There is nothing exempt from the peril of mutation; the earth, heavens, and whole world is thereunto subject.

Whoso taketh in hand to govern a multitude, either by way of liberty or principality, and cannot assure himself of those persons that are enemies to that enterprise, doth frame a state of short perseverance.

Flatterers are the worst kind of traitors, for they will strengthen thy imperfections, encourage thee in all evils, correct thee in nothing, but so shadow and paint thy follies and vices as thou shalt never, by their will, discover good from evil, or vice from virtue.

No man is esteemed for colorful garments except by fools and women.

Passions are likened best to floods and streams: The shallow murmur, but the deep are dumb.

Youth is the opportunity to do something and to be somebody.

In a letter to a friend the thought is often unimportant, and the feeling, if it be only a desire to entertain him, every thing.