Pierre Corneille Quotes - Page 5

Master of the universe but not of myself, I am the only rebel against my absolute power.

Your Christians, whom one persecutes in vain, have something in them that surpasses the human. They lead a life of such innocence,that the heavens owe them some recognition: that they arise the stronger the more they are beaten down is hardly the result of common virtues.

I am master of myself as of the universe, so I am; so I wish to be.

Rome is no longer in Rome, it is here where I am.

Generosity is the accompaniment of high birth; pity and gratitude are its attendants.

It is the guilt, not the scaffold, which constitutes the shame.

It is a law, of the gods which is never broken, to sell somewhat dearly the great benefits which they confer on us.

Those who resolve to conquer or die, are rarely conquered.

These flattering mirrors reflect imperfectly what is within; the countenance is often a gay deceiver. What defects of mind lie hidden under its beauty! What fair exteriors conceal base souls!

It is the crime not the scaffold which is the disgrace.

I would tell you I love you, Sir, if I knew what it was to love.

It is an imprudence common to kings to listen to too much advice and to err in their choice.

I agree to, or rather aspire to, my doom.

He who pardons easily invites offense.

Clemency is the noblest trait which can reveal a true monarch to the world.

It takes good memory to keep up a lie

Rome alone can resist Rome.

Death was to be my glory, but destiny has refused it.

After having won a scepter, few are so generous as to disdain the pleasures of ruling.

All great virtues become great men. [Fr., Toutes grandes vertus conviennent aux grands hommes.]

How much must I overcome before I triumph?

Alas, I emerge from one disaster to fall into a worse.

Heaven absolves all crimes committed to gain a throne Once Heaven gives it to us.

I love you much less than my God, but much more than myself.

Your heart is mine; there I reign. I am content.