We care not how many see us in choler, when we rave and bluster, and make as much noise and bustle as we can; but if the kindest and most generous affection comes across us, we suppress every sign of it, and hide ourselves in nooks and covert.

The vain poet is of the opinion that nothing of his can be too much: he sends to you basketful after basketful of juiceless fruit, covered with scentless flowers.

The wise become as the unwise in the enchanted chambers of Power, whose lamps make every face the same colour.

We oftener say things because we can say them well, than because they are sound and reasonable.

As there are some flowers which you should smell but slightly to extract all that is pleasant in them ... so there are some men with whom a slight acquaintance is quite sufficient to draw out all that is agreeable; a more intimate one would be unsafe and unsatisfactory.

Democracy is always the work of kings. Ashes, which in themselves are sterile, fertilize the land they are cast upon.

Virtue is presupposed in friendship.