'Tis dangerous to think - For who by thinking tempts his jealous Fate, Is straight arraign'd as Traytor to the State, And none that come within the Verge of Sense, Have to Preferment now the least Pretence. . . .

any experiment of interest in life will be carried out at your own expense

Born to myself, I like myself alone.

Since 'tis Nature's law to change, Constancy alone is strange.

Love's chemistry thrives best in equal heat.

I'd be a dog, a monkey, or a bear, or anything but that vain animal who is so proud of being rational.

Envy is a passion so full of cowardice and shame that nobody ever had the confidence to own it.