A man seldom finds people unthankful, as long as he remains in a condition of benefiting them further.

He is safe who admits no one to his confidence.

Gratitude, in most men, is only a strong and secret hope of greater favors.

Our good qualities expose us more to hatred and persecution than all the ill we do.

It is not always from valor or from chastity that men are brave, and women chaste.

To know how to hide one's ability is great skill.

The mark of extraordinary merit is to see those most envious of it constrained to praise.