Why then should words challenge Eternity, When greatest men, and greatest actions die? Use may revive the obsoletest words, And banish those that now are most in vogue; Use is the judge, the law, and rule of speech.

It is not enough that poetry is agreeable, it should also be interesting.

Fiction intended to please, should resemble truth as much as possible.

Whatever things injure your eye you are anxious to remove; but things which affect your mind you defer.

There is moderation in everything.

In hard times, no less than in prosperity, preserve equanimity.

Wealth increaseth, but a nameless something is ever wanting to our insufficient fortune.