Historical literatureThe present life of man, O king, seems to me, in comparison of that time which is unknown to us, like to the swift flight of a sparrow through the room wherein you sit at supper in winter, with your commanders and ministers, and a good fire in the midst, whilst the storms of rain and snow prevail ahead; the sparrow, I say, flying in at one door, and immediately out at another, whilst he is within, is safe from the wintry storm; but after a short space of fair weather, he immediately vanishes out of your sight, into the dark winter from which he had emerged. So this life of man appears for a short space, but of what went before, or what is to follow, we are utterly ignorant.Venerable BedeEcclesiastical History of the English People · 731★ 2.0
Historical literatureNo reptiles are found there, and no snake can live there; for, though often carried thither out of Britain, as soon as the ship comes near the shore, and the scent of the air reaches them, they die.Venerable BedeEcclesiastical History of the English People · 731★ 2.0
LetterAnd those people should not be listened to who keep saying the voice of the people is the voice of God, since the riotousness of the crowd is always very close to madness.Alcuin of York800★ 1.9
PoemThough I grieve, there is no help; Vainly I long to see her. Men tell me that my wife is In the mountains of Hagai- Thither I go, Toiling along the stony path; But it avails me not, For of my wife, as she lived in this world, I find not the faintest shadow.Kakinomoto no Hitomaro759★ 1.9
Historical literatureIf history records good things of good men, the thoughtful hearer is encouraged to imitate what is good.Venerable Bede731★ 1.2
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