Had Luther and Calvin been confined before they had begun to dogmatize, the states would have been spared many troubles.

War is one of the scourges with which it has pleased God to afflict men.

Nothing so upholds the laws as the punishment of persons whose rank is as great as their crime.

I have the consolation of leaving your kingdom in the highest degree of glory and of reputation.

Secrecy is the first essential in affairs of state.

Reason must be the universal rule and guide; all things must be done according to reason without allowing oneself to be swayed by emotion.

Carry on any enterprise as if all future success depended on it.