He not only overflowed with learning, but stood in the slop.

Hope is the belief, more or less strong, that joy will come.

A comfortable house is a great source of happiness. It ranks immediately after health and a good conscience.

Thank God for tea! What would the world do without tea! How did it exist? I am glad I was not born before tea.

If I were to begin life again, I would devote it to music. It is the only cheap and unpunished rapture upon earth.

The main question to a novel is -- did it amuse? were you surprised at dinner coming so soon? did you mistake eleven for ten? were you too late to dress? and did you sit up beyond the usual hour? If a novel produces these effects, it is good; if it does not -- story, language, love, scandal itself cannot save it. It is only meant to please; and it must do that or it does nothing.

Politeness is good nature regulated by good sense.