The common people are but ill judges of a man's merits; they are slaves to fame, and their eyes are dazzled with the pomp of titles and large retinue. No wonder, then, that they bestow their honors on those who least deserve them.

When a man is pleased with the lot of others, he is dissatisfied with his own, as a matter of course.

Force without reason falls of its own weight.

No man is born without faults.

We are free to yield to truth.

Painters and poets alike have always had license to dare anything! We know that, and we both claim and allow to others in their turn this indulgence.

Let me posses what I now have, or even less, so that I may enjoy my remaining days, if Heaven grant any to remain.