The woman and the soldier who do not defend the first pass will never defend the last.
Henry FieldingThere is not in the universe a more ridiculous, nor a more contemptible animal, than a proud clergyman.
Henry FieldingThe raillery which is consistent with good-breeding is a gentle animadversion of some foible, which, while it raises the laugh in the rest of the company, doth not put the person rallied out of countenance, or expose him to shame or contempt. On the contrary, the jest should be so delicate that the object of it should be capable of joining in the mirth it occasions.
Henry FieldingAs the malicious disposition of mankind is too well known, and the cruel pleasure which they take in destroying the reputation of others, the use we are to make of this knowledge is, to afford no handle for reproach; for bad as the world is, it seldom falls on anyone who hath not given some slight cause for censure.
Henry Fielding