Quotes from work
The Death of Pompey

The Death of Pompey

The Death of Pompey is a tragedy by the French playwright Pierre Corneille on the death of Pompey the Great. It was first performed in 1642, with Julius Caesar played by Molière. Like many of Corneille's plays, it is noted for the high tones of its heroine, Cornelia, who admits that her enemy is noble and generous but warns him when he releases her that she will continue to seek his death.


Pierre Corneille photo

“One is often guilty by being too just.”

À force d'être juste on est souvent coupable.
Photin, act I, scene i.
La Mort de Pompée (The Death of Pompey) (1642)

Pierre Corneille photo

“As our self-interests differ, so do our feelings.”

Comme nos intérêts, nos sentiments diffèrent.
Cornélie, act V, scene ii.
La Mort de Pompée (The Death of Pompey) (1642)

Pierre Corneille photo

“It is an imprudence common to kings
To listen to too much advice and to err in their choice.”

C'est une imprudence assez commune aux rois
D'écouter trop d'avis et se tromper au choix.
Ptolomée, act IV, scene i.
La Mort de Pompée (The Death of Pompey) (1642)

Pierre Corneille photo

“Death was to be my glory, but destiny has refused it.”

Ma mort était ma gloire, et le destin m'en prive.
Cornélie, act III, scene iv.
La Mort de Pompée (The Death of Pompey) (1642)

Pierre Corneille photo

“He who punishes the vanquished fears not the victor.”

Qui punit le vaincu ne craint point le vainqueur.
Photin, act I, scene i.
La Mort de Pompée (The Death of Pompey) (1642)

Pierre Corneille photo

“Be it only for a day, it is still a glory without equal
To be master of the world just that day.”

Ne durât-il qu'un jour, ma gloire est sans seconde
D'être du moins un jour la maîtresse du monde.
Cléopâtre, act II, scene i.
La Mort de Pompée (The Death of Pompey) (1642)

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