A coxcomb is one whom simpletons believe to be a man of merit.

The same principle leads us to neglect a man of merit that induces us to admire a fool. [Fr., Du meme fonds dont on neglige un homme de merite l'on sait encore admirer un sot.]

The favor of princes does not preclude the existence of merit, and yet does not prove that it exists. [Fr., La faveur des princes n'exclut pas le merite, et ne le suppose pas aussi.]

Modesty is to merit, as shades to figures in a picture, giving it strength and beauty

A slave has but one master; an ambitious man has as many masters as there are people who may be useful in bettering his position.

A pious man is one who would be an atheist if the king were.