I hold it to be a proof of great prudence for men to abstain from threats and insulting words toward anyone, for neither diminishes the strength of the enemy.

Men in general judge more from appearances than from reality. All men have eyes, but few have the gift of penetration.

Sometimes it has been of great moment while the fight is going on, to disseminate words that pronounce the enemies' captain to be dead, or to have been conquered by another part of the army. Many times this has given victory to him who used it.

For the mob is always impressed by appearances and by results, and the world is composed of the mob.

Men are so simple and so much inclined to obey immediate needs that a deceiver will never lack victims for his deceptions.

Cruelties should be committed all at once.

If the course of human affairs be considered, it will be seen that many things arise against which heaven does not allow us to guard.