Thus each person by his fears gives wings to rumor, and, without any real source of apprehension, men fear what they themselves have imagined.

Nobody ever chooses the already unfortunate as objects of his loyal friendship.

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.

An idle life always produces varied inclinations.

As far as the stars are from the earth, and as different as fire is from water, so much do self-interest and integrity differ.

I have a wife, I have sons: all of them hostages given to fate.

Among those who share a throne there can be no loyalty; Dominion's ever impatient consort.