By paying our other debts, we are equal with all mankind; but in refusing to pay a debt of revenge, we are superior.

Happiness is that single and glorious thing which is the very light and sun of the whole animated universe; and where she is not it were better that nothing should be.

Error, when she retraces her steps, has farther to go before she can arrive at truth than ignorance.

Kings and their subjects, masters and slaves, find a common level in two places - at the foot of the cross, and in the grave.

Shrewd and crafty politicians, when they wish to bring about an unpopular measure, must not go straight forward to work, if they do they will certainly fail; and failures to men in power, are like defeats to a general, they shake their popularity. Therefore, since they cannot sail in the teeth of the wind, they must tack, and ultimately gain their object, by appearing at times to be departing from it.

In order to try whether a vessel be leaky, we first prove it with water before we trust it with wine.

True goodness is not without that germ of greatness that can bear with patience the mistakes of the ignorant.