Our bells are worn threadbare with ringing for victories

To act with common sense according to the moment, is the best wisdom I know.

It was said of old Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough, that she never puts dots over her I s, to save ink.

I do not admire politicians; but when they are excellent in their way, one cannot help allowing them their due.

The best philosophy is to do one's duties, take the world as it comes, submit respectfully to one's lot; bless the goodness that has given us so much happiness with it.

I have known several persons of great fame for wisdom in public affairs and councils governed by foolish servants. I have known great ministers, distinguished for wit and learning, who preferred none but dunces. I have known men of valor cowards to their wives. I have known men of cunning perpetually cheated. I knew three ministers who would exactly compute and settle the accounts of a kingdom, wholly ignorant of their own economy.

[French] authors are more afraid of offending delicacy and rules, than ambitious of sublimity.