Oh that I were seated as high as my ambition, I'd place my naked foot on the necks of monarchs.

I have sometimes seen women, who would have been sensible enough, if they would have been content not to be called women of sense--but by aiming at what they had not, they only proved absurd--for sense cannot be counterfeited.

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

Virtue knows to a farthing what it has lost by not having been vice.

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.

The prosecution of [Warren] Hastings, though he should escape at last, must have good effect. It will alarm the servants of the Company in India, that they may not always plunder with impunity, but that there may be a retrospect; and it will show them that even bribes of diamonds to the Crown may not secure them from prosecution.

Lawyers and rogues are vermin not easily rooted out of a rich soil.