Quotes By Pierre Corneille

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

Danger breeds best on too much confidence.

To die for one's country is such a worthy fate that all compete for so beautiful a death.

They who overcome their desires once can overcome them always.

It matters more how one gives than what one gives.

Those who easily forgive invite offenses.

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

This dark brightness that falls from the stars.

Ambition aspires to descend.

Do your duty and leave the rest to heaven.

Flee an enemy who knows your weakness.

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

We never taste happiness in perfection, our most fortunate successes are mixed with sadness.

Oh, how sweet it is to pity the fate of an enemy who can no longer threaten us!

An example is often a deceptive mirror, and the order of destiny, so troubling to our thoughts, is not always found written in things past.

A liar is always lavish of oaths.

To win without risk is to triumph without glory.

A first impulse was never a crime.

To take revenge halfheartedly is to court disaster; either condemn or crown your hatred.

In the service of Caesar, everything is legitimate.

To vanquish without peril is to triumph without glory.

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

When the patient loves his disease, how unwilling he is to allow a remedy to be applied.

A true king is neither husband nor father; he considers his throne and nothing else.

He who does not fear death cares naught for threats.

He who pardons easily invites offense.

How delicious is pleasure after torment!

A good memory is needed after one has lied.

Every man of courage is a man of his word.

It is a crime against the State to be powerful enough to commit one.