An opera may be allowed to be extravagantly lavish in its decorations, as its only design is to gratify the senses and keep up an indolent attention in the audience.

A man improves more by reading the story of a person eminent for prudence and virtue, than by the finest rules and precepts of morality.

I have often thought, says Sir Roger, it happens very well that Christmas should fall out in the middle of Winter.

True benevolence or compassion, extends itself through the whole of existence and sympathizes with the distress of every creature capable of sensation.

That he delights in the misery of others no man will confess, and yet what other motive can make a father cruel?

Government mitigates the inequality of power, and makes an innocent man, though of the lowest rank, a match for the mightiest of his fellow-subjects.

In the common run of mankind, for one that is wise and good you find ten of a contrary character.