In England, I was quite struck to see how forward the girls are made--a child of 10 years old, will chat and keep you company, while her parents are busy or out etc.--with the ease of a woman of 26. But then, how does this education go on?--Not at all: it absolutely stops short.

This perpetual round of constrained civilities to persons quite indifferent to us, is the most provoking and tiresome thing in theworld, but it is unavoidable in a country town, where everybody is known.... 'Tis a most shocking and unworthy way of spending our precious irrecoverable time, to those who know not its value.

Concealment is the foe of tranquility.

Wealth per se I never too much valued, and my acquaintance with its possessors has by no means increased my veneration for it.

Travelling is the ruin of all happiness. There's no looking at a building here after seeing Italy.

Generosity without delicacy, like wit without judgment, generally gives as much pain as pleasure.

But authors before they write should read.