An excuse is worse and more terrible than a lie; for an excuse is a lie guarded.

A king may be a tool, a thing of straw; but if he serves to frighten our enemies, and secure our property, it is well enough; a scarecrow is a thing of straw, but it protects the corn.

But if you'll prosper, mark what I advise, Whom age, and long experience render wise.

Lo! The poor Indian, whose untutored mind sees God in clouds, or hears him in the wind.

Hope springs eternal.

I as little fear that God will damn a man that has charity, as I hope that the priests can save one who has not.

Like Cato, give his little senate laws, and sit attentive to his own applause.