Misery and misfortune is all one; and of misfortune fortune hath only the gift.

The violence of sorrow is not at the first to be striven withal; being, like a mighty beast, sooner tamed with following than overthrown by withstanding.

Give tribute, but not oblation, to human wisdom.

Many delight more in giving of presents than in paying their debts.

Reason! how many eyes hast thou to see evils, and how dim, nay, blind, thou art in preventing them.

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

Since bodily strength is but a servant to the mind, it were very barbarous and preposterous that force should be made judge over reason.