Hoyt & Roberts, comps. Hoyts New Cyclopedia of Practical Quotations. 1922.
Cities
Smyrna, Rhodos, Colophon, Salamis, Chios, Argos, Athenæ, Hæ septem certant de stirpe insignis Homeri. Smyrna, Rhodes, Colophon, Salamis, Chios, Argos, Athensthese seven cities contend as to being the birthplace of the illustrious Homer. (The second line sometimes runs Orbis de patria certat, Homere, tua.) Anon. Tr. from Greek. Same in Antipater of Sidon.
I live not in myself, but I become Portion of that around me; and to me High mountains are a feeling, but the hum Of human cities torture. ByronChilde Harold. Canto III. St. 72.
The first requisite to happiness is that a man be born in a famous city. EuripidesEncomium on Alcibiades. (Probably quoted.) See PlutarchLife of Demosthenes.
Friends and loves we have none, nor wealth, nor blest abode But the hope, the burning hope, and the road, the lonely road. Not for us are content, and quiet, and peace of mind, For we go seeking cities that we shall never find. MasefieldThe Seekers.
Nisi Dominus frustra. Unless the Lord keep the city the watchman waketh in vain (lit., unless the Lord in vain). Motto of City of Edinburgh, adapted from Psalms. CVII. 1. Vulgate.
I dwelt in a city enchanted, And lonely indeed was my lot; * * * * * Though the latitudes rather uncertain, And the longitude also is vague, The persons I pity who know not the City The beautiful City of Prague. W. J. ProwseThe City of Prague. (Little Village on Thames.)
Urbem lateritiam accepit, mamoream relinquit. He [Cæsar Augustus] found a city built of brick; he left it built of marble. Suetonius. (Adapted.) Cæsar Augustus. 28.