There can be no situation in life in which the conversation of my dear sister will not administer some comfort to me.

My health is so often impaired that I begin to be as weary of it as mending old lace; when it is patched in one place, it breaks out in another.

I am afraid we are little better than straws upon the water; we may flatter ourselves that we swim, when the current carries us along.

Prudent people are very happy; 'tis an exceeding fine thing, that's certain, but I was born without it, and shall retain to my day of Death the Humour of saying what I think.

Begin nothing without considering what the end may be.

[On her political writings:] It is, I confess, very possible that these my Labours may only be destined to line Trunks, or preserve roast Meat from too fierce a Fire; yet in that Shape I shall be useful to my Country.

One can never outlive one's vanity.