The person who has a firm trust in the Supreme Being is powerful in his power, wise by his wisdom, happy by his happiness.

A contented mind is the greatest blessing a man can enjoy in this world.

I value my garden more for being full of blackbirds than of cherries, and very frankly give them fruit for their songs.

Flying would give such occasions for intrigues as people cannot meet with who have nothing but legs to carry them.

A man who has any relish for fine writing either discovers new beauties or receives stronger impressions from the masterly strokes of a great author every time he peruses him; besides that he naturally wears himself into the same manner of speaking and thinking.

Is there not some chosen curse, some hidden thunder in the stores of heaven, red with uncommon wrath, to blast the man who owes his greatness to his country's ruin!

The very first discovery of beauty strikes the mind with an inward joy, and spreads a cheerfulness and delight through all its faculties.