A man's heart must be very frivolous if the possession of fame rewards the labor to attain it. For the worst of reputation is that it is not palpable or present - we do not feel or see or taste it.

Poverty is relative, and, therefor not ignoble.

Irony is to the high-bred what billingsgate is to the vulgar; and when one gentleman thinks another gentleman an ass, he does not say it point-blank, he implies it in the politest terms he can invent.

The imagination acquires by custom a certain involuntary, unconscious power of observation and comparison, correcting its own mistakes, and arriving at precision of judgment, just as the outward eye is disciplined to compare, adjust, estimate, measure, the objects reflected on the back of its retina.

To dispense with ceremony is the most delicate mode of conferring a compliment.

If aught be worse than failure from overstress of a life's prime purpose, it is to sit down content with a little success.

Imitation, if noble and general, insures the best hope of originality.