An exotic and irrational entertainment.

There is no kind of idleness by which we are so easily seduced as that which dignifies itself by the appearance of business.

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.

Sir, you have but two topics, yourself and me. I am sick of both.

Hope is an amusement rather than a good, and adapted to none but very tranquil minds.

Sir, if you wish to have a just notion of the magnitude of this city, you must not be satisfied with seeing its great streets and squares, but must survey the innumerable little lanes and courts. It is not in the showy evolutions of buildings, but in the multiplicity of human habitations which are crowded together, that the wonderful immensity of London consists.

Evil is uncertain in the same degree as good, and for the reason that we ought not to hope too securely, we ought not to fear with to much dejection.