If you're not very clever you should be conciliatory.

I have been ever of opinion that revolutions are not to be evaded.

The Athanasian Creed is the most splendid ecclesiastical lyric ever poured forth by the genius of man.

Things must be done by parties, not by persons using parties as tools.

One event makes another. What we anticipate seldom occurs; what we least expected generally happens; and time can only prove which is most for our advantage.

How very seldom do you encounter in the world a man of great abilities, acquirements, experience, who will unmask his mind, unbutton his brains, and pour forth in careless and picturesque phrase all the results of his studies and observation; his knowledge of men, books, and nature. On the contrary, if a man has by any chance an original idea, he hoards it as if it were old gold; and rather avoids the subject with which he is most conversant, from fear that you may appropriate his best thoughts.

Women carry a beautiful hand with them to the grave, when a beautiful face has long ago vanished.