There are odious virtues; such as inflexible severity, and an integrity that accepts of no favor.

Following Emporer Nero's command, "Let the Christians be exterminated!:" . . . they [the Christians] were made the subjects of sport; they were covered with the hides of wild beasts and worried to death by dogs, or nailed to crosses or set fire to, and when the day waned, burned to serve for the evening lights.

Secure against the designs of men, secure against the malignity of the Gods, they have accomplished a thing of infinite difficulty; that to them nothing remains even to be wished.

Viewed from a distance, everything is beautiful.

That cannot be safe which is not honourable.

By punishing men of talent we confirm their authority.

Valor is of no service, chance rules all, and the bravest often fall by the hands of cowards.