Priests

Famous quotes containing the word priests:

    The sort of morality which the priests inculcate is a very subtle policy, far finer than the politicians’, and the world is very successfully ruled by them as the policemen.
    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)

    Along the avenue of cypresses,
    All in their scarlet cloaks and surplices
    Of linen, go the chanting choristers,
    The priests in gold and black, the villagers. . . .
    —D.H. (David Herbert)

    Standing navies, as well as standing armies, serve to keep alive the spirit of war even in the meek heart of peace. In its very embers and smoulderings, they nourish that fatal fire, and half-pay officers, as the priests of Mars, yet guard the temple, though no god be there.
    Herman Melville (1819–1891)