If our inward griefs were seen written on our brow, how many would be pitied who are now envied! [It., Se a ciascun l'interno affanno Si leggesse in fronte scritto, Quanti mai, che invidia fanno, Ci farebbero pieta!].

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.

An old warrior is never in haste to strike the blow.

It is by no means a fact that death is the worst of all evils; when it comes it is an alleviation to mortals who are worn out with sufferings.

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

Prepare thy soul calmly to obey; such offering will be more acceptable to God than every other sacrifice.

Every noble acquisition is attended with its risks; he who fears to encounter the one must not expect to obtain the other.