The brave and bold persist even against fortune; the timid and cowardly rush to despair though fear alone.
Crime succeeds by sudden despatch; honest counsels gain vigor by delay.
Traitors are hated even by those whom they prefer.
In seasons of tumult and discord bad men have most power; mental and moral excellence require peace and quietness.
Power won by crime no one ever yet turned to a good purpose.
Even for learned men, love of fame is the last thing to be given up.