A man cannot have an idea of perfection in another, which he was never sensible of in himself.

A lie is troublesome, and sets a man's invention upon the rack, and one trick needs a great many more to make it good.

The world is grown so full of dissimulation and compliment, that men's words are hardly any signification of their thoughts.

Many take pleasure in spreading abroad the weakness of an exalted character.

A favor well bestowed is almost as great an honor to him who confers it as to him who receives it.

It is a secret known but to few, yet of no small use in the conduct of life, that when you fall into a man's conversation, the first thing you should consider is, whether he has a greater inclination to hear you, or that you should hear him.

The person, whom you favored with a loan, if he be a good man, will think himself in your debt after he has paid you.