One man to live in pleasure and wealth, whiles all other weap and smart for it, that is the part not of a king, but of a jailor.

If we lived in a state where virtue was profitable, common sense would make us saintly. But since we see that avarice, anger, pride and stupidity commonly profit far beyond charity, modesty, justice and thought, perhaps we must stand fast a little, even at the risk of being heroes.

And peradventure we have more cause to thank Him for our loss than for our winning; for His wisdom better seeth what is good for us than we do ourselves.

We cannot go to heaven in featherbeds.

Kindness and good nature unite men more effectually and with greater strength than any agreements whatsoever, since thereby the engagements of men's hearts become stronger than the bond and obligation of words.

I should only ever tell the king what he ought to do, not what he could do. For if the lion knows his own strength, no man could control him.

I'd give the Devil benefit of law, for my own safety's sake.