“When men of talents are punished, authority is strengthened. [Lat., Punitis ingeniis, gliscit auctoritas.]”

The changeful change of circumstances. [Lat., Varia sors rerum.]

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

Even for learned men, love of fame is the last thing to be given up.

We see many who are struggling against adversity who are happy, and more although abounding in wealth, who are wretched.

Following Emporer Nero’s command, “Let the Christians be exterminated!:” . . . they [the Christians] were made the subjects of sport; they were covered with the hides of wild beasts and worried to death by dogs, or nailed to crosses or set fire to, and when the day waned, burned to serve for the evening lights.

There can never be a complete confidence in a power which is excessive.

Flatterers are the worst kind of enemies. [Lat., Pessimum genus inimicorum laudantes.]

No one in Germany laughs at vice, nor do they call it the fashion to corrupt and to be corrupted.

Fear is not in the habit of speaking truth; when perfect sincerity is expected, perfect freedom must be allowed; nor has anyone who is apt to be angry when he hears the truth any cause to wonder that he does not hear it.

They terrify lest they should fear.

That cannot be safe which is not honourable.

The desire of glory is the last infirmity cast off even by the wise.

Bottling up his malice to be suppressed and brought out with increased violence.

We accomplish more by prudence than by force. [Lat., Plura consilio quam vi perficimus.]

A shocking crime was committed on the unscrupulous initiative of few individuals, with the blessing of more, and amid the passive acquiescence of all.

Deos fortioribus adesse. The gods support those who are stronger.