Exploding many things under the name of trifles is a very false proof either of wisdom or magnanimity, and a great check to virtuous actions with regard to fame.

The stoical scheme of supplying our wants by lopping off our desires, is like cutting off our feet when we want shoes.

The first springs of great events, like those of great rivers, are often mean and little.

It is a maxim among these lawyers, that whatever hath been done before, may legally be done again: and therefore they take special care to record all the decisions formerly made against common justice and the general reason of mankind.

Flattery is the worst and falsest way of showing our esteem.

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

I can discover no political evil in suffering bullies, sharpers, and rakes, to rid the world of each other by a method of their own; where the law hath not been able to find an expedient.