The Characters [Les Caractères], ch. 8 "Of the Court [De la cour]," § 85 (8.85) (1688) [tr. Stewart (1970)] - La Bruyere, Jean de | WIST Quotations

It's a sign of considerable shrewdness to be able to make others think one is not exceptionally shrewd. [C'est avoir fait un grand pas dans la finesse, que de faire penser de soi que l'on n'est que médiocrement fin.] (Source (French)). Alternate translations: He is far gone in politicks, who…