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

There is nothing sooner overthrows a weak head than opinion by authority, like too strong a liquor for a frail glass.

The general goodness, which is nourished in noble hearts makes every one think that strength of virtue to be in another whereof they find assured foundation in themselves.

Anger, the Stoics said, was a short madness.

They are never alone that are accompanied with noble thoughts.

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.

Blasphemous words betray the vain foolishness of the speaker.