It is the prerogative of great men only to have great defects.

Usually we praise only to be praised.

They that apply themselves to trifling matters commonly become incapable of great ones.

Fortunate persons hardly ever amend their ways: they always imagine that they are in the right when fortune upholds their bad conduct.

The evil that we do does not attract to us so much persecution and hatred as our good qualities.

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

We often persuade ourselves to love people who are more powerful than we are, yet interest alone produces our friendship; we do not give our hearts away for the good we wish to do, but for that we expect to receive.