Among the multitude of scholars and authors, we feel no hallowing presence; we are sensible of a knack and skill rather than of inspiration; they have a light, and know not whence it comes, and call it their own; their talent is some exaggerated faculty, some overgrown member, so that their strength is a disease.

Old and new make the warp and woof of every moment. There is no thread that is not a twist of these two strands.

The measure of action is the sentiment from which it proceeds. The greatest action may easily be one of the most private circumstance.

Nature is a rag-merchant, who works up every shred and ort and end into new creations; like a good chemist, whom I found, the other day, in his laboratory, converting his old shirts into pure white sugar.

Power dwells with cheerfulness.

He who knows what sweets and virtues are in the ground, the plants, the waters, the heavens, and how to come at these enchantments - is the rich and royal man.

We are ashamed of our thoughts and often see them brought forth by others.