Thus have the gods spun the thread for wretched mortals: that they live in grief while they themselves are without cares; for two jars stand on the floor of Zeus of the gifts which he gives, one of evils and another of blessings.

The fates have given mankind a patient soul.

It is entirely seemly for a young man killed in battle to lie mangled by the bronze spear. In his death all things appear fair. But when dogs shame the gray head and gray chin and nakedness of an old man killed, it is the most piteous thing that happens

Miserable mortals who, like leaves, at one moment flame with life, eating the produce of the land, and at another moment weakly perish.

I too shall lie in the dust when I am dead, but now let me win noble renown.

Once harm has been done, even a fool understands it.

There is a strength in the union even of very sorry men.

The outcome of the war is in our hands; the outcome of words is in the council.