"Men are naturally ambitious, vindictive, and rapacious."

"The erection of a new empire, on the ruins of a former, is an arduous undertaking."

"I have been the object of universal hatred and execration."

"It is a truth, which has been taught by the experience of all ages, that the people are too apt to be led astray by the arts of popular demagogues."

"I am a man of strong passions."