Those who, from the desire of our perfection, have the keenest eye far our faults generally compensate for it by taking a higher view of our merits than we deserve.
John Frederick BoyesStrict punctuality is perhaps the cheapest virtue which can give force to an otherwise utterly insignificant character.
John Frederick BoyesNobility of birth is like a cipher; it has no power in itself, like wealth or talent; but, it tells with all the power of a cipher when added to either of the other two.
John Frederick BoyesWhere we find echoes, we generally find emptiness and hollowness; it is the contrary with the echoes of the heart.
John Frederick BoyesWhere there is much general deformity nature has often, perhaps generally, accorded some one bodily grace even in over-measure. So, no doubt, with the intellect and disposition, only it is frequently less apparent, and we give ourselves but little trouble to discover it.
John Frederick BoyesSombre thoughts and fancies often require a little real soil or substance to flourish in; they are the dark pine-trees which take root in, and frown over the rifts of the scathed and petrified heart, and are chiefly nourished by the rain of unavailing tears, and the vapors of fancy.
John Frederick Boyes