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

The richest princes and the poorest beggars are to have one great and just judge at the last day who will not distinguish betweenthem according to their ranks when in life but according to the neglected opportunities afforded to each. How much greater then, as the opportunities were greater, must be the condemnation of the one than of the other?

Shame is a fitter and generally a more effectual punishment for a child than beating.

Marry first, and love will come after is a shocking assertion; since a thousand things may happen to make the state but barely tolerable, when it is entered into with mutual affection.

There would be no supporting life were we to feel quite as poignantly for others as we do for ourselves.

The English, the plain English, of the politest address of a gentleman to a lady is, I am now, dear Madam, your humble servant: Pray be so good as to let me be your Lord and Master.

Prejudices in disfavor of a person fix deeper, and are much more difficult to be removed, than prejudices in favor.