Joachim du Bellay Quotes

I cannot write of love, as I am not in love, I cannot write of beauty, as I have no beautiful mistress, I cannot write of sweetness, as I experience nothing but hardship, I cannot write of pleasure, as I am always in pain.

Happy is he who, like Ulysses, has taken a wondrous journey Or has won the Golden Fleece, And then returns home wise and useful To live in his homeland the rest of his days.

France, mother of arts, of weapons and of laws.

Only Rome can resemble Rome, And Rome alone can make Rome fall.

Rome is the only monument left of Rome, And only Rome vanquished Rome.