Those who are themselves incapable of great crimes are ever backward to suspect others.

If we did not flatter ourselves, the flattery of others could never harm us.

It is no tragedy to do ungrateful people favors, but it is unbearable to be indebted to a scoundrel.

The first lover is kept a long while, when no offer is made of a second.

It is a mistake to imagine, that the violent passions only, such as ambition and love, can triumph over the rest. Idleness, languid as it is, often masters them all; she influences all our designs and actions, and insensibly consumes and destroys both passions and virtues.

The desire which urges us to deserve praise strengthens our good qualities, and praise given to wit, valour, and beauty, tends to increase them.

Though men are apt to flatter and exalt themselves with their great achievements, yet these are, in truth, very often owing not so much to design as chance.