The swan, like the soul of the poet, By the dull world is ill understood.

He who fights with priests may make up his mind to have his poor good name torn and befouled by the most infamous lies and the most cutting slanders.

I have a most peaceable disposition. My desires are for a modest hut, a thatched roof, but a good bed, good food, very fresh milk and butter, flowers in front of my window and a few pretty trees by my door. And should the good Lord wish to make me really happy, he will allow me the pleasure of seeing about six or seven of my enemies hanged upon those trees.

Poverty sits by the cradle of all our great men and rocks all of them to manhood.

True eloquence consists in saying all that is necessary, and nothing but what is necessary.

All special charters of freedom must be abrogated where the universal law of freedom is to flourish.

It is only kindred griefs that draw forth our tears, and each weeps really for himself.