In this work are exhibited, in a very high degree, the two most engaging powers of an author. New things are made familiar, and familiar things are made new.

Your aspirations are your possibilities.

Never speak of a man in his own presence. It is always indelicate, and may be offensive .

Hoc age ['do this'] is the great rule, whether you are serious or merry; whether ... learning science or duty from a folio, or floating on the Thames. Intentions must be gathered from acts.

Allegories drawn to great length will always break.

If I have said something to hurt a man once, I shall not get the better of this by saying many things to please him.

Milton, Madam, was a genius that could cut a Colossus from a rock; but could not carve heads upon cherry-stones.