To this hour, the great science and duty of politics is lowered by the petty leaven of small and personal advantage.

A sealed book, at whose contents we tremble.

Habit is a second nature, and what was at first pleasure, is next necessity.

The rich know not how hard it is to be of needful rest and needful food debarred.

We would liken music to Aladdin's lamp — worthless in itself, not so for the spirits which obey its call. We love it for the buried hopes, the garnered memories, the tender feelings, it can summon with a touch.

When does the mind put forth its powers? when are the stores of memory unlocked? when does wit 'flash from fluent lips?' -- when but after a good dinner? Who will deny its influence on the affections? Half our friends are born of turbots and truffles.

Curiosity and courtesy are very often at variance.