Nobody holds a good opinion of a man who has a low opinion of himself.

As to happiness in this life it is hardly compatible with that diminished respect which ever attends the relinquishing of labour.

To feel that your hours are filled to overflowing, that you can barely steal minutes enough for sleep, that the welfare of many is entrusted to you, that the world looks on and approves, that some good is always being done to others -- above all things some good to your country; -- that is happiness.

What man thinks of changing himself so as to suit his wife?

Nothing surely is as potent as a law that may not be disobeyed. It has the force of the water drop that hollows the stone. A small dainty task, if it be really daily, will beat the labours of a spasmodic Hercules.

A man can't do what he likes with his coverts.

He possessed the rare merit of making a property of his time and not a burden.