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.

It is a characteristic of the human mind to hate the man one has injured.

The lust for power, for dominating others, inflames the heart more than any other passion.

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

Valor is of no service, chance rules all, and the bravest often fall by the hands of cowards.

More faults are often committed while we are trying to oblige than while we are giving offense.

No hatred is so bitter as that of near relations.