It is more difficult ... to rule the King's favorites than for the favorites to rule the King.

Flattery is so necessary to us that we flatter one another just to be flattered in return.

It is more difficult ... to rule the King's favorites than for the favorites to rule the King.

What a rope of sand we are without a leader.

I think sometimes - do not we all? - that perhaps the present year is my last year and that all my busyness is foolish.

Does one ever see any ghost that is not oneself?

Even a fool can deceive a man - if he be a bigger fool than himself.