We ought to give our friend pain if it will benefit him, but not to the extent of breaking off our friendship; but just as we make use of some biting medicine that will save and preserve the life of the patient. And so the friend, like a musician, in bringing about an improvement to what is good and expedient, sometimes slackens the chords, sometimes tightens them, and is often pleasant, but always useful.

When Demosthenes was asked what were the three most important aspects of oratory, he answered, 'Action, Action, Action.'

The present offers itself to our touch for only an instant of time and then eludes the senses.

Speech is like cloth of Arras opened and put abroad, whereby the imagery doth appear in figure; whereas in thoughts they lie but as packs.

Foreign lady once remarked to the wife of a Spartan commander that the women of Sparta were the only women in the world who could rule men. "We are the only women who raise men," the Spartan lady replied.

A friend should be like money, tried before being required, not found faulty in our need.

He is a fool who leaves things close at hand to follow what is out of reach.