The Praise Singer Quotes

“All men seek esteem; the best by lifting themselves, which is hard to do, the rest by shoving others down, which is much easier.”
― Mary Renault, The Praise Singer

“It is a grief to see a hero go down to the house of Hades. It is bitter to lose a friend to evil, before one loses him to death.”
― Mary Renault, The Praise Singer

“It is a strange thing to recall; but as I fell asleep, I was wondering how it might feel to be courted for one's beauty. I expect Pythagoras would have told me that in some past life, as youth or woman, I had been cruel to my lovers, and had chosen to make amends. In my time I have talked with many philosophers, who have expounded to me the ways of the gods with men. Out of them all, Pythagoras' belief seems to me the most just, supposing it is true. But then, if it is, and all these things befall us, unless we have the Sight we shall never know.”
― Mary Renault, The Praise Singer

“Each generation has its own dream of beauty. I have lived long enough to watch it change. Just then, he was what all sculptors were reaching after, and only the great achieved.”
― Mary Renault, The Praise Singer

“The gods, in kindness to mankind, have put in most men’s hearts the wish to be loved and honored, even when they greatly wish for power. Power is the test. Some, once they have it, are content to buy the show of liking, and punish those who withhold it; then you have a despot. But some keep a true eye for how they seem to others, and care about it, which holds them back from much mischief.”
― Mary Renault, The Praise Singer