She is deceitful as the calm that precedes the hurricane, smooth as the water on the verge of the cataract, and beautiful as the rainbow, that smiling daughter of the storm; but, like the mirage in the desert, she tantalizes us with a delusion that distance creates, and that contiguity destroys.

If all seconds were as averse to duels as their principals, very little blood would be shed in that way.

Observation made in the cloister or in the desert will generally be as obscure as the one and as barren as the other; but he that would paint with his pencil must study originals, and not be over-fearful of a little dust.

Women do not transgress the bounds of decorum so often as men; but when they do, they go greater lengths.

Some read to think, these are rare; some to write, these are common; and some read to talk, and these form the great majority.

Very great personages are not likely to form very just estimates either of others or of themselves; their knowledge of themselves is obscured by the flattery of others; their knowledge of others is equally clouded by circumstances peculiar to themselves. For in the presence of the great, the modest are sure to suffer from too much diffidence, and the confident from too much display.

Knavery is supple, and can bend, but honesty is firm and upright and yields not.