Sages' Words on War

Let war be so carried on that no other object may seem to be sought but the acquisition of peace. — Cicero.

In war the olive branch of peace is of use. — Ovid.

There can be no tranquility of nations without troops, no troops without pay, no pay without taxes. — Tacitus.

Who asks whether the enemy were defeated by strategy or valor? — Virgil.

The conqueror is not so much pleased by entering into open gates, as by forcing his way. He desires not the fields to be cultivated by the patient husbandman. He would have them laid waste by fire and sword. It would be his shame to go by a way already opened. — Lucan.

And I know we're at war, see — I knew it then, and the enemy has, unfortunately, proved me right because they continue to attack. — George W. Bush.