"We may talk what we please," he cries in his enthusiasm for the oldest of the arts, "of lilies, and lions rampant, and spread eagles, in fields d'or or d'argent; but, if heraldry were guided by reason, a plough in a field arable would be the most noble and ancient arms."

The liberty of a people consists in being governed by laws which they have made themselves, under whatsoever form it be of government; the liberty of a private man, in being master of his own time and actions, as far as may consist with the laws of God and of his country.

Lukewarmness I account a sin, as great in love as in religion.

Life is an incurable disease.

Acquaintance I would have, but when it depends; not on number, but the choice of friends.

The monster London laugh at me.

I confess I love littleness almost in all things. A little convenient estate, a little cheerful house, a little company, and a little feast.