You must labour to acquire that great and uncommon talent of hating with good breeding, and loving with prudence; to make no quarrel irreconcilable by silly and unnecessary indications of anger; and no friendship dangerous, in care it breaks, by a wanton, indiscreet, and unreserved confidence.

To take a wife merely as an agreeable and rational companion, will commonly be found to be a grand mistake.

When you have found out the prevailing passion of any man, remember never to trust him where that passion is concerned.

Whoever incites anger has a strong insurance against indifference.

Nothing convinces persons of a weak understanding so effectually, as what they do not comprehend.

Speak the language of the company you are in; speak it purely, and unlarded with any other.

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