William Havelock > Quotes

“The Eternal City is in the debt of so many of these legends but owes none more than Flavius Belisarius—the king without a crown, the last of the true Romans, who marched obediently through a valley of certain death for the vanity and pride of his emperor.”
― William Havelock, The Last Dying Light

“Table of Contents Title Page Copyright Dedication Longfellow Poem Map of the Roman World AD 534”
― William Havelock, The Pillars of Herakles

“After my dominus named him as the heir to the imperial throne, he adopted a new name for himself—Justinian.”
― William Havelock, The Last Dying Light

“looming”
― William Havelock, The Pillars of Herakles

“When I was made into a soldier of Rome, I recited a creed that bound me in service to a vision greater than myself. Its words are burned into my mind, offering comfort when the days become more than I can bear. Given the enormity of the challenge facing us in the days ahead, I recommit myself to you, and promise that together we shall not fail. “I swear to faithfully execute the Emperor’s commands, to never desert my service, nor shrink from Death in pursuit of the glory of Rome,” Belisarius called out, and a cacophony of voices echoed him. “I swear to defend the weak, to protect the innocent, and serve as the shield to the poor and the mighty alike,” Belisarius recited again, and the men, following suit, grew more spirited in their response. “I swear to honor and love my God, to seek justice, and glorify those dreams that are greater than myself.”
― William Havelock, The Last Dying Light

“Going about my duties, I often found the new emperor in private conversation with his nephew, Flavius Petrus Sabbatius.”
― William Havelock, The Last Dying Light

“A Herulian fighting in a Greek army that calls itself Roman. Destined to marry an Arab princess and fight in a Persian war,” Xerxes mused. “It seems too ridiculous for even the most outlandish of campfire tales.”
― William Havelock, The Gates of Carthage