Sidonius Apollinaris quotes

These are the men whom even they fear who are themselves feared. (Sidonius Apollinaris)
For the man who considers himself the best critic generally studies sound and unsound composition with equal interest, being no more greedy for lofty utterances to praise than for contemptible ones to ridicule. In this way technique, grandeur, and propriety in the use of the Latin language are particularly underrated by the armchair critics, who, with an insensibility which goes hand in hand with scurrility, and wishing to read only what they may criticize, cannot, by their very abuse of literature, be making a proper use of it. View quote
Sidonius Apollinaris
Death may overwhelm them, but not fear; unconquerable they stand their ground, and their courage well-nigh outlives their lives. View quote
Sidonius Apollinaris
Why – even supposing I had the skill – do you bid me compose a song dedicated to Venus the lover of Fescennine mirth, placed as I am among long-haired hordes, having to endure German speech, praising oft with wry face the song of the gluttonous Burgundian who spreads rancid butter on his hair? View quote
Sidonius Apollinaris
How dismal the necessity of birth! how miserable the necessity of living! how hard the necessity of death! View quote
Sidonius Apollinaris
Driven away by barbarian thrumming the Muse has spurned the six-footed exercise ever since she beheld these patrons seven feet high. View quote
Sidonius Apollinaris