Why are you weeping ? Did you imagine that I was immortal ?

Up to this moment I have been pleased to entrust the government of my affairs to the late Cardinal. It is now time that I govern them myself. You [secretaries and ministers of state] will assist me with your counsels when I ask for them. I request and order you to seal no orders except by my command, . . . I order you not to sign anything, not even a passport . . . without my command; to render account to me personally each day and to favor no one.

Every time I fill a vacant office, I make ten malcontents and one ingrate.

Why do you weep? Did you think I was immortal?

In every treaty, insert a clause which can easily be violated, so that the entire agreement can be broken in case the interests of the State make it expedient to do so.

Only small minds want always to be right.

There is little that can withstand a man who can conquer himself.