O vanity, how little is thy force acknowledged or thy operations discerned! How wantonly dost thou deceive mankind under different disguises! Sometimes thou dost wear the face of pity; sometimes of generosity; nay, thou hast the assurance to put on those glorious ornaments which belong only to heroic virtue.

There is perhaps no surer mark of folly, than to attempt to correct natural infirmities of those we love.

Distance of Time and Place do really cure what they seem to aggravate; and taking Leave of our Friends resembles taking Leave of the World, concerning which it hath been often said, that it is not Death but Dying which is terrible.

The slander of some people is as great a recommendation as the praise of others.

It is well known to all great men, that by conferring an obligation they do not always procure a friend, but are certain of creating many enemies.

In a debate, rather pull to pieces the argument of thy antagonists than offer him any of thy own; for thus thou wilt fight him in his own country.

Guilt has very quick ears to an accusation.