No more good must be attempted than the nation can bear

Poets tell many lies.

To make an empire durable, the magistrates must obey the laws and the people the magistrates.

Laws are like spiders webs which, if anything small falls into them they ensnare it, but large things break through and escape.

Often the wicked prosper, while the righteous starve; yet I would never exchange my state for theirs, my virtue for their gold. For mine endures, while riches change their owner every day.

In giving advice seek to help, not to please, your friend.

If things are going well, religion and legislation are beneficial; if not, they are of no avail.