Excusations, cessions, modesty itself well governed, are but arts of ostentation.

The root of all superstition is that men observe when a thing hits, but not when it misses.

A forbidden writing is thought to be a certain spark of truth, that flies up in the face of them who seek to tread it out.

Nothing is pleasant that is not spiced with variety.

Of all virtues and dignities of the mind, goodness is the greatest

Prosperity is the blessing of the Old Testament; adversity is the blessing of the New.

The study of nature with a view to works is engaged in by the mechanic, the mathematician, the physician, the alchemist, and the magician; but by all as things now are with slight endeavour and scanty success.