Patron: One who countenances, supports or protects. Commonly a wretch who supports with insolence, and is repaid in flattery.

To be flattered is grateful, even when we know that our praises are not believed by those who pronounce them; for they prove, at least, our power, and show that our favour is valued, since it is purchased by the meanness of falsehood.

To use two languages familiarly and without contaminating one by the other, is very difficult; and to use more than two is hardly to be hoped. The prizes which some have received for their multiplicity of languages may be sufficient to excite industry, but can hardly generate confidence.

A book should teach us to enjoy life, or to endure it.

The safe and general antidote against sorrow is employment.

To get a name can happen but to few. A name, even in the most commercial nation, is one of the few things which cannot be bought . It is the free gift of mankind, which must be deserved before it will be granted, and is at last unwillingly bestowed.

An author places himself uncalled before the tribunal of criticism and solicits fame at the hazard of disgrace.