The herd seek out the great, not for their sake but for their influence; and the great welcome them out of vanity or need.

From triumph to downfall is but a step. I have seen a trifle decide the most important issues in the gravest affairs.

When small men attempt great enterprises, they always end by reducing them to the level of their mediocrity.

Of all the peoples of Europe, Spaniards disgust me the least.

Moses has revealed the existence of God to his nation. Jesus Christ to the Roman world, Muhammad to the old continent.

I hope before long to press you in my arms and shall shower on you a million burning kisses as under the Equator.

To write history one must be more than a man, since the author who holds the pen of this great justiciary must be free from all preoccupation of interest or vanity.