Enthusiasm is that secret and harmonious spirit which hovers over the production of genius.

It is a wretched taste to be gratified with mediocrity when the excellent lies before us.

The greater part of our writers have become so original, that no one cares to imitate them: and those who never quote in return are seldom quoted.

Time the great destroyer of other men's happiness, only enlarges the patrimony of literature to its possessor.

A circle may be small, yet it may be as mathematically beautiful and perfect as a large one.

The act of contemplation then creates the thing created.

The delights of reading impart the vivacity of youth even to old age.