It is the nature of ambition to make men liars and cheats, to hide the truth in their breasts, and show, like jugglers, another thing in their mouths, to cut all friendships and enmities to the measure of their own interest, and to make a good countenance without the help of good will.

A small state increases by concord; the greatest falls gradually to ruin by dissension.

To have the same desires and the same aversion is assuredly a firm bond of friendship.

In victory even the cowardly like to boast, while in adverse times even the brave are discredited.

In my own case, who have spent my whole life in the practice of virtue, right conduct from habitual has become natural.

For harmony makes small states great, while discord undermines the mightiest empires.

In battle it is the cowards who run the most risk; bravery is a rampart of defense.