A sword by itself does not slay; it is merely the weapon used by the slayer.

What madness it is for a man to starve himself to enrich his heir, and so turn a friend into an enemy! For his joy at your death will be proportioned to what you leave him.

Modesty once extinguished knows not how to return.

Those who pass their lives in foreign travel find they contract many ties of hospitality, but form no friendships.

The voice of flattery affects us after it has ceased, just as after a concert men find some agreeable air ringing in their ears to the exclusion of all serious business.

Small sorrows speak great ones are silent.

There is no fair wind for one who knows not whither he is bound.