We are the buffoons of our children.

Age has a good mind and sorry shanks.

Anger represents a certain power, when a great mind, prevented from executing its own generous desires, is moved by it.

Flattery and deceit are the darlings of great men, and so with these men spread the butter on thick, if you want to get something out of them, otherwise you'll come home to me with a full belly and an empty purse.

They merit more praise who know how to suffer misery than those who temper themselves in contentment.

A high heart ought to bear calamities and not flee them, since in bearing them appears the grandeur of the mind and in fleeing them the cowardice of the heart.

With a goose-quill and a few sheets of paper, I mock myself of the universe. They say I am the son of a courtesan; it may be so, but I have the heart of a King. I live free, I enjoy myself, I can call myself happy.