A prince who loves and fears religion is a lion who stoops to the hand that strokes or to the voice that appeases him. He who fears and hates religion is like the savage beast that growls and bites the chain, which prevents his flying on the passenger. He who has no religion at all is that terrible animal who perceives his liberty only when he tears in pieces, and when he devours.

Vanity and pride of nations; vanity is as advantageous to a government as pride is dangerous.

Law should be like death, which spares no one.

[The Pope] will make the king believe that three are only one, that the bread he eats is not bread... and a thousand other things of the same kind.

A really intelligent man feels what other men only know.

An injustice to one is a threat made to all

The public business must be carried on with a certain motion, neither too quick nor too slow.