It is as foolish to make experiments upon the constancy of a friend, as upon the chastity of a wife.

The present is never a happy state to any human being.

I am not so lost in lexicography as to forget that words are the daughters of earth, and that things are the sons of heaven.

As the greatest liar tells more truths than falsehoods, so may it be said of the worst man, that he does more good than evil.

Pleasure is very seldom found where it is sought; our brightest blazes of gladness are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks.

Books are faithful repositories, which may be awhile neglected or forgotten; but when they are opened again, will again impart their instruction: memory, once interrupted, is not to be recalled. Written learning is a fixed luminary, which, after the cloud that had hidden it has passed away, is again bright in its proper station. Tradition is but a meteor, which, if once it falls, cannot be rekindled.

Melancholy, indeed, should be diverted by every means but drinking.