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.

All those things that are now field to be of the greatest antiquity were at one time new; what we to-day hold up by example will rank hereafter as precedent.

Every recreant who proved his timidity in the hour of danger, was afterwards boldest in words and tongue.

The repose of nations cannot be secure without arms, armies cannot be maintained without pay, nor can the pay be produced without taxes

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

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

Posterity will pay everyone their due.