Gold is tried by fire, brave men by adversity.

We suffer more in imagination than in reality.

Truth will never be tedious unto him that travelleth in the secrets of nature; there is nothing but falsehood that glutteth us.

The mind should be allowed some relaxation, that it may return to its work all the better for the rest.

Crime oft recoils upon the author's head.

Anger is like a ruin, which, in falling upon its victim, breaks itself to pieces.

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.