Those who give not till they die show that they would not then if they could keep it any longer.

There is no word or action but may be taken with two hands,--either with the right hand of charitable construction, or the sinister interpretation of malice and suspicion; and all things do succeed as they are taken. To construe an evil, action well is but a pleasing and profitable deceit to myself; but to misconstrue a good thing is a treble wrong,--to myself, the action, and the author.

Earthly greatness is a nice thing, and requires so much chariness in the managing, as the contentment of it cannot requite.

He is great enough that is his own master.

Words are as they are taken, and things are as they are used. There are even cursed blessings.

I have seldom seen much ostentation and much learning met together. The sun, rising and declining, makes long shadows; at mid day, when he is highest, none at all.

Recreation is intended to the mind as whetting is to the scythe, to sharpen the edge of it, which otherwise would grow dull and blunt,--as good no scythe as no edge.