To make another person hold his tongue, be you first silent.

The wise man will not pardon any crime that ought to be punished, but he will accomplish, in a nobler way, all that is sought in pardoning. He will spare some and watch over some, because of their youth, and others on account of their ignorance. His clemency will not fall short of justice, but will fulfill it perfectly.

Without an adversary prowess shrivels. We see how great and efficient it really is only when it shows by endurance what it is capable of.

All art is but imitation of nature.

Just where death is expecting you is something we cannot know; so, for your part, expect him everywhere.

I had rather never receive a kindness than never bestow one.

The pleasures of the palate deal with us like Egyptian thieves who strangle those whom they embrace.