Nothing is more difficult, in my opinion, than to avoid something that fundamentally attracts you.

You were in a mood to quarrel. Please inform me once the inclination passes.

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

The trouble is that my heart is loath to be without love even for a single hour. ... If you want to keep me forever, then show as much friendship as love, and more than anything else, love me and tell me the truth.

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

If I may venture to be frank I would say about myself that I was every inch a gentleman.

I am one of the people who love the why of things.