Society is the stage on which manners are shown; novels are the literature. Novels are the journal or record of manners; and the new importance of these books derives from the fact, that the novelist begins to penetrate the surface, and treat this part of life more worthily.

When private men shall act with original views, the lustre will be transferred from the actions of kings to those of gentlemen.

Today is a king in disguise.

Don't waste yourself in rejection, nor bark against the bad, but chant the beauty of the good.

At times the whole world seems to be in conspiracy to importune you with emphatic trifles. Friend, client, child, sickness, fear, want, charity, all knock at once at thy closet door and say,—'Come out unto us.' But keep thy state; come not into their confusion. The power men possess to annoy me I give them by a weak curiosity. No man can come near me but through my act.

As long as any man exists, there is some need of him.

We sell the thrones of angels for a short and turbulent pleasure.