Septimius Severus

"Compassion without strength is merely weakness dressed in virtue."

"The greatest battles are often won before the first blow is struck."

"A ruler's legacy is measured by the stability he leaves behind."

"To change the empire, one must first change himself."

"The price of power is eternal vigilance against those who seek it."

"Alliances are built on mutual respect and mutual fear."

"The man who masters himself masters all others."

"In the pursuit of empire, sentiment is a luxury few can afford."

"True power lies not in the sword, but in the will behind it."

"The borders of an empire are drawn in blood and maintained by steel."

"A leader must sometimes be willing to become the villain in another's story."

"Fortune rewards the bold, but only if they are also wise."

"The greatest strength is knowing when to show no weakness."

"An empire at peace is an empire preparing for war."

"To trust is to risk; to risk nothing is to rule nothing."

"The quality of a leader is measured by the enemies he has made."

"Patience is the weapon of those too strong to act in anger."

"A man's ambition should exceed his grasp, or what is a life for?"

"The throne demands sacrifice; it accepts nothing less."

"Justice tempered with mercy is the mark of a wise ruler."

"To understand history is to understand the future."

"The weak die so the strong may flourish."

"A commander's greatest weapon is the absolute loyalty of his men."

"The pursuit of power is the pursuit of truth about oneself."

"In the game of thrones, there are no permanent allies, only permanent interests."

"Adversity reveals character; prosperity merely conceals it."

"The empire is not a democracy; it is a meritocracy of the strong."

"A life without struggle is a life without meaning."

"The greatest victories come to those who refuse to accept defeat."

"Authority without wisdom is tyranny; wisdom without authority is impotence."