A thorough-paced knave will rarely quarrel with one whom he can cheat: his revenge is plunder; therefore he is usually the most forgiving of beings, upon the principle that if he come to an open rupture, he must defend himself; and this does not suit a man whose vocation it is to keep his hands in the pocket of another.

Villainy that is vigilant will be an overmatch for virtue, if she slumber at her post.

There is nothing more imprudent than excessive prudence.

Diffidence is the better part of knowledge.

That writer does the most who gives his reader the most knowledge and takes from him the least time.

When you have nothing to say, say nothing; a weak defense strengthens your opponent, and silence is less injurious than a bad reply.

Constant success shows us but one side of the world; adversity brings out the reverse of the picture.