Every man is valued in this world as he shows by his conduct that he wishes to be valued.

Widows, like ripe fruit, drop easily from their perch.

A woman is easily governed, if a man takes her in hand.

The events we most desire do not happen; or, if they do, it is neither in the time nor in the circumstances when they would have given us extreme pleasure.

As a man falls out of favour and his wealth declines, we discover for the first time the ridiculous aspects of his character, which were always there but which wealth and favour had concealed.

Eminent station makes great men more great, and little ones less.

Cunning is none of the best nor worst qualities; it floats between virtue and vice; there is scarce any exigence where it may not, and perhaps ought not to be supplied by prudence.