Aeneid

The Greeks shape bronze statues so real they seem to breathe, And carve cold marble until it almost comes to life. The Greeks compose great orations, And measure the heavens so well they can predict the rising of the stars. But you, Romans, remember your great arts, To govern the peoples with authority, To establish peace under the rule of law, To conquer the mighty, And show them mercy once they are conquered.

Virgil’s Aeneid