Pompey deprived his men, arresting them in their course and cooling down their heat. Caesar's army consisted of twenty-two thousand, and Pompey's of somewhat above twice as many. When the signal of battle was given on both sides, and the trumpets began to sound a charge, most men of course were fully occupied with their own …
The passage describes Alexander’s character—his early ambition for glory, restrained pleasures, athletic preferences, education under Leonidas and Lysimachus, and his early conversations with Persian ambassadors.
rhapsodists also, strove to outvie one another; and delighted in all manner of hunting and cudgel-playing, but never gave any encouragement to contests either of boxing or of the pancratium. While he was yet very young, he entertained the ambassadors from the king of Persia, in the absence of his father, and entering much into conversation with them, gained so much upon them by his affability, and the questions he a…
Alexander wagers he can tame Philip’s would-be purchase Bucephalas, then mounts it by turning it toward the sun and riding it successfully; Philip praises him, prompting Alexander’s early training under persuasion, not force.
specially to recommend him, but his lucky fancy of calling himself Phoenix, Alexander Achilles, and Philip Peleus, was therefore well enough esteemed, and ranked in the next degree after Leonidas. Philonicus the Thessalian brought the horse Bucephalas to Philip, offering to sell him for thirteen talents; but when they went into the field to try him, they found him so very vicious and unmanageable, that he reared up …
Caesar studies rhetoric at Rhodes, returns to Rome, accuses Dolabella, prosecutes corrupt practices in Greece with help from Greeks, and gains influence through affable manners while Cicero suspects his ambition.
the pirates to be brought forth and crucified; the punishment he had often threatened them with whilst he was in their hands, and they little dreamed he was in earnest. In the meantime Sylla's power being now on the decline, Caesar's friends advised him to return to Rome, but he went to Rhodes, and entered himself in the school of Apollonius, Molon's son, a famous rhetorician, one who had the reputation of a worthy …
Cato shows defiance as a child against Roman petitions for citizenship, later refuses leadership of games under Sextus, discusses Sulla’s terror in watching prisoners, and refuses to value love beyond his brother.
on, presently ran to the door, and thrusting away those who stood there as guard, took out the child, and went home in anger, followed by some of his companions. Cato at length grew so famous among them, that when Sylla designed to exhibit the sacred game of young men riding courses on horseback, which they called Troy, having gotten together the youth of good birth, he appointed two for their leaders. One of them …
Plutarch shifts to moral reflection, using the myth of Ixion and the idea of glory to explain how political ambition produces unnatural actions and makes leaders slaves to popular whims.
We follow these, though born their rightful lords, And they command us, though they speak no words. For this is indeed the true condition of men in public life, who, to gain the vain title of being the people's leaders and governors, are content to make themselves the slaves and followers of all the people's humors and caprices. For as the look-out men at the ship's prow, though they see what is ahead before the me…
Plutarch argues that fear of disgrace drives public figures like the Gracchi into ruin, then introduces a comparison with Spartan reformers Agis and Cleomenes.
benefits, brought things at last to such a pass, that they might say that to engage so far was indeed a folly, but to retreat would now be a shame. This the reader will easily gather from the story. I will now compare with them two Lacedaemonian popular leaders, the kings Agis and Cleomenes. For they, being desirous also to raise the people, and to restore the noble and just form of government, now long fallen int…
Plutarch argues that Tiberius and Caius were driven by glory and honors and that faction and rich-power pushed them into rash quarrels; he concludes Tiberius excelled in virtue, Agis made fewer mistakes, and Caius was less bold than Cleomenes.
who is worthy to be compared with Lycurgus, and it is clear enough that in the public measures of Cleomenes various acts of considerable audacity and lawlessness may be found. Those, therefore, who incline to blame their characters, may observe, that the two Grecians were disturbers even from their youth, lovers of contest, and aspirants to despotic power; that Tiberius and Caius by nature had an excessive desire af…
Plutarch weighs claims about Demosthenes’s boldness: despite ridicule and doubts, sources credit him with confidence, inspired delivery, and effectiveness, contrasting him with Demades and others’ natural gifts.
when he was at a loss, and discomposed, Demades would often rise up on the sudden to support him, but he was never observed to do the same for Demades. Whence then, may some say, was it, that Aeschines speaks of him as a person so much to be wondered at for his boldness in speaking? Or, how could it be, when Python, the Byzantine, "with so much confidence and such a torrent of words inveighed against" the Athenians…
Plutarch portrays Antony’s appearance, supposed descent from Hercules, his raillery and drinking that endear him to soldiers, and his generosity, illustrated by doubling money a steward tried to short.
consequence was that he left behind him a great name among the Alexandrians, and all who were serving in the Roman army looked upon him as a most gallant soldier. He had also a very good and noble appearance; his beard was well grown, his forehead large, and his nose aquiline, giving him altogether a bold, masculine look, that reminded people of the faces of Hercules in paintings and sculptures. It was, moreover, a…
Galba fears rejection and lack of an heir, considers adoption, and is courted by Otho, whose luxurious past and marriage to Poppaea are described; Otho attaches himself to Galba’s journey, winning Vinius’s support and undermining him with gifts.
As to Poppaea, he was beforehand with Nero, and first seducing her himself, then, with the hope of Nero's favor, he prevailed with her to part with her husband, and brought her to his own house as his wife, and was not content afterwards to have a share in her, but grudged to have Nero for a claimant, Poppaea herself, they say, being rather pleased than otherwise with this jealousy; she sometimes excluded Nero, even …
He explains that early commonwealths often became monarchies because fatherly rule and war leadership were familiar and useful, but later abuses from ambition and luxury made people seek restraints.
person, was not any regard, or respect to paternal authority; since all petty monarchies, that is, almost all monarchies, near their original, have been commonly, at least upon occasion, elective. Sect. 107. First then, in the beginning of things, the father’s government of the childhood of those sprung from him, having accustomed them to the rule of one man, and taught them that where it was exercised with care and…
Medb and Fergus discuss Cuchulainn’s unmatched ferocity and prowess, then Fergus recounts his youth at Emain Macha—especially his boyish feats against the three fifties of boys and Conchobar’s eventual acceptance of his protection.
'Is it he who is hardest to deal with among the Ulstermen?' said Medb. 'Over every one of them,' said Fergus. 'You will not find before you a warrior who is harder to deal with, nor a point that is sharper or keener or swifter, nor a hero who is fiercer, nor a raven that is more flesh-loving, nor a match of his age that can equal him as far as a third; nor a lion that is fiercer, nor a fence(?) of battle, nor a hamm…
A set of poems addresses Don Quixote and other legendary knights, praising “fame,” constancy in love, and noble deeds while lamenting shared foolishness and loving suffering.
SONNET If thou art not a Peer, peer thou hast none; Among a thousand Peers thou art a peer; Nor is there room for one when thou art near, Unvanquished victor, great unconquered one! Orlando, by Angelica undone, Am I; o’er distant seas condemned to steer, And to Fame’s altars as an offering bear Valour respected by Oblivion. I cannot be thy rival, for thy fame And prowess rise above all rivalry, …
Don Quixote persuades the poor farm laborer Sancho Panza to become his esquire with promises of winning an island and governing it, while Don Quixote prepares equipment and they secretly depart at night.
revival of knight-errantry. The curate sometimes contradicted him, sometimes agreed with him, for if he had not observed this precaution he would have been unable to bring him to reason. Meanwhile Don Quixote worked upon a farm labourer, a neighbour of his, an honest man (if indeed that title can be given to him who is poor), but with very little wit in his pate. In a word, he so talked him over, and with such persu…
Don Quixote explains that old-style knights-errant make squires governors, imagining he will win a kingdom in days so Sancho can be crowned king, and Sancho jokes about the poor suitability of his wife, Mari Gutierrez, for queenhood.
master, “Your worship will take care, Señor Knight-errant, not to forget about the island you have promised me, for be it ever so big I’ll be equal to governing it.” To which Don Quixote replied, “Thou must know, friend Sancho Panza, that it was a practice very much in vogue with the knights-errant of old to make their squires governors of the islands or kingdoms they won, and I am determined that there shall be no …
Sancho asks Don Quixote for the promised island governorship after the fight, while Don Quixote reframes it as the crossroads rather than islands and warns of further adventures and possible higher rewards.
OF THE PLEASANT DISCOURSE THAT PASSED BETWEEN DON QUIXOTE AND HIS SQUIRE SANCHO PANZA c10a.jpg (91K) Full Size Now by this time Sancho had risen, rather the worse for the handling of the friars’ muleteers, and stood watching the battle of his master, Don Quixote, and praying to God in his heart that it might be his will to grant him the victory, and that he might thereby win some island to make him governor of, as…
Don Quixote answers that fame must be earned by roaming first, imagining a courtly plot: recognition, romantic entanglement with a princess, a dwarf’s challenge from an ancient sage, and winning a war to become king.
squirely limits, though I make bold to say that, if it be the practice in chivalry to write the achievements of squires, I think mine must not be left out.” “Thou speakest not amiss, Sancho,” answered Don Quixote, “but before that point is reached it is requisite to roam the world, as it were on probation, seeking adventures, in order that, by achieving some, name and fame may be acquired, such that when he betakes …
Don Quixote explains he seeks an achievement to win eternal fame and argues knights should imitate the perfect knight Amadis of Gaul, linking examples from Homer and Virgil to his planned penance.
“On my diligence!” said Sancho. “Yes,” said Don Quixote, “for if thou dost return soon from the place where I mean to send thee, my penance will be soon over, and my glory will soon begin. But as it is not right to keep thee any longer in suspense, waiting to see what comes of my words, I would have thee know, Sancho, that the famous Amadis of Gaul was one of the most perfect knights-errant—I am wrong to say he was …
Sancho urges Don Quixote to marry quickly for practical profit, while they bargain about becoming king after killing a giant, and Don Quixote explains chivalric service to Dulcinea should be publicly honored yet privately imagined.
all that I have won, am winning, or shall win by arms in this life, comes to me of the favour she extends to me, and because I am hers.” “Ah! what a sad state your worship’s brains are in!” said Sancho. “Tell me, señor, do you mean to travel all that way for nothing, and to let slip and lose so rich and great a match as this where they give as a portion a kingdom that in sober truth I have heard say is more than twe…
Lothario argues that only enterprises done for God, worldly fortune, or both earn glory, while Anselmo’s intended trial will not bring honor but may bring misery, shame, and inward torment even if secret.
reckless minds, more especially when they are things which we are not forced or compelled to attempt, and which show from afar that it is plainly madness to attempt them. “Difficulties are attempted either for the sake of God or for the sake of the world, or for both; those undertaken for God’s sake are those which the saints undertake when they attempt to live the lives of angels in human bodies; those undertaken f…
Clara interprets the singer’s lyrics as her own lover’s distant, ardent longing, reacting with sickness-like trembling and debating whether she should hear him, while Dorothea encourages her to listen.
WHEREIN IS RELATED THE PLEASANT STORY OF THE MULETEER, TOGETHER WITH OTHER STRANGE THINGS THAT CAME TO PASS IN THE INN c43a.jpg (127K) Full Size Ah me, Love’s mariner am I On Love’s deep ocean sailing; I know not where the haven lies, I dare not hope to gain it. One solitary distant star Is all I have to guide me, A brighter orb than those of old That Palinurus lighted. And vaguely drifting am I borne, I know no…
Don Quixote urges Sancho to read chivalric books as a remedy for melancholy, then boasts he has become virtuous through knighthood and hopes to win a kingdom to reward Sancho, who answers by requesting a county and joking about managing seigniories for profit.
Full Size “But I will not expatiate any further upon this, as it may be gathered from it that whatever part of whatever history of a knight-errant one reads, it will fill the reader, whoever he be, with delight and wonder; and take my advice, sir, and, as I said before, read these books and you will see how they will banish any melancholy you may feel and raise your spirits should they be depressed. For myself I can…