“Imitators are a slavish herd and fools in my opinion.”

Friendship is the shadow of the evening, which increases with the setting sun of life.

He is very foolish who aims at satisfying all the world and his father.

In this world we must help one another.

I bend but do not break.

A hungry stomach cannot hear.

Lynx-eyes toward our equals, and moles to ourselves.

Alas! we see that the small have always suffered for the follies of the great.

Anyone entrusted with power will abuse it if not also animated with the love of truth and virtue, no matter whether he be a prince, or one of the people.

Death never takes the wise man by surprise, he is always ready to go.

In short, luck’s always to blame.

The ruins of a house may be repaired; why cannot those of the face?

Our condition never satisfies us; the present is always the worst. Though Jupiter should grant his request to each, we should continue to importune him.

Everyone has his faults which he continually repeats: neither fear nor shame can cure them.

No favor can win gratitude from a cat.

Too many expedients may spoil an affair.

Sensible people find nothing useless.