Everything Great Is Not Always Good, But

It Is Not Possible To Found A Lasting Power Upon Injustice, Perjury, And Treachery.

There Is One Safeguard Known Generally To The Wise, Which Is An Advantage And Security To All, But Especially To Democracies As Against Despots - Suspicion.

As A Vessel Is Known By The Sound, Whether It Be Cracked Or Not; So Men Are Proved, By Their Speeches, Whether They Be Wise Or Foolish.

It Is Not Possible To Found A Lasting Power Upon Injustice, Perjury, And Treachery. These May, Perhaps, Succeed For Once, And Borrow For Awhile, From Hope, A Gay And Flourishing Appearance. But Time Betrays Their Weakness, And They Fall Into Ruin Of Themselves. For, As In Structures Of Every Kind, The Lower Parts Should Have The Greatest Firmness--so The Grounds And Principles Of Actions Should Be Just And True.

Good Fortune Is The Greatest Of Blessings, But Good Counsel Comes Next, And The Lack Of It Destroys The Other Also.