Titus complained of the tax which Vespasian had imposed on the contents of the city urinals. Vespasian handed him a coin which had been part of the first day's proceeds: "Does it smell bad?" he asked. And when Titus said "No" he went on: "Yet it comes from urine." (Suetonius)

Titus complained of the tax which Vespasian had imposed on the contents of the city urinals. Vespasian handed him a coin which had been part of the first day's proceeds: "Does it smell bad?" he asked. And when Titus said "No" he went on: "Yet it comes from urine."

Related topics

bad city coin comes contents went proceeds say smell tax urine yet vespasian

Related quotes

After our death, when we come face to face with Christ, we will understand the why and how of our lives and we will be told everything we went through in this world. Then, with all the power of our existence, we will say to Him, "Thank you, my God, for allowing these for me!"

Paisios of Mount Athos

I got a letter from the IRS. Apparently I owe them 800. So I sent them a letter back. I said, If you'll remember, I fastened my return with a paper clip, which according to your very own latest government pentagon spending figures will more than make up for the difference.

Emo Philips

Only one marriage I regret. I remember after I got that marriage license I went across from the license bureau to a bar for a drink. The bartender said, ''What will you have, sir'' And I said, ''A glass of hemlock.''

Ernest Hemingway

For eighteen hundred years, though perchance I have no right to say it, the New Testament has been written yet where is the legislator who has wisdom and practical talent enough to avail himself of the light which it sheds on the science of legislation.

Henry David Thoreau

Say not 'a small event' Why 'small' Costs it more pain that this ye call A 'great event' should come to pass From that Untwine me from the mass Of deeds which make up life, one deed Power shall fall short in or exceed.

Robert Browning