Pericles

Who makes the fairest show means most deceit.

I am more afraid of our own mistakes than of our enemies' designs.

Time is the wisest counselor of all.

For if we are lovers of the beautiful, yet with economy, and lovers of wisdom, yet without softness, then we are unique.

What I fear is not the enemy's strategy, but our own mistakes.

Having no need to go abroad for the enjoyment of our goods, we do not deprive others of theirs.

For it is a common fault in men to despise what they possess, and to desire what they have not.

We are lovers of the beautiful, yet with economy.

The admiration of the present and succeeding ages will be ours, since we have not shrunk from any toil or danger.

For we are a democracy, and our laws are equal to all alike in their private disputes.

We do not copy our neighbors, but are an example to them.

For the love of honor is the only thing that does not grow old.

The greatest glory of a woman is to be least talked about, whether for good or for bad.

For to a man of spirit, the greatest disgrace is to be seen to be afraid.

We are lovers of wisdom, yet without softness.

For the whole earth is the tomb of famous men.

Our constitution does not copy the laws of neighboring states; we are rather a pattern to others than imitators ourselves.

The man who avoids public life is not merely idle, but useless.

Our love of what is beautiful does not lead to extravagance; our love of things of the mind does not make us soft.

It is not the man who makes the most speeches that is to be feared, but the one who acts best.