The brave and bold persist even against fortune; the timid and cowardly rush to despair though fear alone.
TacitusIn seasons of tumult and discord bad men have most power; mental and moral excellence require peace and quietness.
TacitusAugustus gradually increased his powers, taking over those of the senate, the executives and the laws. The aristocracy received wealth and position in proportion to their willingness to accept slavery. The state had been transformed, and the old Roman character gone for ever. Equality among citizens was completely abandoned. All now waited on the imperial command.
Tacitus