Even women are perfect at the outset.

The courage of a great many men, and the virtue of a great many women, are the effect of vanity, shame, and especially a suitabletemperament.

A woman is faithful to her first lover for a long time - unless she happens to take a second.

However glorious an action in itself, it ought not to pass for great if it be not the effect of wisdom and intention.

Truth does less good in the world than its appearances do harm.

A man convinced of his own merit will accept misfortune as an honor, for thus can he persuade others, as well as himself, that he is a worthy target for the arrows of fate.

We should often feel ashamed of our best actions if the world could see all the motives which produced them.