Instead of watching the bird as it flies above our heads, we chase his shadow along the ground; and, finding we cannot grasp it, we conclude it to be nothing.

Some persons take reproof good-humoredly enough, unless you are so unlucky as to hit a sore place. Then they wince and writhe, and start up and knock you down for your impertinence, or wish you good morning.

One saves oneself much pain, by taking pains; much trouble, by taking trouble.

The effects of human wickedness are written on the page of history in characters of blood: but the impression soon fades away; so more blood must be shed to renew it.

People cannot go wrong, if you don't let them. They cannot go right, unless you let them.

Many actions, like the Rhone, have two sources,--one pure, the other impure.

We like slipping, but not falling; our real anxiety is to be tempted enough.