Pain and disease awaken us to convictions which are necessary to our moral condition.

The essence of poetry is invention; such invention as, by producing something unexpected, surprises and delights.

Of the blessings set before you make your choice, and be content. No man can taste the fruits of autumn while he is delighting his scent with the flowers of the spring: no man can, at the same time, fill his cup from the source and from the mouth of the Nile.

Wickedness is always easier than virtue; for it takes the short cut to everything.

When a man feel the reprehension of a friend seconded by his own heart, he is easily heated into resentment.

A man who always talks for fame never can be pleasing. The man who talks to unburthen his mind is the man to delight you.

Every desire is a viper in the bosom, who while he was chill was harmless; but when warmth gave him strength, exerted it in poison.