The difference between a misfortune and a calamity is this: If Gladstone fell into the Thames, it would be a misfortune. But if someone dragged him out again, that would be a calamity.

A man's fate is his own temper.

The unfortunate are always egotistical.

The Italians say it is not necessary to be a stag; but we ought not to be a tortoise.

The English nation is never so great as in adversity.

Wherever is found what is called a paternal government, there is found state education. It has been discovered that the best way to insure implicit obedience is to commence tyranny in the nursery.

I rather like bad wine; one gets so bored with good wine.