It may be too much to expect that nations should be governed in their relations towards each other by the precepts of Christian morality, but surely it is not too much to ask that they should conform to the code of courtesy and good breeding recognized among gentlemen in the intercourse of social life.

The force of selfishness is as inevitable and as calculable as the force of gravitation.

There are pictures by Titian so steeped in golden splendors, that they look as if they would light up a dark room like a solar lamp.

Ambition is not a weakness unless it be disproportioned to the capacity. To have more ambition than ability is to be at once weak and unhappy.

Sunsets in themselves are generally superior to sunrises; but with the sunset we appreciate images drawn from departed peace and faded glory.

Man is an animal that cannot long be left in safety without occupation; the growth of his fallow nature is apt to run into weeds.

A vacant mind invites dangerous inmates, as a deserted mansion tempts wandering outcasts to enter and take up their abode in its desolate apartments.