Greek dramatist (525 B.C.-456 B.C.)
The so-called mother of the child isn't the child's begetter, but only a sort of nursing soil for the new-sown seed. The man, the one on top, is the true parent, while she, a stranger, foster's a stranger's sprout.
AESCHYLUS
Eumenides
This is the law: blood spilt upon the ground cries out for more.
AESCHYLUS
The Libation Bearers
It is not the oath that makes us believe the man, but the man the oath.
AESCHYLUS
fragment
Fear ye not
The wrath of any man, nor hide your word
Within your breast: the day of death and doom
Awaits alike the freeman and the slave.
AESCHYLUS
The Libation Bearers
Rumors have wings.
AESCHYLUS
Agamemnon
For somehow this is tyranny's disease, to trust no friends.
AESCHYLUS
Prometheus Bound
A great ox stands on my tongue.
AESCHYLUS
Agamemnon
God planteth in mortal men the cause of sin whensoever he wills utterly to destroy a house.
AESCHYLUS
fragment, Niobe
We spoil ourselves with scruples long as things go well.
AESCHYLUS
The Oresteia
Dreams are free.
AESCHYLUS
The Libation Bearers
When strength and justice are true yoke-fellows, where can be found a mightier pair than they?
AESCHYLUS
fragment
Good fortune is a god among men, and more than a god.
AESCHYLUS
The Libation Bearers
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
The polished brass is mirror of the form, wine of the soul.
AESCHYLUS
fragment
O bountiful Night, housekeeper of heaven's embroidery.
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
Hungry wailing standeth not aloof.
AESCHYLUS
fragment, Phineus
Truly even he errs that is wiser than the wise.
AESCHYLUS
fragment
A people's wrath voiced abroad bringeth grave
Danger, no less than public curse pronounced.
AESCHYLUS
Agamemnon
It is the nature of mortals to kick a fallen man.
AESCHYLUS
Agamemnon