Old people are fond of giving good advice; it consoles them for no longer being capable of setting a bad example.

For the credit of virtue we must admit that the greatest misfortunes of men are those into which they fall through their crimes.

Bravery in simple soldiers is a dangerous trade, to which they have bound themselves to get their livelihood.

The most brilliant fortunes are often not worth the littleness required to gain them.

Some people resemble ballads which are only sung for a certain time.

The thing that makes our friendships so short and changeable is that the qualities and dispositions of the soul are very hard to know, and those of the understanding and wit very easy.

The largest ambition has the least appearance of ambition when it meets with an absolute impossibility in compassing its object.