“And the most glorious exploits do not always furnish us with the clearest discoveries of virtue or vice in men; sometimes a matter of less moment, an expression or a jest, informs us better of their characters and inclinations, than the most famous sieges, the greatest armaments, or the bloodiest battles whatsoever. Therefore as portrait-painters are more exact in the lines and features of the face, in which the character is seen, than in the other parts of the body, so I must be allowed to give my more particular attention to the marks and indications of the souls of men, and while I endeavor by these to portray their lives, may be free to leave more weighty matters and great battles to be treated of by others.”

“I am all that hath been, and is, and shall be; and my veil no mortal has hitherto raised.”

“Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks.”

“To make no mistakes is not in the power of man but from their errors and mistakes the wise and good learn wisdom for the future. ”

“Courage stands halfway between cowardice and rashness, one of which is a lack, the other an excess of courage.”

“No man ever wetted clay and then left it, as if there would be bricks by chance and fortune.”

“I would rather excel in the knowledge of what is excellent, than in the extent of my power and possessions.”

“The very spring and root of honesty and virtue lie in good education.”

“The omission of good is no less reprehensible than the commission of evil.”

“To make no mistakes is not in the power of man but from their errors and mistakes the wise and good learn wisdom for the future.”

“The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.”