I praise loudly. I blame softly.

I have no way to defend my borders but to extend them.

If I may venture to be frank I would say about myself that I was every inch a gentleman...

I shall be an autocrat: that’s my trade. And the good Lord will forgive me: that’s his.

For to tempt and to be tempted are things very nearly allied – whenever feeling has anything to do in the matter, no sooner is it excited than we have already gone vastly farther than we are aware of.

Don’t worry about things you cannot alter.

You should know our mania for building is stronger than ever. It is a diabolical thing. It consumes money and the more you build, the more you want to build. It’s a sickness like being addicted to alcohol.

Power without a nation’s confidence is nothing.

Nothing is more difficult, in my opinion, than to avoid something that fundamentally attracts you.

Don't worry about things you cannot alter