The size of a man's understanding might always be justly measured by his mirth.

The certainty that life cannot be long, and the probability that it will be much shorter than nature allows, ought to awaken every man to the active prosecution of whatever he is desirous to perform. It is true, that no diligence can ascertain success; death may intercept the swiftest career; but he who is cut off in the execution of an honest undertaking has at least the honour of falling in his rank, and has fought the battle, though he missed the victory.

See nations slowly wise, and meanly just, to buried merit raise the tardy bust.

I am always sorry when any language is lost, because languages are the pedigrees of nations.

The great end of prudence is to give cheerfulness to those hours which splendor cannot gild, and acclamation cannot exhilarate.

An age that melts in unperceiv'd decay, And glides in modest innocence away.

Cautious age suspects the flattering form, and only credits what experience tells.