Philippe de Commines quotes

Nor should anything said after dinner be taken for counsel. (Philippe de Commines)
Two princes who wish to remain on friendly terms should never see each other but send good and wise men to one another, and these should maintain their friendship and amend any faults. View quote
Philippe de Commines
The two dukes were wise after the event (as the Bretons say). View quote
Philippe de Commines
He who has the profits of war has the honour. View quote
Philippe de Commines
Kings and princes have much more power when they undertake some enterprise on the advice of their subjects. They are then more feared by their enemies. View quote
Philippe de Commines
Now in my opinion, out of all the countries I have personally known, England is the one where public affairs are best conducted and regulated with least violence to the people. There no buildings are knocked down or demolished through war, and disaster and misfortune befall those who make war. View quote
Philippe de Commines
Here you will find a pleasant and agreeable style, of a natural simplicity. The narrative is pure and the good faith of the author shines from it, exempt from the vanity of talking about oneself, and from partiality or envy when speaking of others. His ideas and exhortations are accompanied more by good zeal and truth than by any fine ability; and all throughout there is an authoritative tone and gravity proper to a man of good background, brought up in great affairs. View quote
Philippe de Commines