Story-telling is subject to two unavoidable defects,--frequent repetition and being soon exhausted; so that, whoever values this gift in himself, has need of a good memory, and ought frequently to shift his company.

Invention is the talent of youth, as judgment is of age.

Usually speaking, the worst-bred person in company is a young traveller just returned from abroad.

Some men, under the notion of weeding out prejudice, eradicate virtue, honesty and religion.

I know Sir John will go, though he was sure it would rain cats and dogs.

Ale is meat, drink and cloth; it will make a cat speak and a wise man dumb.

And he gave it for his opinion, "that whoever could make two ears of corn, or two blades of grass, to grow upon a spot of ground where only one grew before, would deserve better of mankind, and do more essential service to his country, than the whole race of politicians put together.