There is nothing magnanimous in bearing misfortunes with fortitude, when the whole world is looking on.... He who, without friends to encourage or even without hope to alleviate his misfortunes, can behave with tranquility and indifference, is truly great.

He cast off his friends as a huntsman his pack, For he knew when he pleas'd he could whistle them back.

All his faults are such that one loves him still the better for them.

Even children follow'd with endearing wile, And pluck'd his gown, to share the good man's smile.

Unequal combinations are always disadvantageous to the weaker side.

Thus love is the most easy and agreeable, and gratitude the most humiliating, affection of the mind. We never reflect on the man we love without exulting in our choice, while he who has bound us to him by benefits alone rises to our ideas as a person to whom we have in some measure forfeited our freedom.

I was ever of the opinion, that the honest man who married and brought up a large family, did more service than he who continued single, and only talked of population.