Hesiod

Before the gates of excellence the high gods have placed sweat; long is the road thereto and rough and steep read more

Before the gates of excellence the high gods have placed sweat; long is the road thereto and rough and steep at first; but when the heights are reached, then there is ease, though grievously hard in the winning. - Works and Days.

No whispered rumours which the many spread can wholly perish.

No whispered rumours which the many spread can wholly perish.

Often an entire city has suffered because of an evil man.

Often an entire city has suffered because of an evil man.

And the evil wish is most evil to the wisher.

And the evil wish is most evil to the wisher.

Aerial spirits, by great Jove design'd
To be on earth the guardians of mankind:
Invisible to mortal read more

Aerial spirits, by great Jove design'd
To be on earth the guardians of mankind:
Invisible to mortal eyes they go,
And mark our actions, good or bad, below:
The immortal spies with watchful care preside,
And thrice ten thousand round their charges glide:
They can reward with glory or with gold,
A power they by Divine permission hold.