Great abilities are not requisite for an Historian; for in historical composition, all the greatest powers of the human mind are quiescent.

Those authors who would find many readers, must endeavour to please while they instruct.

You may translate books of science exactly. ... The beauties of poetry cannot be preserved in any language except that in which it was originally written.

Age is rarely despised but when it is, contemptible.

We ought not to raise expectations which it is not in our power to satisfy.-It is more pleasing to see smoke brightening into flame, than flame sinking into smoke.

To do nothing is in everyone's power.

We love to expect, and when expectation is either disappointed or gratified, we want to be again expecting.