Spirit is now a very fashionable word: to act with Spirit, to speak with Spirit, means only to act rashly, and to talk indiscreetly. An able man shows his Spirit by gentle words and resolute actions; he is neither hot nor timid.

Polished brass will pass upon more people than rough gold.

Wrongs are often forgiven; but contempt never is. Our pride remembers it forever.

For my own part, I would rather be in company with a dead man than with an absent one; for if the dead man gives me no pleasure, at least he shows me no contempt; whereas the absent one, silently indeed, but very plainly, tells me that he does not think me worth his attention.

Cottages have them (falsehood and dissimulation) as well as courts, only with worse manners.

Ties of blood are not always ties of friendship; but friendship founded on merit, on esteem, and on mutual trust, becomes more vital and more tender when strengthened by the ties of blood.

To know a little of anything gives neither satisfaction nor credit, but often brings disgrace or ridicule.