Sidonius Apollinaris quotes

Sidonius Apollinaris was a Roman poet, diplomat, and bishop, renowned for his literary works and detailed letters. His writings offer invaluable insight into the late Roman Empire and the transition to the early Middle Ages. He is considered an important witness to his era and influential in both literature and church history. Here are 6 of his quotes:

For the man who considers himself the best critic generally studies sound and unsound composition with equal interest, being no more greedy for lofty utterances to praise than for contemptible ones to ridicule. In this way technique, grandeur, and propriety in the use of the Latin language are particularly underrated by the armchair critics, who, with an insensibility which goes hand in hand with scurrility, and wishing to read only what they may criticize, cannot, by their very abuse of literature, be making a proper use of it.

Sidonius Apollinaris

Death may overwhelm them, but not fear; unconquerable they stand their ground, and their courage well-nigh outlives their lives.

Sidonius Apollinaris

Why – even supposing I had the skill – do you bid me compose a song dedicated to Venus the lover of Fescennine mirth, placed as I am among long-haired hordes, having to endure German speech, praising oft with wry face the song of the gluttonous Burgundian who spreads rancid butter on his hair?

Sidonius Apollinaris

How dismal the necessity of birth! how miserable the necessity of living! how hard the necessity of death!

Sidonius Apollinaris

Driven away by barbarian thrumming the Muse has spurned the six-footed exercise ever since she beheld these patrons seven feet high.

Sidonius Apollinaris