Profuseness is a cruel and crafty demon, that gradually involves her followers in dependence and debt; that is, fetters them with irons that enter into their souls.

The heroes of literary history have been no less remarkable for what they have suffered than for what they have achieved.

It was said of Euripides, that every verse was a precept; and it may be said of Shakespeare, that from his works may be collected a system of civil and economical prudence.

A small country town is not the place in which one would choose to quarrel with a wife; every human being in such places is a spy.

We seldom require more to the happiness of the present hour than to surpass him that stands next before us.

But though it cannot be reasonable not to gain happiness for fear of losing it, yet it must be confessed, that in proportion to the pleasure of possession, will be for some time our sorrow for the loss.

The wretched have no compassion, they can do good only from strong principles of duty.