Lacrimae rerum (Latin: [ˈlakrɪmae̯ ˈreːrũː][1]) is the Latin phrase for "tears of things." It derives from Book I, line 462 of the Aeneid (c. 29–19 BC), by Roman poet Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro) (70–19 BC). Some recent quotations have included rerum lacrimae sunt or sunt lacrimae rerum meaning "there are tears of (or for) things."
- ^ "lacrimae rerum". Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved 2007-12-20. The words themselves are from lacrima, -ae, a first declension noun meaning "tear" (appearing here in the nominative plural) and from res, rei a fifth declension noun meaning "thing" (appearing here in the genitive plural).