Earthly greatness is a nice thing, and requires so much chariness in the managing, as the contentment of it cannot requite.

A reputation once broken may possibly be repaired, but the world will always keep their eyes on the spot where the crack was.

Even the best things ill used become evils; and, contrarily, the worst things used well prove good.

Ambition is torment enough for an enemy; for it affords as much discontentment in enjoying as in want, making men like poisoned rats, which, when they have tasted of their bane, cannot rest till they drink, and then can much less rest till they die

I account this body nothing but a close prison to my soul; and the earth a larger prison to my body. I may not break prison till I be loosed by death; but I will leave it, not unwillingly,when I am loosed.

There would not be so many open mouths if there were not so many open ears.

Fools measure actions, after they are done, by the event; wise men beforehand, by the rules of reason and right. The former look to the end, to judge of the act. Let me look to the act, and leave the end with God.