should obey shake off all respect and subordination. Then is lethargic indolence roused; but roused by convulsions.
12. A veil ought always to be drawn over whatever may be said or thought concerning the rights of the people, or of kings; which agree best when least mentioned.[1]
13. There are, at times, situations so very unfortunate, that whatever is undertaken must be wrong. Chance, alone, never throws people into such dilemmas; and they happen only to those who bring them upon themselves.
14. It is more unbecoming a minister to say, than to do, silly things.
15. The advice given to a minister, by an obnoxious person, is always thought bad.
16. It is as dangerous, and almost as criminal, with princes, to have the power of doing good, as the will of doing evil.
17. Timorous minds are much more inclined to deliberate than to resolve.
18. It appears ridiculous to assert, but it is not the less true, that at Paris, during the popular commotions, the most violent will not quit their homes past a stated hour.
- ↑ This Maxim, as well as several others, evidently prove they were written by a man subject to despotic government.
