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

It is the care of a very great part of mankind to conceal their indigence from the rest. They support themselves by temporary expedients, and every day is lost in contriving for to-morrow.

He that is already corrupt is naturally suspicious, and he that becomes suspicious will quickly become corrupt.

Wit is that which has been often thought, but never before was well expressed.

No man will be a sailor who has contrivance enough to get himself into a jail; for being in a ship is being in a jail, with the chance of being drowned... a man in a jail has more room, better food, and commonly better company.

The joy of life is variety.

Ignorance, when it is voluntary, is criminal.