It is much safer to reconcile an enemy than to conquer him; victory may deprive him of his poison, but reconciliation of his will.

Fear, if it be not immoderate, puts a guard about us that does watch and defend us; but credulity keeps us naked, and lays us open to all the sly assaults of ill-intending men: it was a virtue when man was in his innocence; but since his fall, it abuses those that own it.

Discontents are sometimes the better part of our life. I know not well which is the most useful; joy I may choose for pleasure, but adversities are the best for profit; and sometimes those do so far help me, as I should, without them, want much of the joy I have.

Gold is the fool's curtain, which hides all his defects from the world.

It is to be doubted whether he will ever find the way to heaven who desires to go thither alone.

If ever I should affect injustice, it would be in this, that I might do courtesies and receive none.

Virtue is the truest liberty.