There is speaking well, speaking easily, speaking justly and speaking seasonably: It is offending against the last, to speak of entertainments before the indigent; of sound limbs and health before the infirm; of houses and lands before one who has not so much as a dwelling; in a word, to speak of your prosperity before the miserable; this conversation is cruel, and the comparison which naturally arises in them betwixt their condition and yours is excruciating.

False modesty is the refinement of vanity. It is a lie.

Out of difficulties grow miracles.

It is through madness that we hate an enemy, and think of revenging ourselves; and it is through indolence that we are appeased, and do not revenge ourselves.

If some persons died, and others did not die, death would be a terrible affliction.

It is boorish to live ungraciously: the giving is the hardest part; what does it cost to add a smile?

A vain man finds his account in speaking good or evil of himself.