The courage of a great many men, and the virtue of a great many women, are the effect of vanity, shame, and especially a suitabletemperament.

There are few good women who do not tire of their role.

Absence cools moderate passions, and inflames violent ones; just as the wind blows out candles, but kindles fires.

If there be a love pure and free from the admixture of our other passions, it is that which lies hidden in the bottom of our heart, and which we know not ourselves.

Men are not only prone to forget benefits; they even hate those who have obliged them, and cease to hate those who have injured them. The necessity of revenging an injury, or of recompensing a benefit seems a slavery to which they are unwilling to submit.

People would not long remain in social life if they were not the dupes of each other.

If it requires great tact to speak to the purpose, it requires no less to know when to be silent.