Agriculture is the foundation of manufactures; since the productions of nature are the materials of art. Under the Roman empire, the labour of an industrious and ingenious people was variously, but incessantly employed, in the service of the rich. In their dress, their table, their houses, and their furniture, the favourites of fortune united every refinement of conveniency, of elegance, and of splendour, whatever could soothe their pride or gratify their sensuality.

But a wild democracy . . . too often disdains the essential principles of justice.

The progress of despotism tends to disappoint its own purpose.

[The] discretion of the judge is the first engine of tyranny . . .

Their poverty secured their freedom, since our desires and our possessions are the strongest fetters of despotism.

The author himself is the best judge of his own performance; none has so deeply meditated on the subject; none is so sincerely interested in the event.

A taste for books, which is still the pleasure and glory of my life.