“ For man is changeful, as his bliss or woe! Too high when prosperous, when distress’d too low. ”
Homer, Odyssey (c. 850 BC). copy citation
| Author | Homer |
|---|---|
| Source | Odyssey |
| Topic | woe |
| Date | c. 850 BC |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Alexander Pope |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/3160/3160-h/3160-h.htm |
Context
“calamitous by birth: To-day, with power elate, in strength he blooms; The haughty creature on that power presumes: Anon from Heaven a sad reverse he feels: Untaught to bear, ’gainst Heaven the wretch rebels. For man is changeful, as his bliss or woe! Too high when prosperous, when distress’d too low. There was a day, when with the scornful great I swell’d in pomp and arrogance of state; Proud of the power that to high birth belongs; And used that power to justify my wrongs. Then let not man be proud;”
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