While an author is yet living, we estimate his powers by his worst performance; and when he is dead, we rate him by his best.

Marriage has many pains, but celibacy has no pleasures.

Nothing is more idle than to inquire after happiness, which nature has kindly placed within our reach.

He that shall peruse the political pamphlets of any past reign will wonder why they were so eagerly read, or so loudly praised.

Sir, he throws away his money without thought and without merit. I do not call a tree generous that sheds its fruit at every breeze.

The real satisfaction which praise can afford, is when what is repeated aloud agrees with the whispers of conscience, by showing us that we have not endeavored to deserve well in vain.

Every man prefers virtue, when there is not some strong incitement to transgress its precepts.