In all distresses of our friends We first consult our private ends; While Nature, kindly bent to ease us, Points out some circumstance to please us.

I cannot imagine why we should be at the expense to furnish wit for succeeding ages, when the former have made no sort of provision for ours.

In men desire begets love, and in women love begets desire.

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

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

The worthiest people are the most injured by slander, as is the best fruit which the birds have been pecking at.

Great abilities, when employed as God directs, do but make the owners of them greater and more painful servants to their neighbors.