Livy
Known as Livy in English, wrote a monumental history of Rome, Ab Urbe Condita, from its founding (traditionally dated to 753 BC) through the reign of Augustus.
The state is suffering from two opposite vices, avarice and luxury; two plagues which, in the past, have been the ruin of every great empire.
Potius sero quam numquam.
Fame opportunely despised often comes back redoubled.
Under the influence of fear, which always leads men to take a pessimistic view of things, they magnified their enemies’ resources, and minimized their own.
Many things complicated by nature are restored by reason.
No law can possibly meet the convenience of every one: we must be satisfied if it be beneficial on the whole and to the majority.
He would not anticipate those counsels which are rather bestowed by circumstances on men, than by men on circumstances.
Good fortune and a good disposition are rarely given to the same man.
The sun has not yet set for all time.
They are more than men at the outset of their battles; at the end they are less than the women.
No one wants to be excelled by his relatives.
Shared danger is the strongest of bonds; it will keep men united in spite of mutual dislike and suspicion.
We can endure neither our vices nor the remedies for them.
Law is a thing which is insensible, and inexorable, more beneficial and more profitious to the weak than to the strong; it admits of no mitigation nor pardon, once you have overstepped its limits.
It is when fortune is the most propitious that she is least to be trusted.
You know how to vanquish, Hannibal, but you do not know how to profit from victory.
Envy like fire always makes for the highest points.
A fraudulent intent, however carefully concealed at the outset, will generally, in the end, betray itself.
For he considered that, in many cases, but especially in war, mere appearances have had all the effect of realities; and that a person, under a firm persuasion that he can command resources, virtually has them; that very prospect inspiring him with hope and boldness in his exertions.
Temerity is not always successful.