In a conquered country benevolence is not humanitarianism. It is a general political axiom that a conqueror must not inspire a good opinion of his benevolence until he has demonstrated that he can be severe with malefactors.

You must not fear death, my lads; defy him, and you drive him into the enemy's ranks.

Let the path be open to talent.

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

It is not by whining that one carries out the job of king.

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

To make yourself understood to people, one must first speak to their eyes