The desire for glory clings even to the best men longer than any other passion.

In private enterprises men may advance or recede, whereas they who aim at empire have no alternative between the highest success and utter downfall.

Every recreant who proved his timidity in the hour of danger, was afterwards boldest in words and tongue.

A bad peace is even worse than war.

Laws were most numerous when the commonwealth was most corrupt

Benefits received are a delight to us as long as we think we can requite them; when that possibility is far exceeded, they are repaid with hatred instead of gratitude.

Formerly we suffered from crimes; now we suffer from laws.