For the credit of virtue we must admit that the greatest misfortunes of men are those into which they fall through their crimes.

The only security is courage.

Considering how little the beginning or the ceasing to love is in our own power, it is foolish and unreasonable for the lover or his mistress to complain of one another's inconstancy.

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.

A man's worth has its season, like fruit.

Customary use of artifice is the sign of a small mind, and it almost always happens that he who uses it to cover one spot uncovers himself in another.

Fortune converts everything to the advantage of her favorites.