Such is the power of imagination, that even a chimerical pleasure in expectation affects us more than a solid pleasure in possession.

Ridicule, which chiefly arises from pride, a selfish passion, is but at best a gross pleasure, too rough an entertainment for those who are highly polished and refined.

As nice as we are in love, we forgive more faults in that than in friendship.

Violent passions are formed in solitude. In the busy world no object has time to make a deep impression.

No man ever did a designed injury to another, but at the same time he did a greater to himself.

The truly generous is the truly wise, and he who loves not others lives unblest!

An agreeable figure and winning manner, which inspire affection without love, are always new. Beauty loses its relish, the graces never, after the longest acquaintance, they are no less agreeable than at first.