James Wood, comp. Dictionary of Quotations. 1899.
Richelieu
Carry on every enterprise as if all depended on the success of it.
Etre capable de se laisser servir n’est pas une des moindres qualités que puisse avoir un grand roi—The ability to enlist the services of others in the conduct of affairs is one of the most distinguishing qualities of a great monarch.
Je n’ai point d’ennemis que ceux de l’état—I have no enemies whatever but those of the state.To his confessor on his death-bed.
One could not commit a greater crime against public interests than to show indulgence to those who violate them.
Pour tromper un rival l’artifice est permis: / On peut tout employer contre ses ennemis—We may employ artifice to deceive a rival, anything against our enemies.
Qu’on me donne six lignes écrites de la main de plus honnête homme, j’y trouverai de quoi le faire peudre—Give me six lines written by the most honourable man alive, and I shall find matter therein to condemn him to the gallows.
Savoir dissimuler est le savoir des rois—To know how to dissemble is the knowledge of kings.
To know how to dissemble is the knowledge of kings.
Tout par raison—Everything agreeable to reason.