Neither the army nor the treasury, but friends, are the true supports of the throne; for friends cannot be collected by force of arms, nor purchased with money; they are the offspring of kindness and sincerity.

The glory of wealth and of beauty is fleeting and frail; virtue is illustrious and everlasting.

To have the same likes and dislikes, therein consists the firmest bond of friendship.

The poorest of men are the most useful to those seeking power.

As the blessings of health and fortune have a beginning, so they must also find an end. Everything rises but to fall, and increases but to decay.

The renown which riches or beauty confer is fleeting and frail mental excellence is a splendid and lasting possession.

It is impossible that there should be so much providence in the last details, and none in the first principles. Then the arts of prophecy and of healing, which are part of the cosmos, come of the good providence of the Gods.