Quotations From PIERRE CORNEILLE

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• 41.

  He who allows me to rule is in fact my master.

  Pierre Corneille (1606-1684), French playwright. King Prusias, in Nicomède, act 2, sc. 1 (1651).
• 42.

  He has served me too well; by increasing my power he has stolen it away: he is now my subject only so long as he pleases.

  Pierre Corneille (1606-1684), French playwright. King Prusias, in Nicomède, act 2, sc. 1 (1651). The king speaks of his rebellious son, who has won battles on the king's behalf.
  
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• 43.

  The subject of a good tragedy must not be realistic.

  Pierre Corneille (1606-1684), French playwright. Héraclius, preface (1647).
• 44.

  It is only blood that can wash away such an outrage; die or kill.

  Pierre Corneille (1606-1684), French playwright. Don Diègue, in The Cid, act 1, sc. 5 (1637). Don Diègue tells his son to avenge him.
• 45.

  Oh! how many actions, how many fabulous exploits remain without glory in the midst of the night.

  Pierre Corneille (1606-1684), French playwright. Don Diègue, in The Cid, act 4, sc. 3 (1637). Don Diègue in despair at being too old to fight a duel.
  
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• 46.

  Treachery is noble when aimed at tyranny.

  Pierre Corneille (1606-1684), French playwright. Emilia, in Cinna, act 3, sc. 4 (1641).
• 47.

  To die for one's country is such a worthy fate that all compete for so beautiful a death.

  Pierre Corneille (1606-1684), French playwright. Horace, in Horace, act 2, sc. 3 (1641).
  
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• 48.

  One doesn't wish to see those to whom one owes so much.

  Pierre Corneille (1606-1684), French playwright. King Prusias, in Nicomède, act 2, sc. 1 (1651). The king speaks of his rebellious son.
• 49.

  It is an imprudence common to kings to listen to too much advice and to err in their choice.

  Pierre Corneille (1606-1684), French playwright. King Ptolemy, in The Death of Pompey (La Mort de Pompée), act 4, sc. 1 (1642).
• 50.

  The king, just and prudent, wants only those things which he can get.

  Pierre Corneille (1606-1684), French playwright. Laodice, in Nicomède, act 1, sc. 2 (1651).