There are some books and characters so pleasant, or rather which contain so much that is pleasant, that criticism is perplexed or silent. The hounds are perpetually at fault among the sweet-scented herbs and flowers that grow at the base of Etna.

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.

It would be a great advantage to some schoolmasters if they would steal two hours a day from their pupils and give their own minds the benefit of the robbery.

Nobility 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.

We should remember that it is quite as much a part of friendship to be delicate in its demands as to be ample in its performances.

Where we find echoes, we generally find emptiness and hollowness; it is the contrary with the echoes of the heart.

Friends should be very delicate and careful in administering pity as medicine, when enemies use the same article as poison.