XVII.--As if it was not sufficient that self-love should have the power to change itself, it has added that of changing other objects, and this it does in a very astonishing manner; for not only does it so well disguise them that it is itself deceived, but it even changes the state and nature of things. Thus, when a female is adverse to us, and she turns her hate and persecution against us, self-love pronounces on her actions with all the severity of justice; it exaggerates the faults till they are enormous, and looks at her good qualities in so disadvantageous a light that they become more displeasing than her faults. If however the same female becomes favourable to us, or certain of our interests reconcile her to us, our sole self interest gives her back the lustre which our hatred deprived her of. The bad qualities become effaced, the good ones appear with a redoubled advantage; we even summon all our indulgence to justify the war she has made upon us. Now although all passions prove this truth, that of love exhibits it most clearly; for we may see a lover moved with rage by the neglect or the infidelity of her whom he loves, and meditating the utmost vengeance that his passion can inspire. Nevertheless as soon as the sight of his beloved has calmed the fury of his movements, his passion holds that beauty innocent; he only accuses himself, he condemns his condemnations, and by the miraculous power of selflove, he whitens the blackest actions of his mistress, and takes from her all crime to lay it on himself. {No date or number is given for this maxim} XVIII.--There are none who press so heavily on others as the lazy ones, when they have satisfied their idleness, and wish to appear industrious. (1666, No. 91.) XIX.--The blindness of men is the most dangerous effect of their pride; it seems to nourish and augment it, it deprives us of knowledge of remedies which can solace our miseries and can cure our faults. (1665, No. 102.) XX.--One has never less reason than when one despairs of finding it in others. (1665, No. 103.) XXI.--Philosophers, and Seneca above all, have not diminished crimes by their precepts; they have only used them in the building up of pride. (1665, No. 105.) XXII.--It is a proof of little friendship not to perceive the growing coolness of that of our friends. (1666, No. 97.) XXIII.--The most wise may be so in indifferent and ordinary matters, but they are seldom so in their most serious affairs. (1665, No. 132.) XXIV.--The most subtle folly grows out of the most subtle wisdom. (1665, No. 134.) XXV.--Sobriety is the love of health, or an incapacity to eat much. (1665, No. 135.) XXVI.--We never forget things so well as when we are tired of talking of them. (1665, No. 144.) XXVII.--The praise bestowed upon us is at least useful in rooting us in the practice of virtue. (1665, No. 155.) XXVIII.--Self-love takes care to prevent him whom we flatter from being him who most flatters us. (1665, No. 157.)