We often repent of our first thoughts, and scarce ever of our second.

Men are often capable of greater things than they perform - They are sent into the world with bills of credit, and seldom draw to their full extent.

Plot, rules, nor even poetry, are not half so great beauties in tragedy or comedy as a just imitation of nature, of character, of the passions and their operations in diversified situations.

Life is a comedy for those who think and a tragedy for those who feel.

By deafness one gains in one respect more than one loses; one misses more nonsense than sense.

Had I children, my utmost endeavors would be to make them musicians.

He was persuaded he could know no happiness but in the society of one with whom he could for ever indulge the melancholy that had taken possession of his soul.