Our liberty cannot be taken away unless the people are themselves accomplices.

I have observed that in comedies the best actor plays the droll, while some scrub rogue is made the fine gentleman or hero. Thus it is in the farce of life. Wise men spend their time in mirth; it is only fools who are serious.

A long novitiate of acquaintance should precede the vows of friendship.

I have read somewhere or other, - in Dionysius of Halicarnassus, I think, - that history is philosophy teaching by examples.

What a world is this, and how does fortune banter us!

History is philosophy teaching by example and also by warning.

Cunning pays no regard to virtue, and is but the low mimic of reason.