We are really so prejudiced by our educations, that, as the ancients deified their heroes, we deify their madmen.

Indifference is commonly the mother of discretion.

A man of sense soon discovers, because he carefully observes, where and how long he is welcome; and takes care to leave the company at least as soon as he is wished out of it. Fools never perceive whether they are ill timed or ill placed.

Always make the best of the best, and never make bad worse.

Armies, though always the supporters and tools of absolute power for the time being, are always the destroyers of it too; by frequently changing the hands in which they think proper to lodge it.

A gentleman has ease without familiarity, is respectful without meanness; genteel without affectation, insinuating without seeming art.

The less one has to do, the less time one finds to do it in.