Vittorio Alfieri Quotes & Sayings

For one to grasp, whatever be his object, sov'reign power ... is an act of perilous presumption. — Vittorio Alfieri

Deep vengeance is the daughter of deep silence. — Vittorio Alfieri

To err is human; but contrition felt for the crime distinguishes the virtuous from the wicked. — Vittorio Alfieri

Heaven takes care that no man secures happiness by crime. — Vittorio Alfieri

Often the test of courage is not to die but to live. — Vittorio Alfieri

Where there are laws, he who has not broken them need not tremble. — Vittorio Alfieri

The time for hope is gone, and come for fear. — Vittorio Alfieri

I had seen the great, but I had not seen the small. — Vittorio Alfieri

Thou knowest not the endless artifices of a court. Invented crimes are often there alleged; but real ones, and those especially, which may offend his pride, are oftentimes not to a king divulged. — Vittorio Alfieri

That blood which thou hast spill'd, should join you closely in an eternal bond. — Vittorio Alfieri

The talent of making friends is not equal to the talent of doing without them. — Vittorio Alfieri

Sometimes blood, for the sake of sparing it, is spilled. — Vittorio Alfieri

Disgrace does not consist in the punishment, but in the crime. — Vittorio Alfieri

A usurper always distrusts the whole world. — Vittorio Alfieri

Necessity inspires the fatal thought. — Vittorio Alfieri

Joy, when it is excessive, overcomes as much as grief. — Vittorio Alfieri

For 'tis impossible Hate to return with love. — Vittorio Alfieri

Original thoughts can be understood only in virtue of the unoriginal elements which they contain. — Vittorio Alfieri

Often the test of courage becomes rather to live than to die. — Vittorio Alfieri

A conquering king will banish from his breast hatred towards one whom he no longer fears. — Vittorio Alfieri

Joy surfeited turns to sorrow. — Vittorio Alfieri

The guilty is he who meditates a crime; the punishment is his who lays the plot. — Vittorio Alfieri

Alas, 'tis force alone that can compel to virtuous actions a degenerate people. — Vittorio Alfieri

If ardent passions push not men on to lofty enterprise, calm wisdom never will accomplish it. — Vittorio Alfieri

First thoughts are not always the best. — Vittorio Alfieri

Liars are always most disposed to swear. — Vittorio Alfieri