Subtract from many modern poets all that may be found in Shakespeare, and trash will remain.

Perfection doesn't exist... only good attempts.

Time is the most subtle yet the most insatiable of depredators, and by appearing to take nothing is permitted to take all; nor can it be satisfied until it has stolen the world from us, and us from the world. It constantly flies, yet overcomes all things by flight; and although it is the present ally, it will be the future conqueror of death.

I'm aiming by the time I'm fifty to stop being an adolescent.

If there be a pleasure on earth which angels cannot enjoy, and which they might almost envy man the possession of, it is the power of relieving distress--if there be a pain which devils might pity man for enduring, it is the death-bed reflection that we have possessed the power of doing good, but that we have abused and perverted it to purposes of ill.

Grant graciously what you cannot refuse safely and conciliate those you cannot conquer.

Some reputed saints that have been canonized ought to have been cannonaded.