Thomas Babington Macaulay published Lays of Ancient Rome in 1842 as a collection of narrative poems.
Four poems in the collection recount heroic episodes from early Roman history, as well as two poems inspired by modern history.
Let’s jump straight into the top quotes from the Lays of Ancient Rome book.
Table of Contents
Lays of Ancient Rome Quotes
“To every man upon this earth Death cometh soon or late. And how can man die better Than facing fearful odds, For the ashes of his fathers, And the temples of his gods.” ~ Thomas Babington Macaulay (quote from Lays of Ancient Rome).
“No sound of joy or sorrow Was heard from either bank; But friends and foes in dumb surprise, With parted lips and straining eyes, Stood gazing where he sank; And when above the surges, They saw his crest appear, All Rome sent forth a rapturous cry, And even the ranks of Tuscany Could scarce forbear to cheer.” ~ Thomas Babington Macaulay (quote from Lays of Ancient Rome).
“Lars Porsena of Closium By the Nine Gods he swore That the great house of Tarquin Should suffer wrong no more. By the Nine Gods he swore it, And named a trysting day, And bade his messengers ride forth, East and west and south and north, To summon his array.” ~ Thomas Babington Macaulay (quote from Lays of Ancient Rome).
“Was none who would be foremost To lead such dire attack; But those behind cried, “Forward!” And those before cried, “Back!”” ~ Thomas Babington Macaulay (quote from Lays of Ancient Rome).
Other Books Quotes: The Woman Warrior Quotes by Maxine Hong Kingston and A Brave and Startling Truth Quotes by Maya Angelou
Quotes from Lays of Ancient Rome
“Then out spake brave Horatius, The Captain of the Gate: To every man upon this earth Death cometh soon or late. And how can man die better Than facing fearful odds, For the ashes of his fathers, And the temples of his gods.” ~ Thomas Babington Macaulay (quote from Lays of Ancient Rome).
“Then none was for a party, Then all were for the state; Then the rich man helped the poor, And the poor man loved the great; Then lands were fairly portioned, Then spoils were fairly sold; The Romans were like brothers In the brave days of old.” ~ Thomas Babington Macaulay (quote from Lays of Ancient Rome).
“Oh, Tiber! Father Tiber! To whom the Romans pray, A Roman’s life, a Roman’s arms, Take thou in charge this day!” So he spake, and speaking sheathed The good sword by his side, And with his harness on his back, Plunged headlong in the tide.” ~ Thomas Babington Macaulay (quote from Lays of Ancient Rome).
“With weeping and with laughter Still is the story told, How well Horatius kept the bridge In the brave days of old.” ~ Thomas Babington Macaulay (quote from Lays of Ancient Rome).
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