[Every age], however destitute of science or virtue, sufficiently abounds with acts of blood and military renown.

On the approach of spring, I withdraw without reluctance from the noisy and extensive scene of crowds without company, and dissipation without pleasure.

In the productions of the mind, as in those of the soil, the gifts of nature are excelled by industry and skill . . .

The fierce and partial writers of the times, ascribing all virtue to themselves, and imputing all guilt to their adversaries, have painted the battle of the angels and the demons.

Our sympathy is cold to the relation of distant misery.

The inactivity of a conqueror betrays the loss of strength and blood . . .

Fashion was the only law, pleasure the only pursuit, and the splendour of dress and furniture was the only distinction of the citizens of Antioch. The arts of luxury were honoured; the serious and manly virtues were the subject of ridicule; and the contempt for female modesty and reverent age announced the universal corruption of the capital of the East.