Criticism, though dignified from the earliest ages by the labours of men eminent for knowledge and sagacity, has not yet attained the certainty and stability of science.

One of the aged greatest miseries is that they cannot easily find a companion able to share the memories of the past.

Sir, I have found you an argument; but I am not obliged to find you an understanding.

A fishing rod is a stick with a hook at one end and a fool at the other.

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.

Riches exclude only one inconvenience,--that is, poverty.

Though the discoveries or acquisitions of man are not always adequate to the expectations of his pride, they are at least sufficient to animate his industry.