It is no great wonder if in long process of time, while fortune takes her course hither and thither, numerous coincidences should spontaneously occur. If the number and variety of subjects to be wrought upon be infinite, it is all the more easy for fortune, with such an abundance of material, to effect this similarity of results.

We are more sensible of what is done against custom than against nature.

Let a prince be guarded with soldiers, attended by councillors, and shut up in forts; yet if his thoughts disturb him, he is miserable.

It is wise to be silent when occasion requires, and better than to speak, though never so well.

Our nature holds so much envy and malice that our pleasure in our own advantages is not so great as our distress at others'.

Oh, what a world full of pain we create, for a little taste upon the tongue.

Beauty is the flower of virtue.