If Venice and Genoa turn their victorious arms against each other, it is all over with us; we lose our glory and the command of the sea.

In this calamity we shall have a consolation which we have ever had, namely, that if our enemies rejoice in our calamities, they cannot at least derive any glory from them.
"In great affairs I have always dreaded the counsels of the young.
Youthful ignorance and inexperience have been the ruin of many empires.
I, therefore, learn with pleasure that you have named a council of elders, to whom you have confided this affair.

I expected no less than this from your wisdom, which is far beyond your years.
"The state of your republic distresses me.

I know the difference that there is between the tumult of arms and the tranquillity of Parnassus.

I know that the sounds of Apollo's lyre accord but ill with the trumpets of Mars; but if you have abandoned Parnassus, it has been only to fulfil the duties of a good citizen and of a vigilant chief.