An example is often a deceptive mirror, and the order of destiny, so troubling to our thoughts, is not always found written in things past
Pierre CorneilleEvery brave man is a man of his word; to such base vices he cannot stoop, and shuns more than death the shame of lying.
Pierre CorneilleGood fortune leads one to the highest glory, But to renounce it calls for equal courage.
Pierre CorneilleA true king is neither husband nor father; he considers his throne and nothing else.
Pierre CorneilleAmbition displeases when it has been sated ... having reached the peak, it aspires to descend.
Pierre CorneilleA monarch must sometimes rule even himself: he who wants everything must risk very little.
Pierre CorneilleGenerosity is the accompaniment of high birth; pity and gratitude are its attendants.
Pierre CorneilleThese 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!
Pierre CorneilleJust as We never taste happiness in perfection, our most fortunate successes are mixed with sadness. So too we never taste sadness completely, as things could always be worse in some way and for this we can be grateful.
Pierre CorneilleYour 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.
Pierre CorneilleIf anyone wants to know what elephants are like, they are like people only more so.
Pierre CorneilleHeaven often regulates effects by their causes, and pays the wicked what they have deserved.
Pierre Corneille