A presentation copy, reader,-if haply you are yet innocent of such favours-is a copy of a book which does not sell, sent you by the author.

For God's sake (I never was more serious) don't make me ridiculous any more by terming me gentle-hearted in print.

Wert thou all that I wish thee, great, glorious, and free, First flower of the earth and first gem of the sea.

Man is a gaming animal. He must always be trying to get the better in something or other.

No eye to watch, and no tongue to wound us, All earth forgot, and all heaven around us.

Since all the maids are good and lovable, from whence come the bad wives?

The greatest pleasure I know, is to do a good action by stealth, and to have it found out by accident.