An old monkey never makes a pretty face.

Machination is worth more than force.

Indeed, said the monk, a mass, a matins, and vespers well rung are half-said.

War begun without good provision of money beforehand for going through with it is but as a breathing of strength and blast that will quickly pass away. Coin is the sinews of war.

The right moment wears a full head of hair: when it has been missed, you can't get it back; it's bald in the back of the head and never turns around.

One falls to the ground in trying to sit on two stools.

Strike the iron whilst it is hot.