Two quite opposite qualities equally bias our minds - habits and novelty.

There is what is called the highway to posts and honor, and there is a cross and by way, which is much the shortest.

The whole genius of an author consists in describing well, and delineating character well. Homer, Plato, Virgil, Horace only excel other writers by their expressions and images; we must indicate what is true if we mean to write naturally, forcibly and delicately.

As riches and honor forsake a man, we discover him to be a fool, but nobody could find it out in his prosperity.

A man starts upon a sudden, takes Pen, Ink, and Paper, and without ever having had a thought of it before, resolves within himself he will write a Book; he has no Talent at Writing, but he wants fifty Guineas.

To give awkwardly is churlishness. The most difficult part is to give, then why not add a smile?

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