There are circumstances of peculiar difficulty and danger, where a mediocrity of talent is the most fatal quantum that a man can possibly possess. Had Charles the First and Louis the Sixteenth been more wise or more weak, more firm or more yielding, in either case they had both of them saved their heads.

It was observed of Elizabeth that she was weak herself, but chose wise counsellors; to which it was replied, that to choose wise counsellors was, in a prince, the highest wisdom.

For one man who sincerely pities our misfortunes, there are a thousand who sincerely hate our success.

Expect not praise without envy until you are dead.

Money is the most envied, but the least enjoyed. Health is the most enjoyed, but the least envied.

Most females will forgive a liberty rather than a slight

Posthumous charities are the very essence of selfishness when bequeathed by those who, even alive, would part with nothing.