The aged oak upon the steep stands more firm and secure if assailed by angry winds; for if the winter bares its head, the more strongly it strikes its roots into the ground, acquiring strength as it loses beauty.

It is the just decree of Heaven that a traitor never sees his danger till his ruin is at hand.

Of all faults the greatest is the excess of impious terror, dishonoring divine grace. He who despairs wants love, wants faith; for faith, hope, and love are three torches which blend their light together, nor does the one shine without the other.

Sharp and fell remorse, the offspring of my sin! Why do you, O God, lacerate my heart so late? Why, O boding cries, that scream so close to me,--why do I listen to you now, and never heard you before?

High birth is an accident, not a virtue.

How full of error is the judgment of mankind! They wonder at results when they are ignorant of the reasons

The bee and the serpent often sip from the selfsame flower.