I am forced, as I have often said, to try to make myself laugh, that I may not cry: for one or other I must do.

A widow's refusal of a lover is seldom so explicit as to exclude hope.

Tis a barbarous temper, and a sign of a very ill nature, to take delight in shocking any one: and, on the contrary, it is the mark of an amiable and a beneficent temper, to say all the kind things one can, without flattery or playing the hypocrite,--and what never fails of procuring the love and esteem of every one; which, next to doing good to a deserving object who wants it, is one of the greatest pleasures of this life.

Over-niceness may be under-niceness.

Honesty is good sense, politeness, amiableness,--all in one.

Though a censure lies against those who are poor and proud, yet is Pride sooner to be forgiven in a poor person than in a rich one; since in the latter it is insult and arrogance; in the former, it may be a defense against temptations to dishonesty; and, if manifested on proper occasions, may indicate a natural bravery of mind, which the frowns of fortune cannot depress.

Too liberal self-accusations are generally but so many traps for acquittal with applause.