Money buys many things... The best of which is freedom.

It is something, I thought, when a king can put a courtesan to the blush.

It is better to believe in men too rashly, and regret, than believe too meanly. Men could be more than they are, if they would try for it. He has shown them that.

True friends share everything, except the past before they met.

All men seek esteem; the best by lifting themselves, which is hard to do, the rest by shoving others down, which is much easier.

It gives me no joy to be praised at the expense of a better artist, by someone who does not know the difference or who thinks me too vain to be aware of it myself.

It is better to learn war early from friends, than late from enemies.