In private enterprises men may advance or recede, whereas they who aim at empire have no alternative between the highest success and utter downfall.

Indeed, the crowning proof of their valour and their strength is that they keep up their superiority without harm to others.

Augustus 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.

Posterity will pay everyone their due.

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.

In valor there is hope.

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