Greek and Roman
Enemies both Foreign and Domestic
“In fact, if I killed you, there are plenty of nobles and politicians in Rome who would thank me for it” […]
Speech
Greek and Roman
The Pirate as a Forlorn Lover
“The dashing youth need not have wasted so many words, for the Messinese who were with him, being avid for plunder, already had visions of themselves performing the deed to which Gerbino was inciting them with his oratory. So that when he reached the end of his speech, they filled the air with a thunderous roar of approval, trumpets were sounded, and they all took up their weapons.” […]
Humor
The Knight Who Wouldn’t Shut Up
“My helmet is all gilded. My armour is also laid with gold. There have never been more hold and precious stones on a shield than there are on mine.” […]
Britons and Celts
A Spurned Ultimatum
“Think not, O Caesar, that thou canst entice us, like children, by the blandishments of cajolery like this – that thou canst succeed in leading us astray, leaving the pleasant and noble road of freedom, our birthright, a road wherein our fathers were ever wont to walk straight forwards.” […]
Britons and Celts
Shakespeare’s Dramatic Youth
“When he was a boy he exercised his father’s trade, but when he killed a calf he would do it in a high style, and make a speech.” […]
Human Affairs
How to Talk to a King
“And if the king should happen to speak a few words to you which you did not catch, and you have to ask what he said, do not say “Eh?” or “What?” or make a fuss about it, but use only the word “Sire.” […]