No one would have doubted his ability to reign had he never been emperor.

Valor is of no service, chance rules all, and the bravest often fall by the hands of cowards.

The love of fame is the last weakness which even the wise resign.

All things atrocious and shameless flock from all parts to Rome.

Posterity will pay everyone their due.

All bodies are slow in growth but rapid in decay.

Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.

Greater things are believed of those who are absent.

All enterprises that are entered into with indiscreet zeal may be pursued with great vigor at first, but are sure to collapse in the end.