Considering how little the beginning or the ceasing to love is in our own power, it is foolish and unreasonable for the lover or his mistress to complain of one another's inconstancy.

There are heroes of wickedness, as there are of goodness.

It is often hard to determine whether a clear, open, and honorable proceeding is the result of goodness or of cunning.

Marriage is the only war in which you sleep with the enemy.

Politeness is a desire to be treated politely, and to be esteemed polite oneself.

Some crimes get honor and renown by being committed with more pomp, by a greater number, and in a higher degree of wickedness thanothers. Hence it is that public robberies, plunderings, and sackings have been looked upon as excellencies and noble achievements, and the seizing of whole countries, however unjustly and barbarously, is dignified with the glorious name of gaining conquests.

The moderation of men in the most exalted fortunes is a desire to be thought above those things that have raised them so high.