An inward sincerity will of course influence the outward deportment; but where the one is wanting, there is great reason to suspect the absence of the other.
Laurence SterneThe most affluent may be stripped of all, and find his worldly comforts, like so many withered leaves, dropping from him.
Laurence SterneThe truth and regularity of a character is not, in justice, to be looked upon as broken, from any one single act or omission which may seem a contradiction to it:Mthe best of men appear sometimes to be strange compounds of contradictory qualities.
Laurence SterneThere is one sweet lenitive at least for evils, which nature holds out; so I took it kindly at her hands, and fell asleep.
Laurence SterneTitles of honour are like the impressions on coin; — which add no value to gold and silver, but only render brass current.
Laurence SterneAs monarchs have a right to call in the specie of a state, and raise its value, by their own impression; so are there certain prerogative geniuses, who are above plagiaries, who cannot be said to steal, but, from their improvement of a thought, rather to borrow it, and repay the commonwealth of letters with interest again; and may wore properly be said to adopt, than to kidnap a sentiment, by leaving it heir to their own fame.
Laurence Sterne