Who said “'Tis not in mortals to command success, but we'll do more, Sempronius, we'll deserve it.”?

Verified

Joseph Addison. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceCato, A Tragedy (1713), Act I, scene ii

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“'Tis not in mortals to command success, but we'll do more, Sempronius, we'll deserve it.”
— Joseph Addison
VerifiedCato, A Tragedy (1713), Act I, scene ii · evidenceMerit

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Cato, A Tragedy (1713), Act I, scene ii.

APA

Addison, J. (n.d.). 'Tis not in mortals to command success, but we'll do more, Sempronius, we'll deserve it. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/29053-tis-not-in-mortals-to-command-success-but/

MLA

Addison, Joseph. “'Tis not in mortals to command success, but we'll do more, Sempronius, we'll deserve it.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/29053-tis-not-in-mortals-to-command-success-but/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Addison, Joseph. “'Tis not in mortals to command success, but we'll do more, Sempronius, we'll deserve it.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/29053-tis-not-in-mortals-to-command-success-but/.

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