As far as the earth is from the stars, and fire from the sea, so is the useful from the right. Power over men perishes completely if justice begins to be observed, and respect for individual rights overcomes strongholds.
LucanThe abode of God, too, is wherever is earth and sea and air, and sky and virtue. Why further do we seek the Gods of heaven? Whatever thou dost behold and whatever thou dost touch, that is Jupiter.
LucanThus each person by his fears gives wings to rumor, and, without any real source of apprehension, men fear what they themselves have imagined.
LucanAs great edifices collapse of their own weight, so Heaven sets a similar limit to the growth of prosperous states.
LucanLet him leave the imperial court, who wishes to be virtuous. Virtue and absolute power cannot coexist.
Lucan