The army from Asia introduced a foreign luxury to Rome; it was then the meals began to require more dishes and more expenditure . . . the cook, who had up to that time been employed as a slave of low price, become dear: what had been nothing but a metier was elevated to an art.

Thus, if there is anyone who is confident that he can advise me as to the best advantage of the state in this campaign which I am about to conduct, let him not refuse his services to the state, but come with me into Macedonia. I will furnish him with his sea-passage, with a horse, a tent, and even travel-funds. If anyone is reluctant to do this and prefers the leisure of the city to the hardships of campaigning, let him not steer the ship from on shore.

There is nothing worse than being ashamed of parsimony or poverty.

The mind sins, not the body; if there is no intention, there is no blame.

An honor prudently declined often returns with increased luster.

Men are slower to recognize blessings than evils.

This above all makes history useful and desirable; it unfolds before our eyes a glorious record of exemplary actions.