In taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy; but in passing it over, he is superior.

Nay, number itself in armies importeth not much, where the people is of weak courage; for, as Virgil saith, It never troubles the wolf how many the sheep be.

It is as natural to die as to be born; and to a little infant, perhaps, the one is as painful as the other.

Death is a friend of ours; and he that is not ready to entertain him is not at home.

States, as great engines, move slowly.

When any of the four pillars of government-religion, justice, counsel, and treasure-are mainly shaken or weakened, men had need to pray for fair weather.

The eye of understanding is like the eye of the sense; for as you may see great objects through small crannies or levels, so you may see great axioms of nature through small and contemptible instances.