Keep carefully not of all scrapes and quarrels. They lower a character extremely; and are particularly dangerous in France, wherea man is dishonoured by not resenting an affront, and utterly ruined by resenting it.

The nation looked upon him as a deserter, and he shrunk into insignificancy and an earldom.

Those who see and observe kings, heroes, and statesmen, discover that they have headaches, indigestion, humors and passions, just like other people; every one of which in their turns determine their wills in defiance of their reason.

Violent measures are always dangerous, but, when necessary, may then be looked on as wise. They have, however, the advantage of never being matter of indifference; and, when well concerted, must be decisive.

The possibility of remedying imprudent actions is commonly an inducement to commit them.

A man must have a good share of wit himself to endure a great share in another.

Judgment is not upon all occasions required, but discretion always is.