Advise well before you begin, and when you have maturely considered, then act with promptitude.
SallustIt is always easy enough to take up arms, but very difficult to lay them down; the commencement and the termination of war are notnecessarily in the same hands; even a coward may begin, but the end comes only when the victors are willing.
SallustNeither soldiers nor money can defend a king but only friends won by good deeds, merit, and honesty.
SallustThe fame which is based on wealth or beauty is a frail and fleeting thing; but virtue shines for ages with undiminished lustre.
Sallust