An excuse is a lie guarded.
Arbitrary power is but the first natural step from anarchy, or the savage life.
If a lump of soot falls into the soup and you cannot conveniently get it out, stir it well in and it will give the soup a French taste.
Few are qualified to shine in company, but it is in most men's power to be agreeable.
An intelligent person should put money in the beginning, but not in heart
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.