“That cannot be safe which is not honourable.”

Rulers always hate and suspect the next in succession. [Lat., Suspectum semper invisumque dominantibus qui proximus destinaretur.]

All bodies are slow in growth but rapid in decay.

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

If we must fall, we should boldly meet our fate.

Conspicuous by his absence.

A man in power, once becoming obnoxious, his acts, good or bad, will work out his ruin.

Rumor does not always err; it sometimes even elects a man.

They make solitude, which they call peace.

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

Victor and vanquished never unite in substantial agreement.

All enterprises that are entered into with indiscreet zeal may be pursued with great vigor at first, but are sure to collapse in the end.

In all things there is a kind of law of cycles. [Lat., Rebus cunctis inest quidam velut orbis.]

Greater things are believed of those who are absent.

The wicked find it easier to coalesce for seditious purposes than for concord in peace.

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

People flatter us because they can depend upon our credulity.