Men are always wicked at bottom unless they are made good by some compulsion.

It is much better to tempt fortune where it can favor you than to see your certain ruin by not tempting it.

Every one sees what you appear to be, few really know what you are, and those few dare not oppose themselves to the opinion of the many, who have the majesty of the state to defend them.

Men shrink less from offending one who inspires love than one who inspires fear.

Never do your enemy a minor injury.

Men are so simple of mind, and so much dominated by their immediate needs, that a deceitful man will always find plenty who are ready to be deceived.

Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.