It would not be difficult to be a better ruler than I was: for I admit that I ruled badly; and even if I was fortunate enough to satisfy my subjects, I was not fortunate enough to satisfy myself.
Life is too short to be able to love as one should.
I was born, have lived, and will die free.
There are few prisoners more closely guarded than princes.
To some people everything is permitted.
We read for instruction, for correction, and for consolation.