Pretences go a great way with men that take fair words and magisterial looks for current payment.

Avarice is insatiable, and is always pushing on for more.

It is one of the vexatious mortifications of a studious man to have his thoughts disordered by a tedious visit.

Some people are all quality; you would think they are made up of nothing but title and genealogy. The stamp of dignity defaces in them the very character of humanity and transports them to such a degree of haughtiness that they reckon it below themselves to exercise either good nature or good manners.

Figure-flingers and star-gazers pretend to foretell the fortunes of kingdoms, and have no foresight in what concerns themselves.

Men indulge those opinions and practices that favor their pretensions.

The devil helps his servants for a season; but when they get into a pinch; he leaves them in the lurch.