“Formerly we suffered from crimes; now we suffer from laws.”

The sciences throw an inexpressible grace over our compositions, even where they are not immediately concerned; as their effects are discernible where we least expect to find them.

The gods are on the side of the stronger.

Christianity is a pestilent superstition.

Valor is of no service, chance rules all, and the bravest often fall by the hands of cowards.

Power acquired by guilt was never used for a good purpose.

Christianity is a pestilent superstition.

An honorable death is better than a dishonorable life.

A woman once fallen will shrink from no impropriety.

Indeed, the crowning proof of their valour and their strength is that they keep up their superiority without harm to others.

It is the nature of the human disposition to hate him whom you have injured.

Reason and calm judgment, the qualities specially belonging to a leader.

We extol ancient things, regardless of our own times. [Lat., Vetera extollimus recentium incuriosi.]

The powerful hold in deep remembrance an ill-timed pleasantry. [Lat., Facetiarum apud praepotentes in longum memoria est.]

War will of itself discover and lay open the hidden and rankling wounds of the victorious party.

[That form of] eloquence, the foster-child of licence, which fools call liberty. [Lat., Eloquentia, alumna licentiae, quam stulti libertatem vocabant.]

Necessity reforms the poor, and satiety reforms the rich.