The task of an author is, either to teach what is not known, or to recommend known truths by his manner of adorning them; either to let new light in upon the mind, and open new scenes to the prospect, or to vary the dress and situation of common objects, so as to give them fresh grace and more powerful attractions, to spread such flowers over the regions through which the intellect has already made its progress, as may tempt it to return, and take a second view of things hastily passed over, or negligently regarded.

I would advise no man to marry who is not likely to propagate understanding.

Players, Sir! I look on them as no better than creatures set upon tables and joint stools to make faces and produce laughter, like dancing dogs.

All unnecessary vows are folly, because they suppose a prescience of the future, which has not been given us.

Falsehood always endeavors to copy the mien and attitude of truth.

All the performances of human art, at which we look with praise or wonder, are instances of the resistless force of perseverance.

We have less reason to be surprised or offended when we find others differ from us in opinion, because we very often differ from ourselves.