Conversation is an evanescent relation,--no more.

I take this evanescence and lubricity of all objects, which lets them slip through our fingers then when we clutch hardest, to be the most unhandsome part of our condition.

Repose and cheerfulness are the badge of the gentleman - repose in energy. The Greek battle pieces are calm; the heroes, in whatever violent actions engaged, retain a serene aspect.

As much wisdom may be expended on a private economy as on an empire, and as much wisdom may be drawn from it.

A man in debt is so far a slave.

Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of solitaire. It is a grand passion. It seizes a person whole and once it has done so, he/she will have to accept that his life will be radically changed.

Wise men read very sharply all of your private history in your look and gait and behavior.