The use of knowledge in our sex (beside the amusement of solitude) is to moderate the passions and learn to be contented with a small expense, which are the certain effects of a studious life and, it may be, preferable even to that fame which men have engrossed to themselves and will not suffer us to share.

I have never, in all my various travels, seen but two sorts of people I mean men and women, who always have been, and ever will be, the same. The same vices and the same follies have been the fruit of all ages, though sometimes under different names.

My dear Smollett ... disgraces his talent by writing those stupid romances called history.

In short I will part with anything for you but you.

Be plain in dress, and sober in your diet; In short, my deary, kiss me, and be quiet.

Making verses is almost as common as taking snuff, and God can tell what miserable stuff people carry about in their pockets, and offer to all their acquaintances, and you know one cannot refuse reading and taking a pinch.

We are no more free agents than the queen of clubs when she victoriously takes prisoner the knave of hearts.