If we traverse the world, it is possible to find cities without walls, without letters, without kings, without wealth, without coin, without schools and theatres; but a city without a temple, or that practiseth not worship, prayer, and the like, no one ever saw.

The human heart becomes softened by hearing of instances of gentleness and consideration.

A few vices are sufficient to darken many virtues.

...To the Dolphin alone, beyond all other, nature has granted what the best philosophers seek: friendship for no advantage

The usual disease of princes, grasping covetousness, had made them suspicious and quarrelsome neighbors.

As small letters hurt the sight, so do small matters him that is too much intent upon them; they vex and stir up anger, which begets an evil habit in him in reference to greater affairs.

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