Grace imitates modesty, as politeness imitates kindness.

What can one possibly introduce into a mind that is already full, and full of itself?

Remorse is the punishment of crime; repentance, its expiation. The former appertains to a tormented conscience; the latter to a soul changed for the better.

To see the world is to judge the judges.

Poetry is to be found nowhere unless we carry it within us.

Professional critics are incapable of distinguishing and appreciating either diamonds in the rough or gold in bars. They are traders, and in literature know only the coins that are current. Their critical lab has scales and weights, but neither crucible or touchstone.

Contempt for private wrongs was one of the features of ancient morals.