39 Quotes by Cardinal Richelieu

One must believe neither the people of the palace, who ordinarily measure the power of the king by the shape of his crown, which, being round, has no end, nor those who, in the excesses of an indiscreet zeal, proclaim themselves openly as partisans of Rome.

Did you think I was immortal?

When people are too comfortable, it is not possible to restrain them within the bounds of their duty? They may be compared to mules who, being accustomed to burdens, are spoilt by rest rather than labour.

To know how to disguise is the knowledge of kings.

Not the least of the qualities that go into the making of a great ruler is the ability of letting others serve him.

We may employ artifice to deceive a rival, anything against our enemies.

Bakers of bread rolls and pastry cooks will not buy grain before eleven o'clock in winter and noon in summer; bakers of large loaves will not buy grain before two o'clock. This will enable the people of the town to obtain their supply first. Bakers shall put a distinctive trademark on their loaves, and keep weights and scales in their shops, under penalty of having their licenses removed.

To mislead a rival, deception is permissable; one may use all means against his enemies.

I have never had any [enemies] other than those of the state.