Quotes about lucan
Gods And Rabble Rousers
The victories that seem to please the gods
have problems when they seem to come to odds
with moral standards of a higher level
than that espoused by gods who give the devil
his due in certain battles. Victrix causa’s
to gods more pleasing than to rabble rousers.
In Lucan’s epic poem Pharsalia, describing the defeat of Pompey by Caesar at Pharsalus, and inspiring, it seems to me, the libretto for Handel’s Giulio Cesare, Pompey becomes a kind of secular martyr; calm in the face of certain death upon arrival in Egypt, receiving virtual canonization from Lucan at the start of book IX. This elevation of Stoic and Republican principles is in sharp contrast to the ambitious and imperial Caesar, who becomes an even greater monster after the decisive battle. Even though Caesar wins in the end, Lucan makes his sentiments known in the famous line Victrix causa deis placuit sed Victa Catoni - 'The victor's cause pleased the gods, but the vanquished pleased Cato.' This line has been a favorite for supporters of lost causes over the centuries. One American example comes from the Confederate Memorial at Arlington National Cemetry, which has these words inscribed on its base.
2/4/09
poem by Gershon Hepner
Added by Poetry Lover
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Tom May's Death
As one put drunk into the Packet-boat,
Tom May was hurry'd hence and did not know't.
But was amaz'd on the Elysian side,
And with an Eye uncertain, gazing wide,
Could not determine in what place he was,
For whence in Stevens ally Trees or Grass.
Nor where the Popes head, nor the Mitre lay,
Signs by which still he found and lost his way.
At last while doubtfully he all compares,
He saw near hand, as he imagin'd Ares.
Such did he seem for corpulence and port,
But 'twas a man much of another sort;
'Twas Ben that in the dusky Laurel shade
Amongst the Chorus of old Poets laid,
Sounding of ancient Heroes, such as were
The Subjects Safety, and the Rebel's Fear.
But how a double headed Vulture Eats,
Brutus and Cassius the Peoples cheats.
But seeing May he varied streight his song,
Gently to signifie that he was wrong.
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poem by Andrew Marvell
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Might was the measure of right.
quote by Marcus Annaeus Lucan
Added by Lucian Velea
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A crime which is the crime of many none avenge.
A show of daring oft conceals great fear.
Deep-seated are the wounds dealt in civil brawls.
There stands the shadow of a glorious name.
Deep-seated are the wounds of civil brawls.
quote by Marcus Annaeus Lucan
Added by Lucian Velea
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If the victor had the gods on his side, the vanquished had Cato.
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