The hand that gives is among the hand that takes. Money has no fatherland, financiers are without patriotism and without decency, their sole object is gain.

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.

To imagine that it is possible to perform great military deeds without fighting is just empty dreams.

The logical end to defensive warfare is surrender.

Clearly, the pleasures wines afford are transitory - but so are those of the ballet, or of a musical performance. Wine is inspiring and adds greatly to the joy of living.

It is often in the audacity, in the steadfastness, of the general that the safety and the conservation of his men is found.

Rascality has limits; stupidity has not.