Even honor and virtue make enemies, condemning, as they do, their opposites by too close a contrast.

None mourn more ostentatiously than those who most rejoice at it [a death].

Benefits received are a delight to us as long as we think we can requite them; when that possibility is far exceeded, they are repaid with hatred instead of gratitude.

Legions and fleets are not such sure bulwarks of imperial power as a numerous family

Style, like the human body, is specially beautiful when the veins are not prominent and the bones cannot be counted.

The unknown always passes for the marvellous.

They make a desert and call it peace.

The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.

To show resentment at a reproach is to acknowledge that one may have deserved it.

Candor and generosity, unless tempered by due moderation, lead to ruin.