I have doubtless erred more or less in politics, but a crime I never committed.

Power is my mistress. I have worked too hard at her conquest to allow anyone to take her away from me.

There is a joy in danger.

Love is the occupation of the idle man, the amusement of a busy one, and the shipwreck of a sovereign.

Put your iron hand in a velvet glove.

Posterity alone rightly judges kings. Posterity alone has the right to accord or withhold honors.

France has more need of me than I have need of France.