False happiness is like false money; it passes for a time as well as the true, and serves some ordinary occasions; but when it is brought to the touch, we find the lightness and alloy, and feel the loss.

Nothing is more certain than much of the force; as well as grace, of arguments or instructions depends their conciseness.

Homer excels all the inventors of other arts in this: that he has swallowed up the honor of those who succeeded him.

Where's the man who counsel can bestow, still pleased to teach, and yet not proud to know.

Authors are partial to their wit, 'tis true, But are not critics to their judgment, too?

True Wit is Nature to advantage dress'd What oft was thought, but ne'er so well express'd; Something whose truth convinced at sight we find, That gives us back the image of our mind. As shades more sweetly recommend the light, So modest plainness sets off sprightly wit.

With too much quickness ever to be taught; With too much thinking to have common thought.