Arts and sciences are not cast in a mould, but are found and perfected by degrees, by often handling and polishing.

The great and glorious masterpiece of men is to live to the point. All other things-to reign, to hoard, to build-are, at most, but inconsiderable props and appendages.

The soul which has no fixed purpose in life is lost; to be everywhere, is to be nowhere.

Ambition sufficiently plagues her proselytes, by keeping themselves always in show, like the statue of a public place.

An untempted woman cannot boast of her chastity.

Who is only good that others may know it, and that he may be the better esteemed when 'tis known, who will do well but upon condition that his virtue may be known to men, is one from whom much service is not to be expected.

Only the fools are certain and assured.