Fancy restrained may be compared to a fountain, which plays highest by diminishing the aperture.

To the last moment of his breath, On hope the wretch relies; And even the pang preceding death Bids expectation rise.

Philosophy can add to our happiness in no other manner but by diminishing our misery; it should not pretend to increase our present stock, but make us economists of what we are possessed of. Happy were we all born philosophers; all born with a talent of thus dissipating our own cares by spreading them upon all mankind.

Truth from his lips prevailed with double sway, and fools, who came to scoff, remained to pray.

While Resignation gently slopes away, And all his prospects brightening to the last, His heaven commences ere the world be past.

Whatever be the motives which induce men to write,--whether avarice or fame,--the country becomes more wise and happy in which they most serve for instructors.

The world is like a vast sea: mankind like a vessel sailing on its tempestuous bosom. ... [T]he sciences serve us for oars.