How can we expect another to keep our secret if we have been unable to keep it ourselves?

It is more difficult for a man to be faithful to his mistress when he is favored than when he is ill treated by her.

The cunningest dissimulation is when a man pretends to be caught in the traps others set for him; and a man is never so easily over-reached as when he is contriving to over-reach others.

Intrepidity is an extraordinary strength of soul, which raises it above the troubles, disorders and emotions which the sight of great perils can arouse in it; by this strength heroes maintain a calm aspect and preserve their reason and liberty in the most surprising and terrible accidents.

We exaggerate the glory of some men in order to detract from that of others.

We should scarcely desire things ardently if we were perfectly acquainted with what we desire.

Constancy in love is of two sorts: One is the effect of new excellencies that are always presenting themselves afresh, and attractour affections continually; the other is only from a point of honor, and a taking of pride not to change.