Men of noble birth are noted to be envious towards new men when they rise. For the distance is altered, and it is like a deceit of the eye, that when others come on they think themselves go back.

Do not wonder if the common people speak more truly than those above them: they speak more safely.

We are much beholden to Machiavel and others, that write what men do, and not what they ought to do.

Spouses are great impediments to great enterprises.

For cleanness of body was ever esteemed to proceed from a due reverence to God, to society, and to ourselves.

Small amounts of philosophy lead to atheism, but larger amounts bring us back to God.

Nothing doth more hurt in a state than that cunning men pass for wise.