The perpetual work of your life is but to lay the foundation of death.

No profession or occupation is more pleasing than the military; a profession or exercise both noble in execution (for the strongest, most generous and proudest of all virtues is true valor) and noble in its cause. No utility either more just or universal than the protection of the repose or defense of the greatness of one's country. The company and daily conversation of so many noble, young and active men cannot but be well-pleasing to you.

The finest lives in my opinion are the common model, without miracle and without extravagance.

We wake sleeping, and sleep waking. I do not see so clearly in my sleep; but as to my being awake, I never found it clear enough and free from clouds.

The easy, gentle, and sloping path . . . is not the path of true virtue. It demands a rough and thorny road.

You have your face bare; I am all face.

It is a rare life that remains orderly even in private.