The secret counsels of princes are a troublesome burden to such as have only to execute them.
Michel de MontaigneOur speech has its weaknesses and its defects, like all the rest. Most of the occasions for the troubles of the world are grammatical.
Michel de MontaigneMarriage can be compared to a cage: birds outside it despair to enter, and birds within, to escape.
Michel de MontaigneThose who give the first shock to a state are the first overwhelmed in its ruin; the fruits of public commotion are seldom enjoyed by him who was the first mover; he only beats the water for another's net.
Michel de MontaigneMarriage has, for its share, usefulness, justice, honour, and constancy; a stale but more durable pleasure. Love is grounded on pleasure alone, and it is indeed more gratifying to the senses, keener and more acute; a pleasure stirred and kept alive by difficulties. There must be a sting and a smart in it. It ceases to be love if it has no shafts and no fire.
Michel de Montaigne