Flying Plague Quote by Virgil
““Swift is her walk, more swift her winged haste: A monstrous phantom, horrible and vast. As many plumes as raise her lofty flight, So many piercing eyes inlarge her sight; Millions of opening mouths to Fame belong, And ev'ry mouth is furnish'd with a tongue, And round with list'ning ears the flying plague is hung. She fills the peaceful universe with cries; No slumbers ever close her wakeful eyes; By day, from lofty tow'rs her head she shews, And spreads thro' trembling crowds disastrous news; With court informers haunts, and royal spies; Things done relates, not done she feigns, and mingles truth with lies. Talk is her business, and her chief delight To tell of prodigies and cause affright.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Aeneid, Book 6, lines 795‑803 (translated)
A swift, monstrous messenger spreads rumors and fear, mixing truth with lies, never resting.
In simple terms: A fast, frightening messenger spreads rumors and fear.
Key Takeaway
Beware sensational news and verify facts.
Themes
communication
deception
media
fear
truth
lies
Mood
anxious
critical
cautious
Type
literary
cautionary
political
When to use this quote
- political campaigns
- social media
- war propaganda
- gossip circles
- public speeches
Key Concepts
mythology
propaganda
information overload
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you discern truth from sensationalism?
- What responsibilities do messengers have?
A Different Perspective
The quote glorifies the messenger, ignoring the harm of falsehoods.
