Power is the test. Some, once they have it, are content to buy the show of liking, and punish those who withhold it; then you have a despot. But some keep a true eye for how they seem to others, and care about it, which holds them back from much mischief.

Love is a boaster at heart, who cannot hide the stolen horse without giving a glimpse of the bridle.

Often beauty grows dull or common when speech breaks the mask.

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.

Power is the test. Some, once they have it, are content to buy the show of liking, and punish those who withhold it; then you have a despot. But some keep a true eye for how they seem to others, and care about it, which holds them back from much mischief.

By her shining and her power he knew her.

Go with your fate, but not beyond. Beyond leads to dark places.