There is nothing so charming as the knowledge of literature; of that branch of literature, I mean, which enables us to discover the infinity of things, the immensity of Nature, the heavens, the earth, and the seas; this is that branch which has taught us religion, moderation, magnanimity, and that has rescued the soul from obscurity; to make her see all things above and below, first and last, and between both; it is this that furnishes us wherewith to live well and happily, and guides us to pass our lives without displeasure and without offence.

Few are those who wish to be endowed with virtue rather than to seem so.

Promises are not to be kept, if the keeping of them is to prove harmful to those to whom you have made them.

There is no place more delightful than home.

An innocent man, if accused, can be acquitted; a guilty man, unless accused, cannot be condemned. It is, however, more advantageous to absolve an innocent than not to prosecute a guilty man.

No deceit is so veiled as that which lies concealed behind the semblance of courtesy.

Glory follows virtue as if it were its shadow.