Innocence is lucky if it finds the same protection as guilt

There are few virtuous women who are not bored with their trade.

Absence diminishes mediocre passions and increases great ones, as the wind extinguishes candles and fans fires.

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

A man often thinks he rules himself, when all the while he is ruled and managed; and while his understanding directs one design, his affections imperceptibly draw him into another.

One kind of happiness is to know exactly at what point to be miserable.

It is great folly to wish to be wise all alone.