Nature that framed us of four elements, warring within our breasts for regiment, doth teach us all to have aspiring minds.

To keep your actions and your plans secret always has been a very good thing . .. Marcus Crassus said to one who asked him when he was going to move the army: 'Do you believe that you will be the only one not to hear the trumpet?

It is the duty of a man of honor to teach others the good which he has not been able to do himself because of the malignity of the times, that this good finally can be done by another more loved in heaven.

And the prince who has relied solely on their words, without making other preparations, is ruined, for the friendship which is gained by purchase and not through grandeur and nobility of spirit is merited but is not secured, and at times is not to be had.

Therefore, it is necessary to be a fox to discover the snares and a lion to terrify the wolves

Good order makes men bold, and confusion, cowards.

For whoever conquers a free Town, and does not demolish it, commits a great Error, and may expect to be ruin 'd himself.