We all live upon the hope of pleasing somebody, and the pleasure of pleasing ought to be greatest, and at last always will be greatest, when our endeavours are exerted in consequence of our duty.

I inherited a vile melancholy from my father, which has made me mad all my life, at least not sober.

A writer who obtains his full purpose loses himself in his own lustre.

Sir, when you have seen one green field, you have seen all green fields. Let us walk down Cheapside.

Too much vigor in the beginning of an undertaking often intercepts and prevents the steadiness and perseverance always necessary in the conduct of a complicated scheme.

The happiest conversation is that of which nothing is distinctly remembered, but a general effect of pleasing impression.

Genius now and then produces a lucky trifle. We still read the Dove of Anacreon, and Sparrow of Catullus; and a writer naturally pleases himself with a performance which owes nothing to the subject.