How much it is to be regretted, that the British ladies should ever sit down contented to polish, when they are able to reform; to entertain, when they might instruct; and to dazzle for an hour, when they are candidates for eternity!

Indeed, I have, alas! outlived almost every one of my contemporaries. One pays dear for living long.

Sweet is the breath of praise when given by those whose own high merit claims the praise they give.

When you are disposed to be vain of your mental acquirements, look up to those who are more accomplished than yourself, that you may be fired with emulation; but when you feel dissatisfied with your circumstances, look down on those beneath you, that you may learn contentment.

A small unkindness is a great offence.

we contrive to make revenge itself look like religion. We call down thunder on many a head under pretence, that those on whom we invoke it are God's enemies, when perhaps we invoke it because they are ours.

Wisdom views with an indifferent eye all finite joys, all blessings born to die.