Cunning differs from wisdom as twilight from open day.

Sir, I have no objection to a man's drinking wine, if he can do it in moderation. I found myself apt to go to excess in it, and therefore, after having been for some time without it, on account of illness, I thought it better not to return to it. Every man is to judge for himself, according to the effects which he experiences.

Every man has something to do which he neglects, every man has faults to conquer which he delays to combat.

As to precedents, to be sure they will increase in course of time; but the more precedents there are, the less occasion is there for law; that is to say, the less occasion is there for investigating principles.

Men have solicitude about fame; and the greater share they have of it, the more afraid they are of losing it.

Every man thinks meanly of himself for not having been a soldier, or not having been at sea.

The violence of war admits no distinction; the lance, that is lifted at guilt and power, will sometimes fall on innocence and gentleness.