If thou takest virtue for the rule of life, and valuest thyself upon acting in all things comfortably thereto, thou wilt have no cause to envy lords and princes; for blood is inherited, but virtue is common property, and may be acquired by all; it has, moreover, an intrinsic worth, which blood has not.

There is also this benefit in brag, that the speaker is unconsciously expressing his own ideal. Humor him by all means, draw it all out, and hold him to it.

Riches are able to solder up abundance of flaws.

Whether the pitcher hits the stone or the stone hits the pitcher, it goes ill with the pitcher.

There is nothing costs less than civility.

Never meddle with play-actors, for they're a favoured race.

Forewarned, forearmed; to be prepared is half the victory.