Tacitus

The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.

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

Great empires are not maintained by timidity.

Things are not to be judged good or bad merely because the public think so.

So obscure are the greatest events, as some take for granted any hearsay, whatever its source, others turn truth into falsehood, and both errors find encouragement with posterity.

The brave and bold persist even against fortune; the timid and cowardly rush to despair though fear alone.

If you would know who controls you see who you may not criticise.

Old things are always in good repute, present things in disfavor.

Reason and calm judgment, the qualities specially belonging to a leader.

Then there is the usual scene when lovers are excited with each other, quarrels, entreaties, reproaches, and then fondling reconcilement.

If we must fall, we should boldly meet our fate.

Corruptissima re publica plurimae leges.

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

In all things there is a law of cycles.

Greater things are believed of those who are absent.

The love of fame is the last weakness which even the wise resign.

The persecution of genius fosters its influence.

All bodies are slow in growth but rapid in decay.

Posterity will pay everyone their due.

In a state where corruption abounds, laws must be very numerous.

Remedies are more tardy in their operation than diseases.