The dowry, not the wife, is the object of attraction.
Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another.
Now we suffer the evils of a long peace; luxury more cruel than war broods over us and avenges a conquered world.
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.
Such men as fortune raises from a mean estate to the highest elevation by way of a joke.
Give up all hope of peace so long as your mother-in-law is alive.