Tyrants have always some slight shade of virtue; they support the laws before destroying them.

One merit of poetry few persons will deny: it says more and in fewer words than prose.

Writing is the painting of the voice.

Now, now my good man, this is no time to be making enemies." (Voltaire on his deathbed in response to a priest asking him that he renounce Satan.)

Los Padres have everything and the people have nothing; 'tis the masterpiece of reason and justice. For my part, I know nothing so divine as Los Padres who make war on Kings of Spain and Portugal and in Europe act as their confessors; who here kill Spaniards and at Madrid send them to Heaven.

The right of commanding is no longer an advantage transmitted by nature; like an inheritance, it is the fruit of labors, the price of courage.

We should be considerate to the living; to the dead we owe only the truth.