One must believe neither the people of the palace, who ordinarily measure the power of the king by the shape of his crown, which, being round, has no end, nor those who, in the excesses of an indiscreet zeal, proclaim themselves openly as partisans of Rome.

Deception is the knowledge of kings.

Wise judges are we of each other!

I have never had any [enemies] other than those of the state.

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

Harshness towards individuals who flout the laws and commands of the state is for the public good; no greater crime against the public interest is possible than to show leniency to those who violate it.

Never write a letter and never destroy one.