There is nothing so fleeting as the memory of benefits received.

He is less likely to be mistaken who looks forward to a change in the affairs of the world than he who regards them as firm and stable.

Ambassadors are the eye and ear of states.

The return we reap from generous actions is not always evident.

Ambition is not in itself an evil; nor is he to be condemned whose spirit prompts him to seek fame by worthy and honourable ways.

Experience has always shown, and reason also, that affairs which depend on many seldom succeed.

Even though many people prove to be ungrateful, do not let that stop you from benefiting others-for not only is beneficence in itself a noble and almost divine quality, it may also happen that while you practice it, you will encounter someone so grateful that he will make up for all the others' ingratitude.