The good, supreme, divine poetry is above the rules and reason. Whoever discerns its beauty with a firm, sedate gaze does not see it, any more than he sees the splendor of a lightning flash. It does not persuade our judgement, it ravishes and overwhelms it.

To honor him whom we have made is far from honoring him that hath made us.

I do myself a greater injury in lying than I do him of whom I tell a lie.

Necessity reconciles and brings men together; and this accidental connection afterward forms itself into laws.

My appetite comes to me while eating.

Princes give mee sufficiently, if they take nothing from me, and doe me much good, if they doe me no hurt: it is all I require of them.

I would rather produce my passions than brood over them at my expense; they grow languid when they have vent and expression. It is better that their point should operate outwardly than be turned against us.