Age in a virtuous person, of either sex, carries in it an authority which makes it preferable to all the pleasures of youth.

Since we cannot promise our selves constant health, let us endeavour at such temper as may be our best support in the decay of it.

It may be remarked in general, that the laugh of men of wit is for the most part but a feint, constrained kind of half-laugh, as such persons are never without some diffidence about them; but that of fools is the most honest, natural, open laugh in the world.

Whenever you commend, add your reasons for doing so; it is this which distinguishes the approbation of a man of sense from the flattery of sycophants and admiration of fools.

Compassion does not only refine and civilize human nature, but has something in it more pleasing and agreeable, than what can be met with in such an indolent happiness, such an indifference to mankind, as that in which the stoics placed their wisdom. As love is the most delightful passion, pity is nothing else but love softened by a degree of sorrow: In short, it is a kind of pleasing anguish, anguish as well as generous sympathy, that knits mankind together, and blends them in the same common lot.

Nothing can atone for the lack of modesty; without which beauty is ungraceful and wit detestable.

A little in drink, but at all times your faithful husband.