What bosom beast not in his country's cause?

Did some more sober critics come abroad? If wrong, I smil'd; if right, I kiss'd the rod.

The world is a thing we must of necessity either laugh at or be angry at; if we laugh at it, they say we are proud; if we are angry at it, they say we are ill-natured.

The most positive men are the most credulous, since they most believe themselves, and advise most with their falsest flatterer and worst enemy--their own self-love.

The ruling passion, be it what it will. The ruling passion conquers reason still.

Whoever thinks a faultless piece to see, Thinks what ne'er was, nor is, nor e'er shall be.

Gentle dullness ever loves a joke.