Poetry is the art of substantiating shadows, and of lending existence to nothing.

The use of force alone is but temporary. It may subdue for a moment; but it does not remove the necessity of subduing again; and a nation is not governed, which is perpetually to be conquered.

Those who have been once intoxicated with power, and have derived any kind of emolument from it, even though but for one year, never can willingly abandon it. They may be distressed in the midst of all their power; but they will never look to anything but power for their relief.

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

Nobility is a graceful ornament to the civil order. It is the Corinthian capital of polished society.

But whoever is a genuine follower of Truth, keeps his eye steady upon his guide, indifferent whither he is led, provided that she is the leader.

There is nothing in the world really beneficial that does not lie within the reach of an informed understanding and a well-protected pursuit.