There is noting truly valuable which can be purchased without pains and labor. The gods have set a price upon every real and noble pleasure.

A friend exaggerates a man's virtues; an enemy inflames his crimes.

For ever singing as they shine, The hand that made us is divine.

If we may believe our logicians, man is distinguished from all other creatures by the faculty of laughter. He has a heart capable of mirth, and naturally disposed to it.

Hope calculates its scenes for a long and durable life; presses forward to imaginary points of bliss; and grasps at impossibilities; and consequently very often ensnares men into beggary, ruin and dishonor.

A contemplation of God's works, a generous concern for the good of mankind, and the unfeigned exercise of humility only, denominate men great and glorious.

Tradition is an important help to history, but its statements should be carefully scrutinized before we rely on them.