Pale death, with impartial step, knocks at the hut of the poor and the towers of kings

Pale death, with impartial step, knocks at the hut of the poor and the towers of kings

The quote "Pale death, with impartial step, knocks at the hut of the poor and the towers of kings" is a powerful reminder of the inevitability of death and its ability to strike anyone, regardless of their social status or wealth. This sentiment is echoed in the works of the Roman poet Horace, who often explored themes of mortality and the fleeting nature of life.

Horace, a contemporary of Virgil and Ovid, was known for his philosophical musings on the human condition. In his famous Odes, he frequently touched upon the theme of carpe diem, or seizing the day, as a way to confront the reality of death. He believed that life was short and unpredictable, and that one should make the most of the present moment before it is too late.