Greek dramatist (525 B.C.-456 B.C.)
We spoil ourselves with scruples long as things go well.
AESCHYLUS
The Oresteia
Necessity is stronger far than art.
AESCHYLUS
Prometheus Bound
Trouble, with its memories of pain, drips in our hearts as we try to sleep, so men against their will learn to practice moderation.
AESCHYLUS
Agamemnon
The polished brass is mirror of the form, wine of the soul.
AESCHYLUS
fragment
But when the dust has drunk the blood of men, no resurrection comes for one who's dead.
AESCHYLUS
The Eumenides
Dreams are free.
AESCHYLUS
The Libation Bearers
O bountiful Night, housekeeper of heaven's embroidery.
AESCHYLUS
Agamemnon
When strength and justice are true yoke-fellows, where can be found a mightier pair than they?
AESCHYLUS
fragment
Would that I might get a mantle like unto the heavens!
AESCHYLUS
Salaminiai
It is the nature of mortals to kick a fallen man.
AESCHYLUS
Agamemnon
No bribes. Nothing that passes under the roof of a temple Or under the roof of the mouth, can appease heaven's anger Or deflect its aim.
AESCHYLUS
The Oresteia
Good fortune is a god among men, and more than a god.
AESCHYLUS
The Libation Bearers
A people's wrath voiced abroad bringeth grave
Danger, no less than public curse pronounced.
AESCHYLUS
Agamemnon
For somehow this is tyranny's disease, to trust no friends.
AESCHYLUS
Prometheus Bound
God planteth in mortal men the cause of sin whensoever he wills utterly to destroy a house.
AESCHYLUS
fragment, Niobe
Hungry wailing standeth not aloof.
AESCHYLUS
fragment, Phineus
Truly upon mortals cometh swift of foot their evil and his offence upon him that trespasseth against Right.
AESCHYLUS
fragment, Bacchae
Truly even he errs that is wiser than the wise.
AESCHYLUS
fragment
A great ox stands on my tongue.
AESCHYLUS
Agamemnon
The holy heaven yearns to wound the earth, and yearning layeth hold on the earth to join in wedlock; the rain, fallen from the amorous heaven, impregnates the earth, and it bringeth forth for mankind the food of flocks and herds and Demeter's gifts; and from that moist marriage-rite the woods put on their bloom.
AESCHYLUS
fragment, Danaides