The difference between weakness and wickedness is much less than people suppose; and the consequences are nearly always the same.

Religion converts despair, which destroys, into resignation, which submits.

Society punishes not the vices of its members, but their detection.

Imagination, which is the Eldorado of the poet and of the novel-writer, often proves the most pernicious gift to the individuals who compose the talkers instead of the writers in society.

When the sun shines on you, you see your friends. It requires sunshine to be seen by them to advantage!

A man should never boast of his courage, nor a woman of her virtue, lest their doing so should be the cause of calling their possession of them into question.

Flattery, if judiciously administered, is always acceptable.