A woman is seldom merciful to the man who is timid.

When a man is not amused, he feels an involuntary contempt for those who are.

Patience is not passive; on the contrary, it is active; it is concentrated strength.

Power is so characteristically calm that calmness in itself has the aspect of power, and forbearance implies strength. The orator who is known to have at his command all the weapons of invective is most formidable when most courteous.

There is no tongue that flatters like a lover's; and yet, in the exaggeration of his feelings, flattery seems to him commonplace. Strange and prodigal exuberance, which soon exhausts itself by flowing!

Shame is like the weaver's thread; if it breaks in the net, it is wholly imperfect.

Honest men are the gentlemen of nature.