Nature has left every man a capacity of being agreeable, though not of shining in company; and there are a hundred men sufficiently qualified for both who, by a very few faults, that they might correct in half an hour, are not so much as tolerable.

A fig for partridges and quails, ye dainties I know nothing of ye; But on the highest mount in Wales Would choose in peace to drink my coffee.

A poor spirit is poorer than a poor purse. A very few pounds a year would ease a man of the scandal of avarice.

There's none so blind as they that won't see.

"Lawyers Are": Those whose interests and abilities lie in perverting, confounding and eluding the law.

Brutes find out where their talents lie; A bear will not attempt to fly, A foundered horse will oft debate Before he tries a five barred gate. A dog by instinct turns aside Who sees the ditch too deep and wide, But man we find the only creature Who, led by folly, combats nature; Who, when she loudly cries-Forbear! With obstinacy fixes there; And where the genius least inclines, Absurdly bends his whole designs.

My father had a small Estate in Nottinghamshire; I was the Third of five Sons.