
“Thus all below is strength, and all above is grace.”
Epistle to Congreve (1693), line 19.
De pareils serviteurs sont les forces des rois,
Et de pareils aussi sont au-dessus des lois.
Tulle, act V, scene iii
King Tullus forgives the hero, Horace, who has saved the state but killed his sister.
Horace (1639)
De pareils serviteurs sont les forces des rois, Et de pareils aussi sont au-dessus des lois.
Horace (1639)
“Thus all below is strength, and all above is grace.”
Epistle to Congreve (1693), line 19.
“He that to nought aspires, doth nothing need;
Who breaks no law is subject to no king.”
The Revenge of Bussy D'Ambois (1613), Act IV, scene i.
“Attempt nothing above thy strength!”
The Sayings of the Wise (1555)
1963, Remarks Prepared for Delivery at the Trade Mart in Dallas
Context: I want to discuss with you today the status of our strength and our security because this question clearly calls for the most responsible qualities of leadership and the most enlightened products of scholarship. For this Nation's strength and security are not easily or cheaply obtained, nor are they quickly and simply explained. There are many kinds of strength and no one kind will suffice. Overwhelming nuclear strength cannot stop a guerrilla war. Formal pacts of alliance cannot stop internal subversion. Displays of material wealth cannot stop the disillusionment of diplomats subjected to discrimination. Above all, words alone are not enough. The United States is a peaceful nation. And where our strength and determination are clear, our words need merely to convey conviction, not belligerence. If we are strong, our strength will speak for itself. If we are weak, words will be of no help.
“I am king of the Romans and above grammar.”
Original Latin: Ego sum rex Romanus et super grammaticam Carlyle, Thomas (1858). History of Friedrich II of Prussia, Called Frederick the Great (Volume II) http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext00/02frd10.txt. Gutenberg.org.