Let me smile with the wise, and feed with the rich.

And panting Time toil'd after him in vain.

The maxim of Cleobulus, "Mediocrity is best," has been long considered a universal principle, extending through the whole compass of life and nature. The experience of every age seems to have given it new confirmation, and to show that nothing, however specious or alluring, is pursued with propriety or enjoyed with safety beyond certain limits.

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

To wipe all tears from off all faces is a task too hard for mortals; but to alleviate misfortunes is often within the most limited power: yet the opportunities which every day affords of relieving the most wretched of human beings are overlooked and neglected with equal disregard of policy and goodness.

We often need reminding even if we do not often need educating.

Man alone is born crying, lives complaining, and dies disappointed.