Lucan

Might was the measure of right.

Deep-seated are the wounds of civil brawls.

Great fear is concealed under daring.

I have a wife, I have sons: all of them hostages given to fate.

The gods conceal from men the happiness of death, that they may endure life.

Among those who share a throne there can be no loyalty; Dominion's ever impatient consort.

Nobody ever chooses the already unfortunate as objects of his loyal friendship.