Euripides
Greek playwright.
In this world second thoughts, it seems, are best.
Along with success comes a reputation for wisdom.
For whenever the anger of divine spirits harms someone,
it first does this: it steals away his mind
and good sense, and turns his thought to foolishness,
so that he should know nothing of his mistakes.
Oh, if I had Orpheus' voice and poetry
with which to move the Dark Maid and her Lord,
I'd call you back, dear love, from the world below.
I'd go down there for you. Charon or the grim
King's dog could not prevent me then
from carrying you up into the fields of light.
Those whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad.
I begin by taking. I shall find scholars later to demonstrate my perfect right.
The company of just and righteous men is better than wealth and a rich estate.
Cowards do not count in battle; they are there, but not in it.
Time will explain it all. He is a talker, and needs no questioning before he speaks.
Love is all we have, the only way that each can help the other.
A coward turns away, but a brave man's choice is danger.
Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad.
When one with honeyed words but evil mind
Persuades the mob, great woes befall the state.
There is nothing more hostile to a city that a tyrant, under whom in the first and chiefest place, there are not laws in common, but one man, keeping the law himself to himself, has the sway, and this is no longer equal.
Cleverness is not wisdom. And not to think mortal thoughts is to see few days.
Chance fights ever on the side of the prudent.
Those whom God wishes to destroy, he first makes mad.
Light be the earth upon you, lightly rest.
My tongue swore, but my mind was still unpledged.
Nor do the gods appear in warrior's armour clad
To strike them down with sword and spear
Those whom they would destroy
They first make mad.