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

It is madness and a contradiction to expect that things which were never yet performed should be effected, except by means hitherto untried.

Base and crafty cowards are like the arrow that flieth in the dark.

There is no doubt but men of genius and leisure may carry our method to greater perfection, but, having had long experience, we have found none equal to it for the commodiousness it affords in working with the Understanding.

Secrecy in suits goes a great way towards success.

The desire of power in excess caused the angels to fall; the desire of knowledge in excess caused man to fall: but in charity there is no excess; neither can angel nor man come in danger by it.

Pictures and shapes are but secondary objects and please or displease only in the memory.