God preserve us! If men knew what is done in secret, no one would be free from the interference of others.

Reveal not every secret you have to a friend, for how can you tell but that friend may hereafter become and enemy. And bring not all mischief you are able to upon an enemy, for he may one day become your friend.

The severity of the master is more useful than the indulgence of the father.

In the faculty of speech man excels the brute; but if thou utterest what is improper, the brute is they superior.

Were the diver to think on the jaws of the shark, he would never lay hands on the precious pearl.

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.

Shut the door of that house of pleasure which you hear resounding with the loud voice of a woman.