The Ten Thousand

BOOK NINE

Listen closely to me. Heed what I say.

Of all the creatures that move and breathe in this world,

Mother Earth breeds nothing more feeble than man.

As long as he prospers, has strength in his knees,

He believes no thing can harm him, nor evil befall him.

But when the same blessed gods bring him sorrow,

Man must endure it, come what may, and harden his very heart.

– HOMER