This made me reflect, how vain an attempt it is for a man to endeavor to do himself honor among those who are out of all degree of equality or comparison with him.

Men of wit, learning and virtue might strike out every offensive or unbecoming passage from plays.

All panegyrics are mingled with an infusion of poppy.

Men of great parts are often unfortunate in the management of public business, because they are apt to go out of the common road by the quickness of their imagination.

The lack of belief is a defect that ought to be concealed when it cannot be overcome.

When we desire or solicit anything, our minds run wholly on the good side or circumstances of it; when it is obtained, our minds run wholly on the bad ones.

There is no quality so contrary to any nature which one cannot affect, and put on upon occasion, in order to serve an interest.