We see no where the pernicious effects of luxury on a republic more than in that of the ancient Romans, who immediately found itself poor as soon as this vice got footing among them, though they were possessed of all the riches in the world.

The unjustifiable severity of a parent is loaded with this aggravation, that those whom he injures are always in his sight.

When a man has been guilty of any vice or folly, the best atonement he can make for it is to warn others not to fall into the like.

It is impossible for authors to discover beauties in one another's works; they have eyes only for spots and blemishes.

I think I may define taste to be that faculty of the soul which discerns the beauties of an author with pleasure, and the imperfections with dislike.

There is a sort of economy in Providence that one shall excel where another is defective, in order to make men more useful to each other, and mix them in society.

Thy steady temper, Portius, Can look on guilt, rebellion, fraud, and Cæsar, In the calm lights of mild philosophy.