Great vices are the proper objects of our detestation, smaller faults of our pity, but affectation appears to be the only true source of the ridiculous.

I am content; that is a blessing greater than riches; and he to whom that is given need ask no more.

Habit hath so vast a prevalence over the human mind that there is scarce anything too strange or too strong to be asserted of it. The story of the miser who, from long accustoming to cheat others, came at last to cheat himself, and with great delight and triumph picked his own pocket of a guinea to convey to his hoard, is not impossible or improbable.

A truly elegant taste is generally accompanied with excellency of heart.

The hounds all join in glorious cry, / The huntsman winds his horn: / And a-hunting we will go.

An author ought to consider himself, not as a gentleman who gives a private or eleemosynary treat, but rather as one who keeps a public ordinary, at which all persons are welcome for their money.

A man may go to heaven with half the pains it cost him to purchase hell.