No government can exist without taxation. The money must necessarily be levied on the people; and the grand art consists of levying so as not to oppress.

Books make up no small part of human happiness.

It is disgusting to notice the increase in the quantity of coffee used by my subjects, and the amount of money that goes out of the country as a consequence. Everybody is using coffee; this must be prevented. His Majesty was brought up on beer, and so were both his ancestors and officers. Many battles have been fought and won by soldiers nourished on beer, and the King does not believe that coffee-drinking soldiers can be relied upon to endure hardships in case of another war.

A crown is merely a hat that lets the rain in.

Though I may not be a king in my future life, so much the better: I shall nevertheless live an active life and, on top of it, earn less ingratitude.

Diplomacy without military might is like music without instruments.

It is pardonable to be defeated, but never to be surprised.