One should always think of what one is about; when one is learning, one should not think of play; and when one is at play, one should not think of learning.

I have seen many people, who while you are speaking to them, instead, of looking at, and attending to you, fix their eyes upon the ceiling, or some other part of the room, look out of the window, play with a dog, twirl their snuff-box, or pick their nose. Nothing discovers a little, futile, frivolous mind more than this, and nothing is so offensively ill-bred.

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

The law before us, my lords, seems to be the effect of that practice of which it is intended likewise to be the cause, and to be dictated by the liquor of which it so effectually promotes the use; for surely it never before was conceived by any man entrusted with the administration of public affairs, to raise taxes by the destruction of the people.

To have frequent recourse to narrative betrays great want of imagination.

When griefs are genuine, I find, there is nothing more vacuous, more burdensome, or even more impertinent, than letters of consolation.

Swift speedy time, feathered with flying hours, Dissolves the beauty of the fairest brow.