Seeing the lightest and gayest purple was then most in fashion, he would always wear that which was the nearest black; and he would often go out of doors, after his morning meal, without either shoes or tunic; not that he sought vain-glory from such novelties, but he would accustom himself to be ashamed only of what deserves shame, and to despise all other sorts of disgrace.

So very difficult a matter is it to trace and find out the truth of anything by history.

A few vices are sufficient to darken many virtues.

It is a hard matter, my fellow citizens, to argue with the belly, since it has no ears.

A good man will take care of his horses and dogs, not only while they are young, but when old and past service.

God alone is entirely exempt from all want of human virtues, that which needs least is the most absolute and divine.

Know how to listen, and you will profit even from those who talk badly.