Never yield to that temptation, which, to most young men, is very strong, of exposing other people's weaknesses and infirmities, for the sake either of diverting the company, or of showing your own superiority. You may get the laugh on your side by it for the present; but you will make enemies by it for ever; and even those who laugh with you then, will, upon reflection, fear, and consequently hate you.

It must be owned, that the Graces do not seem to be natives of Great Britain; and I doubt, the best of us here have more of rough than polished diamond.

Elegance of manner is the outgrowth of refined and exalted sense.

The rulers of the earth are all worth knowing; they suggest moral reflections: and the respect that one naturally has for God's vice-regents here on earth is greatly increased by acquaintance with them.

If you have an hour, will you not improve that hour, instead of idling it away?

Men, as well as women, are much oftener led by their hearts than by their understandings.

Unlike my subject will I frame my song, It shall be witty and it shan't be long.