198.—We exaggerate the glory of some men to detract from that of others, and we should praise Prince Condé and Marshal Turenne much less if we did not want to blame them both.
[The allusion to Condé and Turenne gives the date at which these maxims were published in 1665. Condé and Turenne were after their campaign with the Imperialists at the height of their fame. It proves the truth of the remark of Tacitus, "Populus neminem sine aemulo sinit."— Tac. Ann. xiv.]
199.—The desire to appear clever often prevents our being so.
200.—Virtue would not go far did not vanity escort her.
201.—He who thinks he has the power to content the world greatly deceives himself, but he who thinks that the world cannot be content with him deceives himself yet more.
202.—Falsely honest men are those who disguise their faults both to themselves and others; truly honest men are those who know them perfectly and confess them.
203.—He is really wise who is nettled at nothing.
204.—The coldness of women is a balance and burden they add to their beauty.
205.—Virtue in woman is often the love of reputation and repose.
206.—He is a truly good man who desires always to bear the inspection of good men.