We are much beholden to Machiavel and others, that write what men do, and not what they ought to do.Francis Bacon
Judges must beware of hard constructions and strained inferences, for there is no worse torture than that of laws.Francis Bacon
Of all virtues and dignities of the mind, goodness is the greatest, being the character of the Deity; and without it, man is a busy, mischievous, wretched thing.Francis Bacon
Certainly, in taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy, but in passing it over, he is superior; for it is a prince's part to pardon.Francis Bacon
It is a true rule that love is ever rewarded, either with the reciproque or with an inward and secret contempt.Francis Bacon
Discretion of speech is more than eloquence, and to speak agreeably to him with whom we deal is more than to speak in good words, or in good order.Francis Bacon
He that hath wife and children hath given hostages to fortune; for they are impediments to great enterprises, either of virtue or mischief.Francis Bacon
