The end of writing is to instruct; the end of poetry is to instruct by pleasing.

As the greatest liar tells more truths than falsehoods, so may it be said of the worst man, that he does more good than evil.

Ignorance, when it is voluntary, is criminal; and he may be properly charged with evil who refused to learn how he might prevent it.

Ignorance is mere privation by which nothing can be produced: it is a vacuity in which the soul sits motionless and torpid for want of attraction: and, without knowing why, we always rejoice when we learn, and grieve when we forget.

We may take Fancy for a companion, but must follow Reason as our guide.

A man's mind grows narrow in a narrow place.

Officious, innocent, sincere, Of every friendless name the friend.