A virtuous and well-disposed person, like a good metal, the more he is fired, the more he is fined; the more he is opposed, the more he is approved: wrongs may well try him, and touch him, but cannot imprint in him any false stamp.

Never write a letter and never destroy one.

Did you think I was immortal?

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.

To mislead a rival, deception is permissable; one may use all means against his enemies.

Who will be my equal?

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