Letters 49.7

I have no time to investigate disputed inflections of words, or to try my cunning upon them.

Behold the gathering clans, the fast-shut gates, And weapons whetted ready for the war.

I need a stout heart to hear without flinching this din of battle which sounds round about.

Seneca, Letters to Lucilius 49.7, translated by Richard Mott Gummere