Had I learned to fiddle, I should have done nothing else.

Silence propagates itself, and the longer talk has been suspended, the more difficult it is to find anything to say.

Few men survey themselves with so much severity as not to admit prejudices in their own favour, which an artful flatterer may gradually strengthen, till wishes for a particular qualification are improved to hopes of attainment, and hopes of attainment to belief of possession.

All to whom want is terrible, upon whatever principle, ought to think themselves obliged to learn the sage maxims of our parsimonious ancestors, and attain the salutary arts of contracting expense; for without economy none can be rich, and with it few can be poor.

Much may be made of a Scotchman, if he be caught young.

Had I learned to fiddle, I should have done nothing else.

The pleasure of expecting enjoyment is often greater than that of obtaining it, and the completion of almost every wish is found a disappointment.