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.

The subject of a good tragedy must not be realistic.

A true king is neither husband nor father; he considers his throne and nothing else.

I would not like a king who could obey.

I am young, it is true; but in noble souls valor does not wait for years.

Desire increases when fulfillment is postponed.

Ambition, having reached the summit, longs to descend.