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

I am not so lost in lexicography as to forget that words are the daughters of earth, and that things are the sons of heaven.

The gloomy and the resentful are always found among those who have nothing to do or who do nothing.

He who would have fine guests, let him have a fine wife.

Sir, I did not count your glasses of wine, why should you number up my cups of tea?

Never, my dear Sir, do you take it into your head that I do not love you; you may settle yourself in full confidence both of my love and my esteem; I love you as a kind man, I value you as a worthy man, and hope in time to reverence you as a man of exemplary piety.

In all political regulations, good cannot be complete, it can only be predominant.