Augustus

After this time I surpassed all others in authority, but I had no more power than the others who were also my colleagues in office.

Young men, listen to an old man to whom old men listened when he was young.

Only that which is well done is quickly done.

Better a cautious commander, and not a rash one.

If I have played my part well, clap your hands, and dismiss me with applause from the stage.

May it be my privilege to have the happiness of establishing the commonwealth on a firm and secure basis and thus enjoy the reward which I desire, but only if I may be called the author of the best possible government; and bear with me the hope when I die that the foundations which I have laid for its future government, will stand firm and stable.

I found Rome a city of bricks and left it a city of marble.