“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.”

Modest fame is not to be despised by the highest characters. [Lat., Modestiae fama neque summis mortalibus spernenda est.]

The hatred of those who are near to us is most violent.

Custom adapts itself to expediency.

Things forbidden have a secret charm.

A bitter jest, when it comes too near the truth, leaves a sharp sting behind it.

No hatred is so bitter as that of near relations.

There are odious virtues; such as inflexible severity, and an integrity that accepts of no favor.

Things are not to be judged good or bad merely because the public think so.

Kindness, so far as we can return it, is agreeable.

So obscure are the greatest events, as some take for granted any hearsay, whatever its source, others turn truth into falsehood, and both errors find encouragement with posterity.

Truth is confirmed by inspection and delay; falsehood by haste and uncertainty.

He that fights and runs away, May turn and fight another day; But he that is in battle slain, Will never rise to fight again.

Those in supreme power always suspect and hate their next heir.

When a woman has lost her chastity she will shrink from nothing.

The lust of dominion burns with a flame so fierce as to overpower all other affections of the human breast.

Be assured those will be thy worst enemies, not to whom thou hast done evil, but who have done evil to thee. And those will be thy best friends, not to whom thou hast done good, but who have done good to thee.