Put a rogue in the limelight and he will act like an honest man.

When I give a minister an order, I leave it to him to find the means to carry it out.

America is a fortunate country. She grows by the follies of our European nations.

I don't employ Talleyrand when I want a thing done, but only when I want to have the appearance of wanting to do it.

You would make a ship sail against the winds and currents by lighting a bonfire under her decks? I have no time for such nonsense.

Clever policy consists in making nations believe they are free.

I treat policies like war. I hoodwink one flank so as to trounce the other. In my family we kneel only to God.