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

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

I am in perfect health, and hear it said I look better than ever I did in my life, which is one of those lies one is always glad to hear.

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.

Writers of novels and romance in general bring a double loss to their readers; robbing them of their time and money; representing men, manners, and things, that never have been, or are likely to be.

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.