There is a boundary to men's passions when they act from feelings; but none when they are under the influence of imagination.

The moment that government appears at market, the principles of the market will be subverted.

Laws are commanded to hold their tongues among arms; and tribunals fall to the ground with the peace they are no longer able to uphold.

An extreme rigor is sure to arm everything against it.

Poetry, with all its obscurity, has a more general as well as a more powerful dominion over the passions than the art of painting.

A speculative despair is unpardonable where it our duty to act.

Adversity is a severe instructor, set over us by one who knows us better than we do ourselves, as he loves us better too. He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper. This conflict with difficulty makes us acquainted with our object, and compels us to consider it in all its relations. It will not suffer us to be superficial.