Even if the skies were shorter than my knees, I would not kneel.

May all the gods whom I settled in their sacred centers ask daily of Bêl and Nâbu that my days be long and may they intercede for my welfare. ... The people of Babylon blessed my kingship, and I settled all the lands in peaceful abodes.

We love ourselves notwithstanding our faults, and we ought to love our friends in like manner.

Brevity is the soul of command. Too much talking suggests desperation on the part of the leader. Speak shortly, decisively and to the point–and couch your desires in such natural logic that no one can raise objections. Then move on.

All men have their frailties; and whoever looks for a friend without imperfections, will never find what he seeks.

A man's enjoyment of all good things is in exact proportion to the pains he has undergone to gain them.

O man, whoever you are and wherever you come from, for I know you will come, I am Cyrus who won the Persians their empire. Do not therefore begrudge me this bit of earth that covers my bones.