It is commonly supposed that the uniformity of a studious life affords no matter for narration: but the truth is, that of the most studious life a great part passes without study. An author partakes of the common condition of humanity; he is born and married like another man; he has hopes and fears, expectations and disappointments, griefs and joys, and friends and enemies, like a courtier or a statesman; nor can I conceive why his affairs shuld not excite curiosity as much as the whisper of a drawing-room, or the factions of a camp.

How small of all that human hearts endure/That part which laws or kings can cause or cure.

Man is a transitory being, and his designs must partake of the imperfections their author.

As pride sometimes is hid under humility, idleness if often covered by turbulence and hurry.

The finest landscape in the world is improved by a good inn in the foreground.

But the distant hope of being one day useful or eminent ought not to mislead us too far from that study which is equally requisite to the great and mean, to the celebrated and obscure; the art of moderating the desires, of repressing the appetites; and of conciliating or retaining the favour of mankind.

You teach your daughters the diameters of the planets and wonder when you are done that they do not delight in your company.