When a mean wretch cannot vie with another in virtue, out of his wickedness he begins to slander. The abject envious wretch will slander the virtuous man when absent, but when brought face to face his loquacious tongue becomes dumb.

Liberty is of more value than any gifts; and to receive gifts is to lose it. Be assured that men most commonly seek to oblige thee only that they may engage thee to serve them.

When a man appreciates only eating and sleeping, what excellence has he over the reptiles?

The sea does not contain all the pearls, the earth does not enclose all the treasures, and the flint-stone does not inclose all the diamonds, since the head of man encloses wisdom.

A grateful dog is better than an ungrateful man.

I have never seen a man lost who was on a straight path.

In the faculty of speech man excels the brute; but if thou utterest what is improper, the brute is they superior.

The whelp of a wolf must prove a wolf at last, notwithstanding he may be brought up by a man.

The rich man is everywhere expected and at home.