As a madman is apt to think himself grown suddenly great, so he that grows suddenly great is apt to borrow a little from the madman.

Good breeding consists in having no particular mark of any profession, but a general elegance of manners.

The happiest conversation is that of which nothing is distinctly remembered, but a general effect of pleasing impression.

Of all noises, I think music is the least disagreeable.

Combinations of wickedness would overwhelm the world, by the advantage which licentious principles afford, did not those who have long practised perfidy grow faithless to each other.

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

Poetry is the art of uniting pleasure with truth.