“ If fame engage your views, Forbear those acts which infamy pursues; Wrong and oppression no renown can raise ”
Homer, Odyssey (c. 850 BC). copy citation
| Author | Homer |
|---|---|
| Source | Odyssey |
| Topic | oppression fame |
| 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
“‘Behold what wretches to the bed pretend Of that brave chief whose bow they could not bend! In came a beggar of the strolling crew, And did what all those princes could not do.’ Thus will the common voice our deed defame, And thus posterity upbraid our name.”
To whom the queen: “If fame engage your views, Forbear those acts which infamy pursues; Wrong and oppression no renown can raise; Know, friend! that virtue is the path to praise. The stature of our guest, his port, his face, Speak him descended from no vulgar race. To him the bow, as he desires, convey; And to his hand if Phœbus give the day, Hence, to reward his merit, be shall bear A two-edged falchion and a shining spear, Embroider’d sandals, a rich cloak and vest, A safe conveyance to his port of rest.””
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