The way to bliss lies not on beds of down, And he that had no cross deserves no crown.

If thy daughter marry well, thou hast found a son; if not, thou hast lost a daughter.

Be wisely worldly, but not worldly wise.

If any speak ill of thee, flee home to thy own conscience, and examine thy heart: if thou be guilty, it is a just correction; if not guilty, it is a fair instruction: make use of both; so shalt thou distil honey out of gall, and out of an open enemy create a secret friend.

Of all the difficulties in a state, the temper of a true government most felicifies and perpetuates it; too sudden alterations distemper it. Had Nero tuned his kingdom as he did his harp, his harmony had been more honorable, and his reign more prosperous.

Fear nothing but what thy industry may prevent; be confident of nothing but what fortune cannot defeat; it is no less folly to fear what is impossible to be avoided than to be secure when there is a possibility to be deprived.

Sweet tastes have sour closes; and he repents on thorns that sleeps in beds of roses.