It is only persons of firmness that can have real gentleness. Those who appear gentle are, in general, only a weak character, which easily changes into asperity.

Moral severity in women is only a dress or paint which they use to set off their beauty.

What we take for virtue is often nothing but an assemblage of different actions, and of different interests, that fortune or our industry knows how to arrange.

It is with certain good qualities as with the senses; those who have them not can neither appreciate nor comprehend them in others.

We may give advice, but not the sense to use it.

Moderation cannot have the credit of combatiug and subduing ambition, they are never found together. Moderation is the languor and indolence of the soul, as ambition is its activity and ardor.

Our virtues are often, in reality, no better than vices disguised.