Genius is allied to a warm and inflammable constitution; delicacy of taste, to calmness and sedateness. Hence it is common to find genius in one who is a prey to every passion.

Emotions are raised in us, not only by the qualities and actions of others, but also by their feelings. I cannot behold a man in distress, without partaking of his pain; nor in joy, without partaking of his pleasure.

We part more easily with what we possess, than with our expectations of what we wish for; because expectation always goes beyond enjoyment.

Who hath not courage to revenge will never find generosity to forgive.

A great mind will neither give an affront nor bear it.

Men are guided less by conscience than by glory; and yet the shortest way to glory is to be guided by conscience.

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.