That politeness which we put on, in order to keep the assuming and the presumptuous at a proper distance will generally succeed. But it sometimes happens that these obtrusive characters are on such excellent terms with themselves that they put down this very politeness to the score of their own great merits and high pretensions, meeting the coldness of our reserve with a ridiculous condescension of familiarity, in order to set us at ease with ourselves.

It has been well observed that we should treat futurity as an aged friend from whom we expect a rich legacy.

Moderation is the inseparable companion of wisdom, but with it genius has not even a nodding acquaintance.

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

The art of declamation has been sinking in value from the moment that speakers were foolish enough to publish, and hearers wise enough to read.

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.

We often regret we did not do otherwise, when that very otherwise would, in all probability, have done for us.