Though fancy may be the patient's complaint, necessity is often the doctor's.

Wit, to be well defined, must be defined by wit itself; then it will be worth listening to.

Novels do not force their fair readers to sin, they only instruct them how to sin; the consequences of which are fully detailed, and not in a way calculated to seduce any but weak but weak minds; few of their heroines are happily disposed of.

Nobility should be elective, not hereditary.

When ill news comes too late to be serviceable to your neighbor, keep it to yourself.

Laugh as loud as you please at your companion's wit; do not even smile at his folly.

Do not think that your Learning and Genius, your Wit or Sprightliness, are welcome everywhere. I was once told that my Company was disagreeable because I appeared so uncommonly happy.