The absolute ruler may be a Nero, but he is sometimes a Titus or Marc Aurelius; the people is often Nero, but never Marc Aurelius.
Mutability is written upon all things.
Vices are often habits rather than passions.
It is the dim haze of mystery that adds enchantment to pursuit.
Cats don't caress us-they caress themselves on us.
The cunning tempter, by avoiding the grossness of vice, often silences objections.