A ruler's smile is often the prelude to a sword's fall. - Domitian

"A ruler's smile is often the prelude to a sword's fall."

Domitian

Emperor Ancient Rome 51–96

More from Domitian

"Domitian does not exist."

"I wish that I hated as few people as I do."

"How much better it is to weep at joy than to joy at weeping."

"No one can ever be certain of his tenure of power."