An enemy to whom you show kindness becomes your friend.
No reliance can be placed on the friendship of kings, nor vain hope put in the melodious voice of boys; for that passes away like a vision, and this vanishes like a dream.
Independence is of more value than any gifts; and to receive gifts is to lose it.
The rich man is everywhere expected and at home.
Where the hand of tyranny is long we do not see the lips of men open with laughter.
Take care how you listen to the voice of the flatterer, who, in return for his little stock, expects to derive from you considerable advantage. If one day you do not comply with his wishes, be imputes to you two hundred defects instead of perfections.