The Annals of Tacitus - Book 1
Tiberius: Answer
Tiberius was 2nd Emperor of Ancient Rome, member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Explore interesting quotes on answer.The Annals of Tacitus - Book 1
“To the governors who recommended burdensome taxes for his provinces, he [Tiberius] wrote in answer that it was the part of a good shepherd to shear his flock, not skin it.”
Praesidibus onerandas tributo provincias suadentibus rescripsit boni pastoris esse tondere pecus non deglubere.
From Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars, III. Tiberius, Ch. 32; translation by J. C. Rolfe
Latter component of the quotation often paraphrased as Boni pastoris est tondere pecus non deglubere.
Indirect quotations