Barba non facit philosophum

Alexander esteemed it more kingly to govern himself than to conquer his enemies.

A few vices are sufficient to darken many virtues.

It is indeed a desirable thing to be well-descended, but the glory belongs to our ancestors.

But being overborne with numbers, and nobody daring to face about, stretching out his hands to heaven, [Romulus] prayed to Jupiter to stop the army, and not to neglect but maintain the Roman cause, now in extreme danger. The prayer was no sooner made, than shame and respect for their king checked many; the fears of the fugitives changed suddenly into confidence.

As soft wax is apt to take the stamp of the seal, so are the minds of young children to receive the instruction imprinted on them.

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.