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

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.]

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

Liberality lies less in giving liberally than in the timeliness of the gift.

Patience and passage of time do more than strength and fury.