The moderation of people in prosperity is the effect of a smooth and composed temper, owing to the calm of their good fortune.

It is far better to be deceived than undeceived by those whom we tenderly love.

It is easier to be wise for others than for ourselves.

Clemency, which we make a virtue of, proceeds sometimes from vanity, sometimes from indolence, often from fear, and almost always from a mixture of all three.

It is sometimes necessary to play the fool to avoid being deceived by cunning men.

The happiness and misery of men depend no less on temper than fortune.

No matter how much care we put into hiding our passions under the appearances of devotion and honor, they can always be seen to peer out through these covers.