Every man speaks and writes with intent to be understood; and it can seldom happen but he that understands himself might convey his notions to another, if, content to be understood, he did not seek to be admired.

The art of the writer, like that of the player, is attained by slow degrees. The power of distinguishing and discriminating comick characters, or of filling tragedy with poetical images, must be the gift of nature, which no instruction nor labour can supply; but the art of dramatick disposition, the contexture of the scenes, the involution of the plot, the expedients of suspension, and the strategems of surprise, are to be learned by practice.

The dangers gather as the treasures rise.

Nothing flatters a man as much as the happiness of his wife; he is always proud of himself as the source of it.

By forbearing to do what may innocently be done, we may add hourly new vigor to resolution.

A cow is a very good animal in the field; but we turn her out of a garden.

Poverty has, in large cities, very different appearances; it is often concealed in splendour, and often in extravagance.