Written laws are like spiderwebs: they will catch, it is true, the weak and poor but would be torn in pieces by the rich and powerful.

A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always count on the support of Paul.

The vice presidency isn’t worth a pitcher of warm piss.

Let him who desires peace prepare for war.

I shall be an autocrat: that’s my trade. And the good Lord will forgive me: that’s his.

Do that which consists in taking no action, and order will prevail.

The best of all rulers is but a shadowy presence to his subjects.

The U.S. presidency is a Tudor monarchy plus telephones.

My people and I have come to an agreement that satisfies us both. They are to say what they please, and I am to do what I please.

The more corrupt the republic, the more numerous the laws.

Treaties, you see, are like girls and roses: they last while they last.

The first requirement of a statesman is that he be dull.

On the loftiest throne in the world, we still sit only on our own rump.