Genius, that power which constitutes a poet; that quality without which judgment is cold, and knowledge is inert; that energy which collects, combines, amplifies and animates.

All wonder is the effect of novelty on ignorance.

Every man has some favorite topic of conversation, on which, by a feigned seriousness of attention, he may be drawn to expatiate without end.

Human reason borrowed many arts from the instinct of animals.

Whatever advantage we snatch beyond a certain portion allotted us by at nature, is like money spent before it is due, which, at the time of regular payment, will be missed and regretted.

Time is, of all modes of existence, most obsequious to the imagination.

Being in a ship is being in a jail, with the chance of being drowned.