Now ... that you are going to marry, do not expect more from life, than life will afford.

Most minds are the slaves of external circumstances, and conform to any hand that undertakes to mould them.

Books have always a secret influence on the understanding.

There is no temper more unpropitious to interest than desultory application and unlimited inquiry, by which the desires are held in a perpetual equipoise, and the mind fluctuates between different purposes without determination.

Preserve me from unseasonable and immoderate sleep.

How small of all that human hearts endure/That part which laws or kings can cause or cure.

By forbearing to do what may innocently be done, we may add hourly new vigor to resolution.