We rich men count our felicity and happiness to lie in these superfluities, and not in those necessary things.

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

Where two discourse, if the anger of one rises, he is the wise man who lets the contest fall.

Prosperity has this property, it puffs up narrow Souls, makes them imagine themselves high and mighty, and look down upon the World with Contempt; but a truly noble and resolved Spirit appears greatest in Distress, and then becomes more bright and conspicuous.

It is a true proverb, that if you live with a lame man, you will learn to limp.

I am all that hath been, and is, and shall be; and my veil no mortal has hitherto raised.

It is not the most distinguished achievements that men's virtues or vices may be best discovered; but very often an action of small note. An casual remark or joke shall distinguish a person's real character more than the greatest sieges, or the most important battles.