Plutarch has written an essay on the benefits which a man may receive from his enemies; and among the good fruits of enmity, mentions this in particular, that by the reproaches which it casts upon us, we see the worst side of ourselves.

There is not on earth a spectacle more worthy the regard of a Creator intent on his works, than a brave man superior to his sufferings.

There is nobody so weak of invention that cannot make some little stories to villify his enemy.

When a man has been guilty of any vice or folly, the best atonement he can make for it is to warn others not to fall into the like.

We are growing serious, and, let me tell you, that's the very next step to being dull.

Who does not more admire Cicero as an author than as a consul of Rome?

Nothing is more amiable than true modesty, and nothing more contemptible than the false. The one guards virtue, the other betrays it.