Virtue is despotic; life, reputation, every earthly good, must be surrendered at her voice. The law may seem hard, but it is the guardian of what it commands; and is the only sure defence of happiness.

Love is full of imagination.

If cowardice were not so completely a coward as to be unable to look steadily upon the effects of courage, he would find that there is no refuge so sure as dauntless valor.

In his fairy dreams of war [Thaddeus] always made conquest the sure end of his battles.

we never know the blessings bestowed on us until we are separated from the possession of them.

The flatterer easily insinuates himself into the closet, while honest merit stands shivering in the hall or antechamber.

none are fit judges of greatness but those who are capable of it.