Everyone believes very easily whatever they fear or desire.

What a wonderful thing it is to have a good friend. He identifies your innermost desires, and spares you the embarrassment of disclosing them to him yourself.

Even if misfortune is only good for bringing a fool to his senses, it would still be just to deem it good for something.

Every flatterer lives at the expense of him who listens to him.

The best laid plot can injure its maker, and often a man's perfidy will rebound on himself.

Let us not overstrain our talents, lest we do nothing gracefully.

It is twice the pleasure to deceive the deceiver.