John Bartlett (1820–1905). Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. 1919.
8723 Pliny the Elder AD 23-AD 79 John Bartlett
| NUMBER: | 8723 |
| AUTHOR: | Pliny the Elder (A.D. c. 23–A.D. 79) |
| QUOTATION: | It is far from easy to determine whether she [Nature] has proved to him a kind parent or a merciless stepmother. 1 |
| ATTRIBUTION: | Natural History. Book vii. Sect. 1. |
| Note 1. To man the earth seems altogether No more a mother, but a step-dame rather. Du Bartas: Divine Weekes and Workes, first week, third day. [back] |