Independence is of more value than any gifts; and to receive gifts is to lose it.
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.
Whatever is produced in haste goes hastily to waste.
A man of virtue, judgment, and prudence speaks not until there is silence.
The rose and thorn, the treasure and dragon, joy and sorrow, all mingle into one.
Liberty is of more value than any gifts; and to receive gifts is to lose it. Be assured that men most commonly seek to oblige thee only that they may engage thee to serve them.