To judge by the event is an error all commit: for in every instance courage, if crowned with success, is heroism; if clouded by defeat, temerity. When Nelson fought his battle in the Sound, it was the result alone that decided whether he was to kiss a hand at court or a rod at a court-martial.

Logic and metaphysics make use of more tools than all the rest of the sciences put together, and do the least work.

He that openly tells, his friends all that he thinks of them, must expect that they will secretly tell his enemies much that they do not think of him.

Early rising not only gives us more life in the same number of years, but adds, likewise, to their number; and not only enables us to enjoy more of existence in the same time, but increases also the measure.

Gold is worshipped in all climates, without a single temple, and by all classes, without a single hypocrite.

All poets pretend to write for immortality, but the whole tribe have no objection to present pay and present praise.

There are some men who are fortune's favorites, and who, like cats, light forever on their legs.