Since a true knowledge of nature gives us pleasure, a lively imitation of it, either in poetry or painting, must produce a much greater; for both these arts are not only true imitations of nature, but of the best nature.

All delays are dangerous in war.

Virtue without success is a fair picture shown by an ill light; but lucky men are favorites of heaven; all own the chief, when fortune owns the cause.

Imitators are but a servile kind of cattle.

Honor is but an empty bubble.

Nothing to build, and all things to destroy.

Of all the tyrannies on human kind the worst is that which persecutes the mind.