Being conscious of having done a wicked action leaves stings of remorse behind it, which, like an ulcer in the flesh, makes the mind smart with perpetual wounds; for reason, which chases away all other pains, creates repentance, shames the soul with confusion, and punishes it with torment.

Nature without learning is blind, learning apart from nature is fractional, and practice in the absence of both is aimless.

It is easy to utter what has been kept silent, but impossible to recall what has been uttered.

Custom is almost a second nature.

It is a high distinction for a homely woman to be loved for her character rather than for beauty.

Lying is a most disgraceful vice; it first despises God, and then fears men.

For the rich men without scruple drew the estate into their own hands, excluding the rightful heirs from their succession; and all the wealth being centred upon the few, the generality were poor and miserable. Honourable pursuits, for which there was no longer leisure, were neglected; the state was filled with sordid business, and with hatred and envy of the rich.