Prudence and love are inconsistent; in proportion as the last increases, the other decreases.

There are a great many men valued in society who have nothing to recommend them but serviceable vices.

We may seem great in an employment below our worth, but we very often look little in one that is too big for us.

Innocence does not find near so much protection as guilt.

Sometimes we think we dislike flattery, but it is only the way it is done that we dislike.

Some disguised deceits counterfeit truth so perfectly that not to be taken in by them would be an error of judgment.

It is oftener by the estimation of our own feelings that we exaggerate the good qualities of others than by their merit, and when we praise them we wish to attract their praise.