Your Christians, whom one persecutes in vain, have something in them that surpasses the human. They lead a life of such innocence,that the heavens owe them some recognition: that they arise the stronger the more they are beaten down is hardly the result of common virtues.

These flattering mirrors reflect imperfectly what is within; the countenance is often a gay deceiver. What defects of mind lie hidden under its beauty! What fair exteriors conceal base souls!

It is only blood that can wash away such an outrage; die or kill.

After having won a scepter, few are so generous as to disdain the pleasures of ruling.

The subject of a good tragedy must not be realistic.

The universe has no prince or king that it [Rome] would consider equal to its humblest citizen.

A good memory is needed after one has lied.