A lovely countenance is the fairest of all sights, and the sweetest harmony is the sound of the voice of her whom we love.

The fears of old age disturb us, yet how few attain it?

There is a false modesty, which is vanity; a false glory, which is levity; a false grandeur, which is meanness; a false virtue, which is hypocrisy, and a false wisdom, which is prudery.

Genius and great abilities are often wanting; sometimes, only opportunities. Some deserve praise for what they have done; others for what they would have done.

Life at court does not satisfy a man, but it keeps him from being satisfied with anything else.

The pleasure we feel in criticizing robs us from being moved by very beautiful things.

When we have run through all forms of government, without partiality to that we were born under, we are at a loss with which to side; they are all a compound of good and evil. It is therefore most reasonable and safe to value that of our own country above all others, and to submit to it.