Decimus Laberius

Decimus Laberius (1st Century BCE Roman Playwright)

"He whom many fear must fear many."

• Quote from a play by Decimus Laberius recorded by Cicero (Letters to His Friends), Suetonius (Caesar) and Macrobius (Saturnalia).

Decimus Laberius stated this line during the Celebrations in Rome held by Julius Caesar after his victory over Pompey the Great around 46 BCE, leaving him as the sole dictator. Caesar had the playwright play the part of a Syrian slave in one of his hit comedies, but Laberius survived the ordeal with little humiliation on his own part. He reportedly emphasized this line during the play, warning Julius Caesar of the possible consequences of tyranny.

Find more quote pictures on our official website gallery, here.