A brand new mediocrity is thought more of than accustomed excellence.

Never have a companion that casts you in the shade.

Many get the repute of being witty but thereby lose the credit of being sensible. Jest has its little hour, seriousness should have all the rest.

Courtesy is the politic witchery of great personages.

Do not show your wounded finger for everything will knock up against it.

At twenty a man is a peacock, at thirty a lion, at forty a camel, at fifty a serpent, at sixty a dog, at seventy an ape, at eighty a nothing at all.

The crutch of Time accomplishes more than the club of Hercules.