Greater mischief happens often from folly, meanness, and vanity than from the greater sins of avarice and ambition.

In effect, to follow, not to force the public inclination; to give a direction, a form, a technical dress, and a specific sanction, to the general sense of the community, is the true end of legislature.

Art is a partnership not only between those who are living but between those who are dead and those who are yet to be born.

Contempt is not a thing to be despised. It may be borne with a calm and equal mind, but no man, by lifting his head high, can pretend that he does not perceive the scorns that are poured down on him from above.

Fellowship in treason is a bad ground of confidence.

You will smile here at the consistency of those democratists who, when they are not on their guard, treat the humbler part of the community with the greatest contempt, whilst, at the same time they pretend to make them the depositories of all power.

To reach the height of our ambition is like trying to reach the rainbow; as we advance it recedes.