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

The diversion of baiting an author has the sanction of all ages and nations, and is more lawful than the sport of teasing other animals, because, for the most part, he comes voluntarily to the stake, furnished, as he imagines, by the patron powers of literature, with resistless weapons, and impenetrable armour, with the mail of the boar of Erymanth, and the paws of the lion of Nemea.

Courtesy and good-humour are often found with little real worth.

If a man has a science to learn he must regularly and resolutely advance.

There is such a difference between the pursuits of men in great cities that one part of the inhabitants lives to little other purpose than to wonder at the rest. Some have hopes and fears, wishes and aversions, which never enter into the thoughts of others, and inquiry is laboriously exerted to gain that which those who possess it are ready to throw away.

No man can fall into contempt but those who deserve it.

A soldier's time is passed in distress and danger, or in idleness and corruption.