Ancient

Famous quotes containing the word ancient:

    At length they all to merry London came,
    To merry London, my most kindly nurse,
    That to me gave this life’s first native source;
    Though from another place I take my name,
    An house of ancient fame.
    Edmund Spenser (1552?–1599)

    In ancient times—’twas no great loss—
    They hung the thief upon the cross:
    But now, alas!—I say’t with grief—
    They hang the cross upon the thief.
    —Anonymous. “On a Nomination to the Legion of Honour,” from Aubrey Stewart’s English Epigrams and Epitaphs (1897)

    Universal empire is the prerogative of a writer. His concerns are with all mankind, and though he cannot command their obedience, he can assign them their duty. The Republic of Letters is more ancient than monarchy, and of far higher character in the world than the vassal court of Britain.
    Thomas Paine (1737–1809)