If you are bent on assuming a pose and never reveal yourself to anyone frankly, in the fashion of many who live a false life that is all made up for show; for it is torturous to be constantly watching oneself and be fearful of being caught out of our usual role. And we are never free from concern if we think that every time anyone looks at us he is always taking-our measure; for many things happen that strip off our pretence against our will, and, though all this attention to self is successful, yet the life of those who live under a mask cannot be happy and without anxiety.

There is no power greater than true affection.

Virtue needs a director and guide. Vice can be learned even without a teacher.

Calamity is virtue's opportunity.

The best way to do good to ourselves is to do it to others; the right way to gather is to scatter.

The real compensation of a right action is inherent in having performed it.

He may as well not thank at all, who thanks when none are by.