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.

A certain peace is better and safer than a victory in prospect; the former is at your own disposal, the latter depends upon the gods.

Luck is of little moment to the great general, for it is under the control of his intellect and his judgment.

From abundance springs satiety.

Fame opportunely despised often comes back redoubled.

Envy is blind. -Caeca invidia est

Prosperity engenders sloth.