Philip II

"I am not a man to be trifled with in matters of state."

"The greatest glory of a man is to have conquered himself."

"I would rather lose a province than risk the displeasure of God."

"Patience is the virtue of the strong."

"A king without wisdom is like a ship without a rudder."

"In matters of conscience, I bow to no earthly power."

"The work of building an empire demands sacrifice and discipline."

"I have set myself the task to defend Christendom."

"Mercy without justice is weakness; justice without mercy is cruelty."

"Time is the greatest teacher, if we are wise enough to listen."

"A man's word is his bond, and a king's word is his law."

"The foundation of all power is understanding."

"I trust in God, but I verify all things myself."

"Glory is not in winning battles, but in maintaining the peace."

"The strength of a nation lies in the virtue of its people."

"An idle mind is the Devil's workshop."

"I have learned more from my failures than from my successes."

"The beauty of order surpasses the chaos of freedom."

"In youth we dream; in age we remember."

"Truth may be bent by men, but never broken by time."

"I rule not by the sword alone, but by the law."

"Faith is the pillar upon which all else is built."

"The measure of a man is not his wealth, but his character."

"A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand."

"I have always chosen duty over desire."

"The past instructs us; the present challenges us; the future awaits us."

"Persecution of conscience is the greatest sin of all."

"I seek not happiness, but honor."

"The artist reveals what nature conceals."

"In solitude, a man discovers his true nature."