There is only one step from the sublime to the ridiculous.
The best way to keep one's word is not to give it.
Kiss the feet of Popes provided their hands are tied.
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.
Death is nothing, but to live defeated and inglorious is to die daily.
Men are ruled by toys.