Close with a Frenchman, but out-maneuver a Russian.

Never break the neutrality of a port or place, but never consider as neutral any place from whence an attack is allowed to be made.

The bravest man feels an anxiety 'circa praecordia' as he enters the battle; but he dreads disgrace yet more.

The politics of courts are so mean that private people would be ashamed to act in the same way; all is trick and finesse, to which the common cause is sacrificed.

Something must be left to chance; nothing is certain in a sea fight

You must consider every man your enemy who speaks ill of your King, and you must treat every Frenchman as if he were the Devil himself.

I could not tread these perilous paths in safety, if I did not keep a saving sense of humor.