The legitimate aim of criticism is to direct attention to the excellent. The bad will dig its own grave, and the imperfect may safely be left to that final neglect from which no amount of present undeserved popularity can rescue it.

The passions are like fire, useful in a thousand ways and dangerous only in one, through their excess.

Luminous quotations, also, atone, by their interest, for the dulness of an inferior book, and add to the value of a superior work by the variety which they lend to its style and treatment.

It is of very little use in trying to be dignified, if dignity is no part of your character.

Enthusiasm is the inspiration of everything great. Without it no man is to be feared, and with it none despised.

Woman's power is over the affections. A beautiful dominion is hers; but she risks its forfeiture when she seeks to extend it.

We fear things in proportion to our ignorance of them.