Ercole Consalvi

"When all shall see me, by fair Fortune's love Pass through the days which Fate unsparing spins On her eternal distaff for my destiny, Joyful, contented with myself; for then Far other shall I be than now I am."

"The amount of vigor, health, and power meted out to the secretary was in just proportion to his need of them. He retained them as long as they were required by him for whose comfort and glory they had been intrusted to him."