The dove and the swan, the rose and the myrtle, the most graceful of birds, and the sweetest and most odorous of plants, were sacred to Venus. […] Old age in affliction touches the most obdurate heart. […] He said that the most difficult thing in nature, is to know ourselves: the most easy to advise others; the most sweet to accomplish our desires. […] She was worshipped by most of the German tribes. […] Thus the most intelligent become the most religious people.