It is not possible to found a lasting power upon injustice, perjury, and treachery.
There is a great deal of wishful thinking in such cases it is the easiest thing of all to deceive ones self.
Small opportunities often presage great enterprises.
He who confers a favor should at once forget it, if he is not to show a sordid ungenerous spirit. To remind a man of a kindness conferred and to talk of it, is little different from reproach.
Close alliances with despots are never safe for free states.
You cannot have a proud and chivalrous spirit if your conduct is mean and paltry; for whatever a man's actions are, such must be his spirit.