He was a fiddler, and consequently a rogue.

All panegyrics are mingled with an infusion of poppy.

Interest is the spur of the people, but glory that of great souls. Invention is the talent of youth, and judgment of age.

Vain men delight in telling what Honours have been done them, what great Company they have kept, and the like; by which they plainly confess, that these Honours were more than their Due, and such as their Friends would not believe if they had not been told: Whereas a Man truly proud, thinks the greatest Honours below his Merit, and consequently scorns to boast. I therefore deliver it as a Maxim that whoever desires the Character of a proud Man, ought to conceal his Vanity.

The chameleon, who is said to feed upon nothing but air, has of all animals the nimblest tongue.

A maxim in law has more weight in the world than an article of faith.

The most ignorant person, at a reasonable charge, and with a little bodily labour, might write books in philosophy, poetry, politics, laws, mathematics, and theology, without the least assistance from genius or study.