Sir Francis Bacon observed that a well-written book, compared with its rivals and antagonists, is like Moses' serpent, that immediately swallowed up and devoured those of the Egyptians.

Books are the legacies that a great genius leaves to mankind

A true critic ought to dwell rather upon excellencies than imperfections

If there's a power above us, (And that there is all nature cries aloud Through all her works,) he must delight in virtue.

There is nothing touches our imagination so much as a beautiful woman in a plain dress.

The most skillful flattery is to let a person talk on, and be a listener.

There is no defence against reproach, but obscurity; it is a kind of concomitant to greatness, as satires and invectives were an essential part of a Roman triumph.