He who rules must fully humor as much as he commands.

There is nothing I should care more to do, if it were possible, than to rouse the imagination of men and women to a vision of human claims in those races of their fellow-men who most differ from them in customs and beliefs.

It always remains true that if we had been greater, circumstance would have been less strong against us.

I'm proof against that word failure. I've seen behind it. The only failure a man ought to fear is failure of cleaving to the purpose he sees to be best.

Childhood has no forebodings; but then, it is soothed by no memories of outlived sorrow.

Cruelty, like every other vice, requires no motive outside of itself; it only requires opportunity.

What business has an old bachelor like that to marry?' said Sir James. 'He has one foot in the grave.' 'He means to draw it out again, I suppose.