The fortitude which has encountered no dangers, that prudence which has surmounted no difficulties, that integrity which has been attacked by no temptation, can at best be considered but as gold not yet brought to the test, of which therefore the true value cannot be assigned.

In his comic scenes, Shakespeare seems to produce, without labor, what no labor can improve.

Authors and lovers always suffer some infatuation, from which only absence can set them free.

Guilt once harbored in the conscious breast, intimidates the brave, degrades the great.

Philosophy has often attempted to repress insolence by asserting that all conditions are leveled by death; a position which, however it may defect the happy, will seldom afford much comfort to the wretched.

Wine makes a man better pleased with himself. I do not say that it makes him more pleasing to others.

A man in a jail has more room, better food, and commonly better company