The first blow is half the battle.

Whatever the skill of any country may be in the sciences, it is from its excellence in polite learning alone that it must expect a character from posterity.

I have known a German Prince with more titles than subjects, and a Spanish nobleman with more names than shirts.

There is one way by which a strolling player may be ever secure of success; that is, in our theatrical way of expressing it, to make a great deal of the character. To speak and act as in common life is not playing, nor is it what people come to see; natural speaking, like sweet wine, runs glibly over the palate and scarcely leaves any taste behind it; but being high in a part resembles vinegar, which grates upon the taste, and one feels it while he is drinking.

Don't let us make imaginary evils, when you know we have so many real ones to encounter.

I do not love a man who is zealous for nothing.

Every absurdity has a champion to defend it.