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

Deception is the knowledge of kings.

First, all means to conciliate; failing that, all means to crush.

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

Bakers of bread rolls and pastry cooks will not buy grain before eleven o'clock in winter and noon in summer; bakers of large loaves will not buy grain before two o'clock. This will enable the people of the town to obtain their supply first. Bakers shall put a distinctive trademark on their loaves, and keep weights and scales in their shops, under penalty of having their licenses removed.

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

If you give me six lines written by the hand of the most honest of men, I will find something in them which will hang him.