At a distance, we cannot conceive of the authority of a despot who knows all his subjects on sight.

But, if I sample this pleasure so prudently and circumspectly, it will no longer be a pleasure.

Because one has little fear of shocking vanity in Italy, people adopt an intimate tone very quickly and discuss personal things.

Every true passion thinks only of itself.

The pleasures and the cares of the luckiest ambition, even of limitless power, are nothing next to the intimate happiness that tenderness and love give. I am man before being a prince, and when I have the good fortune to be in love, my mistress addresses a man and not a prince.

One can acquire everything in solitude except character.

The pleasures of love are always in proportion to our fears.