Already long ago, from when we sold our vote to no man, the People have abdicated our duties; for the People who once upon a time handed out military command, high civil office, legions — everything, now restrains itself and anxiously hopes for just two things: bread and circuses.

Give them bread and circuses and they will never revolt

Dare to do things worthy of imprisonment if you mean to be of consequence.

When talent fails, indignation writes the verse.

Few tyrants go down to the infernal regions by a natural death.

Who is to guard the guards themselves?

Honesty's praised, then left to freeze.