And if, to be sure, sometimes you need to conceal a fact with words, do it in such a way that it does not become known, or, if it does become known, that you have a ready and quick defense.

God creates men, but they choose each other.

The chief foundations of all states, new as well as old or composite, are good laws and good arms.

Every little advantage is of great moment when men have to come to blows.

There is nothing more important than appearing to be religious.

Thus it is well to seem merciful, faithful, humane, sincere, religious, and also to be so; but you must have the mind so disposed that when it is needful to be otherwise you may be able to change to the opposite qualities.

Wisdom consists in being able to distinguish among dangers and make a choice of the least harmful.