If we resist our passions, it is more due to their weakness than our strength.

In their early passions women are in love with the lover, later they are in love with love.

Confidence in conversation has a greater share than wit.

The qualities we have, make us so ridiculous as those which we affect.

One forgives to the degree that one loves.

Some crimes get honor and renown by being committed with more pomp, by a greater number, and in a higher degree of wickedness thanothers. Hence it is that public robberies, plunderings, and sackings have been looked upon as excellencies and noble achievements, and the seizing of whole countries, however unjustly and barbarously, is dignified with the glorious name of gaining conquests.

Generally speaking, we would make a good bargain by renouncing all the good that people say of us, upon condition they would say no ill.