In ambition, as in love, the successful can afford to be indulgent toward their rivals. The prize our own, it is graceful to recognize the merit that vainly aspired to it.

Tranquil pleasures last the longest; we are not fitted to bear the burden of great joys.

The highest excellence is seldom attained in more than one vocation. The roads leading to distinction in separate pursuits diverge, and the nearer we approach the one, the farther we recede from the other.

He that shrinks from the grave with too great a dread, has an invisible fear behind him pushing him into it.

A mother is the best friend God ever gave.

Dignity of position adds to dignity of character, as well as to dignity of carriage. Give us a proud position, and we are impelled to act up to it.

Men, like musical instruments, seem made to be played upon.