Men are vile inconstant toads.

I regard almost all quarrels of princes on the same footing, and I see nothing that marks man's unreason so positively as war. Indeed, what folly to kill one another for interests often imaginary, and always for the pleasure of persons who do not think themselves even obliged to those who sacrifice themselves for them!

It is 11 years since I have seen my figure in a glass [mirror]. The last reflection I saw there was so disagreeable I resolved to spare myself such mortification in the future.

No entertainment is so cheap as reading, nor any pleasure so lasting.

Be plain in dress, and sober in your diet; In short, my deary, kiss me, and be quiet.

People wish their enemies dead - but I do not; I say give them the gout, give them the stone!

Let this great maxim be my virtue's guide,- In part she is to blame that has been tried: He comes too near that comes to be denied.