A great many men's gratitude is nothing but a secret desire to hook in more valuable kindnesses hereafter.

We often pay our debts not because it is only fair that we should, but to make future loans easier.

The vices enter into the composition of the virtues, as poisons into that of medicines. Prudence collects and arranges them, and uses them beneficially against the ills of life.

Envy is more incapable of reconciliation than hatred is.

The head does not know how to play the part of the heart for long.

Love's greatest miracle is the curing of coquetry.

A wise man thinks it more advantageous not to join the battle than to win.