No cause more frequently produces bashfulness than too high an opinion of our own importance. He that imagines an assembly filled with his merit, panting with expectation, and hushed with attention, easily terrifies himself with the dread of disappointing them, and strains his imagination in pursuit of something that may vindicate the veracity of fame, and show that his reputation was not gained by chance.

He was dull in a new way, and that made many think him great.

To those who have lived long together, everything heard and everything seen recalls some pleasure communicated, some benefit conferred, some petty quarrel or some slight endearment. Esteem of great powers, or amiable qualities newly discovered may embroider a day or a week, but a friendship of twenty years is interwoven with the texture of life.

Age is rarely despised but when it is, contemptible.

Nothing is difficult, when gain and honour unite their influence.

Presumption will be easily corrected; but timidity is a disease of the mind more obstinate and fatal.

Babies do not want to hear about babies; they like to be told of giants and castles.