Better to have a known enemy than a forced ally.

The keys of a fortress are always well worth the retirement of the garrison when it is resolved to yield only on those conditions. On this principle it is always wiser to grant an honorable capitulation to a garrison which has made a vigorous resistance than to risk an assault.

All great events hang by a single thread. The clever man takes advantage of everything, neglects nothing that may give him some added opportunity; the less clever man, by neglecting one thing, sometimes misses everything.

When firmness is sufficient, rashness is unnecessary.

The truest wisdom is a resolute determination.

Impossible is a word to be found only in the dictionary of fools. Wise people create opportunities for themselves and make everything possible.