Thus ambitious spirits in a commonwealth, when they transgress their bounds, are apt to do more harm than good. - Plutarch

Even so the more a vicious man denies his vice, the more does it insinuate itself and master him: as those people really poor who pretend to be rich get still more poor from their false display.

It is a trait of the man of sense to derive profit even from his enemies.

It was glorious to acquire a throne by justice, yet more glorious to prefer justice before a throne; the same virtue which made the one appear worthy of regal power exalted the other to the disregard of it.