It is a law of human nature that in victory even the coward may boast of his prowess, while defeat injures the reputation even of the brave.
Neither soldiers nor money can defend a king but only friends won by good deeds, merit, and honesty.
As the blessings of health and fortune have a beginning, so they must also find an end. Everything rises but to fall, and increases but to decay.
All those who offer an opinion on any doubtful point should first clear their minds of every sentiment of dislike, friendship, anger or pity.
The fame that goes with wealth and beauty is fleeting and fragile intellectual superiority is a possession glorious and eternal.