Surely, if we considered detraction to be bred of envy, nested only in deficient minds, we should find that the applauding of virtue would win us far more honor than the seeking slyly to disparage it. That would show we loved what we commended, while this tells the world we grudge at what we want in ourselves.

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

When two friends part they should lock up one another's secrets, and interchange their keys.

A sentence well couched takes both the sense and understanding. I love not those cart-rope speeches that are longer than the memory of man can fathom.

We pick our own sorrows out of the joys of other men, and from their sorrows likewise we derive our joys.

To be gentle is the test of a lady.

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