In the field of controversy I always pity the moderate party, who stand on the open middle ground exposed to the fire of both sides.

But a law, however venerable be the sanction, cannot suddenly transform the temper of the times . . .

The pains and pleasures of the body, howsoever important to ourselves, are an indelicate subject of conversation

The Roman government appeared every day less formidable to its enemies, more odious and oppressive to its subjects.

The sentiment of fear is nearly allied to that of hatred.

Genius may anticipate the season of maturity; but in the education of a people, as in that of an individual, memory must be exercised, before the powers of reason and fancy can be expanded: nor may the artist hope to equal or surpass, till he has learned to imitate, the works of his predecessors.

His manners were less pure, but his character was equally amiable with that of his father. Twenty-two acknowledged concubines, and a library of sixty-two thousand volumes, attested the variety of his inclinations, and from the productions which he left behind him, it appears that the former as well as the latter were designed for use rather than ostentation.