Scarce any man becomes eminently disagreeable but by a departure from his real character, and an attempt at something for which nature or education has left him unqualified.

I know not, Madam, that you have a right, upon moral principles, to make your readers suffer so much.

Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not.

Books have always a secret influence on the understanding.

The fortitude which has encountered no dangers, that prudence which has surmounted no difficulties, that integrity which has been attacked by no temptation, can at best be considered but as gold not yet brought to the test, of which therefore the true value cannot be assigned.

Man is a transitory being, and his designs must partake of the imperfections their author.

As any custom is disused, the words that expressed it must perish with it; as any opinion grows popular, it will innovate speech in the same proportion as it alters practice.