Civility cost nothing.

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.

Take back the beauty and wit you bestow upon me; leave me my own mediocrity of agreeableness and genius, but leave me also my sincerity, my constancy, and my plain dealing; 'Tis all I have to recommend me to the esteem either of others or myself.

[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.

Gardening is certainly the next amusement to reading.

People are never so near playing the fool as when they think themselves wise.

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