Let him leave the imperial court, who wishes to be virtuous. Virtue and absolute power cannot coexist.
A crime which is the crime of many none avenge.
Deny a strong man his due, and he will take all he can get.
As far as the earth is from the stars, and fire from the sea, so is the useful from the right. Power over men perishes completely if justice begins to be observed, and respect for individual rights overcomes strongholds.
A show of daring oft conceals great fear.
As great edifices collapse of their own weight, so Heaven sets a similar limit to the growth of prosperous states.