No profession or occupation is more pleasing than the military; a profession or exercise both noble in execution (for the strongest, most generous and proudest of all virtues is true valor) and noble in its cause. No utility either more just or universal than the protection of the repose or defense of the greatness of one's country. The company and daily conversation of so many noble, young and active men cannot but be well-pleasing to you.

There is no virtue which does not rejoice a well-descended nature; there is a kind of I know not what congratulation in well-doing, that gives us an inward satisfaction, and a certain generous boldness that accompanies a good conscience.

If love and ambition should be in equal balance, and come to jostle with equal force, I make no doubt but that the last would win the prize.

It is the mind that maketh good or ill, That maketh wretch or happy, rich or poor.

How often our involuntary facial motions testify to the thoughts we were keeping secret, and betray us to those around!

We every day and every hour say things of another that we might more properly say of ourselves, could we but apply our observations to our own concerns.

I had rather fashion my mind than furnish it.