It is not possible to found a lasting power upon injustice, perjury, and treachery. These may, perhaps, succeed for once, and borrow for awhile, from hope, a gay and flourishing appearance. But time betrays their weakness, and they fall into ruin of themselves. For, as in structures of every kind, the lower parts should have the greatest firmness--so the grounds and principles of actions should be just and true.

Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises.

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.

Excessive dealings with tyrants are not good for the security of free states.

Nothing is easier than self-deceit.

Small opportunities often presage great enterprises.