In the motive lies the good or ill.

No one is much pleased with a companion who does not increase, in some respect, their fondness for themselves.

Praise, like gold and diamonds, owes its value only to its scarcity.

By those who look close to the ground dirt will be seen. I hope I see things from a greater distance.

Fly-fishing may be a very pleasant amusement; but angling or float fishing I can only compare to a stick and a string, with a worm at one end and a fool at the other.

Great abilities are not requisite for an Historian; for in historical composition, all the greatest powers of the human mind are quiescent.

Life consists not of a series of illustrious actions or elegant enjoyments. The greater part of our time passes in compliance with necessities, in the performance of daily duties, in the removal of small inconveniences, in the procurement of petty pleasures; and we are well or ill at ease, as the main stream of life glides on smoothly, or is ruffled by small obstacles and frequent interruption.