...the poet, he nothing affirmeth, and therefore never lieth.

So, then, the best of the historian is subject to the poet; for whatsoever action or faction, whatsoever counsel, policy, or war-stratagem the historian is bound to recite, that may the poet, if he list, with his imitation make his own, beautifying it both for further teaching and more delighting, as it pleaseth him; having all, from Dante’s Heaven to his Hell, under the authority of his pen.

Whether your time calls you to live or die, do both like a prince.

The day seems long, but night is odious; no sleep, but dreams; no dreams but visions strange.

Indeed, the Roman laws allowed no person to be carried to the wars but he that was in the soldiers roll.

Remember that in all miseries lamenting becomes fools, and action, wise folk.

Doing good is the only certainly happy action of a man's life.