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

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.

Those are greedy of praise prove that they are poor in merit.

I had rather men should ask why my statue is not set up, than why it is.

Blinded as they are to their true character by self-love, every man is his own first and chiefest flatterer, prepared, therefore, to welcome the flatterer from the outside, who only comes confirming the verdict of the flatterer within.

The process may seem strange and yet it is very true. I did not so much gain the knowledge of things by the words, as words by the experience I had of things.

A warrior carries his shield for the sake of the entire line.