A man's ancestry is a positive property to him.

In science, address the few, in literature the many. In science, the few must dictate opinion to the many; in literature, the many, sooner or later, force their judgement on the few.

What is past is past, there is a future left to all men, who have the virtue to repent and the energy to atone.

Patience is not passive; on the contrary, it is active; it is concentrated strength.

The prudent person may direct a state, but it is the enthusiast who regenerates or ruins it

O be very sure That no man will learn anything at all, Unless he first will learn humility.

Happy indeed the poet of whom, like Orpheus, nothing is known but an immortal name! Happy next, perhaps, the poet of whom, like Homer, nothing is known but the immortal works. The more the merely human part of the poet remains a mystery, the more willing is the reverence given to his divine mission.