it is better to inspire a reform than to enforce it.

The use of torture is contrary to sound judgment and common sense. Humanity itself cries out against it, and demands it to be utterly abolished.

bad news travels faster than good.

In politics a capable ruler must be guided by circumstances, conjectures and conjunctions.

God, grant us our desires, and grant them quickly.

To tempt, and to be tempted, are things very nearly allied, and, in spite of the finest maxims of morality impressed upon the mind, whenever feeling has anything to do in the matter, no sooner is it excited than we have already gone vastly farther than we are aware of, and I have yet to learn how it is possible to prevent its being excited.

The most sure, but at the same time the most difficult expedient to mend the morals of the people, is a perfect system of education.