A gentleman who had been very unhappy in marriage, married immediately after his wife died; it was the triumph of hope over experience.

Some claim a place in the list of patriots, by an acrimonious and unremitting opposition to the court. This mark is by no means infallible. Patriotism is not necessarily included in rebellion. A man may hate his king, yet not love his country.

Wealth is nothing in itself; it is not useful but when it departs from us.

Critics ought never to be consulted, but while errors may yet be rectified or insipidity suppressed. But when the book has once been dismissed into the world, and can be no more retouched, I know not whether a very different conduct should not be prescribed, and whether firmness and spirit may not sometimes be of use to overpower arrogance and repel brutality.

In questions of law or of fact conscience is very often confounded with opinion. No man's conscience can tell him the rights of another man; they must be known by rational investigation or historical inquiry.

Modern writers are the moons of literature; they shine with reflected light, with light borrowed from the ancients.

Beauty, without kindness, dies unenjoyed and undelighting.