Nothing can rightly compel a simple and brave man to a vulgar sadness.

Our actual Friends are but distant relations of those to whom we are pledged.

I repeat that in this sense the most splendid court in Christendom is provincial, having authority to consult about Transalpine interests only, and not the affairs of Rome. A prætor or proconsul would suffice to settle the questions which absorb the attention of the English Parliament and the American Congress.

The greater part of what my neighbors call good I believe in my soul to be bad, and if I repent of anything, it is very likely to be my good behavior. What demon possessed me that I behaved so well? You may say the wisest thing you can, old man, - you who have lived seventy years, not without honor of a kind, - I hear an irresistible voice which invites me away from all that.

The sun is but a morning star.

Do not engage to find things as you think they are.

If we respected only what is inevitable and has a right to be, music and poetry would resound along the streets.