That sense – the only true patriotism – comes slowly and springs from the heart: it is founded upon respect for the family and love for the soil. Premature ‘liberty’ of this kind would have been a disaster: we should have been torn to pieces by petty squabbles before we had ever reached political maturity, which, as things were, as made possible by the long quiet years under monarchical government; for it was that government which, as it were, nursed our strength and enabled us ultimately to produce sound fruit from liberty, as only a politically adult nation can.

No law is quite appropriate for all.

Favor and honor sometimes fall more fitly on those who do not desire them.

The populace is like the sea motionless in itself, but stirred by every wind, even the lightest breeze.

In adversity assume the countenance of prosperity, and in prosperity moderate the temper and desires.

We can endure neither our vices nor their cure.

Prosperity engenders sloth.