That incessant envy wherewith the common rate of mankind pursues all superior natures to their own.

Had Windham possessed discretion in debate, or Sheridan in conduct, they might have ruled their age.

Brutes find out where their talents lie; A bear will not attempt to fly, A foundered horse will oft debate Before he tries a five barred gate. A dog by instinct turns aside Who sees the ditch too deep and wide, But man we find the only creature Who, led by folly, combats nature; Who, when she loudly cries-Forbear! With obstinacy fixes there; And where the genius least inclines, Absurdly bends his whole designs.

She 's no chicken; she 's on the wrong side of thirty, if she be a day.

When a true genius appears, you can know him by this sign: that all the dunces are in a confederacy against him.

Promises and pie-crust are made to be broken.

This wine should be eaten, it is too good to be drunk.