With a tale, forsooth, he cometh unto you; with a tale which holdeth children from play, and old men from the chimney corner.

Whatever comes out of despair cannot bear the title of valor, which should be lifted up to such a height that holding all things under itself, it should be able to maintain its greatness, even in the midst of miseries.

Self-love is better than any gilding to make that seem gorgeous wherein ourselves be parties.

Ambition, like love, can abide no lingering; and ever urgeth on his own successes, hating nothing but what may stop them.

Confidence in one's self is the chief nurse of magnanimity, which confidence, notwithstanding, doth not leave the care of necessary furniture for it; and therefore, of all the Grecians, Homer doth ever make Achilles the best armed.

It is no less vain to wish death than it is cowardly to fear it.

In the performance of a good action, we not only benefit ourselves, but we confer a blessing upon others.