Knowledge is praised and desired by multitudes whom her charms could never rouse from the couch of sloth; whom the faintest invitation of pleasure draws away from their studies; to whom any other method of wearing the day is more eligible than the use of books, and who are more easily engaged by any conversation than such as may rectify their notions or enlarge their comprehension.

Such is the pleasure of projecting that many content themselves with a succession of visionary schemes, and wear out their allotted time in the calm amusement of contriving what they never attempt or hope to execute.

Some have little power to do good, and have likewise little strength to resist evil.

But, perhaps, the flatterer is not often detected; for an honest mind is not apt to suspect, and no one exerts the power of discernment with much vigour when selflove favors the deceit.

I have adopted the Roman sentiment, that it is more honorable to save a citizen than to kill an enemy.

The end of writing is to instruct; the end of poetry is to instruct by pleasing.

A man who is good enough to go to heaven is good enough to be a clergyman.