Such is the world that I can no longer bear to say prayers, for I am sick of speaking to the gods who choose to do nothing but as they wish.

— Alcaeus of Mytilene

With chilling care, my hardship shave managed to implant a spirit of recklessness within me, one that impels me to point out injustice and wrongdoing. So, while many strive to have a toil free life, I spend my time criticizing tyrants, and so the spirit of subversion was quickly established within me. Now all I can do is calmly wait for cold death to seize me.

— Alcaeus of Mytilene