Of all the needs a book has the chief need is that it be readable.

I do not know whether there be, as a rule, more vocal expression of the sentiment of love between a man and a woman, than there is between two thrushes. They whistle and call to each other, guided by instinct rather than by reason.

There are some points on which no man can be contented to follow the advice of another - some subjects on which a man can consult his own conscience only.

A farmer's horse is never lame, never unfit to go. Never throws out curbs, never breaks down before or behind. Like his master he is never showy. He does not paw and prance, and arch his neck, and bid the world admire his beauties...and when he is wanted, he can always do his work.

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

And though it is much to be a nobleman, it is more to be a gentleman.

The satirist who writes nothing but satire should write but little - or it will seem that his satire springs rather from his own caustic nature than from the sins of the world in which he lives.