Following Emporer Nero's command, "Let the Christians be exterminated!:" . . . they [the Christians] were made the subjects of sport; they were covered with the hides of wild beasts and worried to death by dogs, or nailed to crosses or set fire to, and when the day waned, burned to serve for the evening lights.

The unknown always passes for the marvellous.

Bottling up his malice to be suppressed and brought out with increased violence.

Men are more ready to repay an injury than a benefit, because gratitude is a burden and revenge a pleasure

Whatever is unknown is magnified.

The hatred of those who are near to us is most violent.

By punishing men of talent we confirm their authority.