Legions and fleets are not such sure bulwarks of imperial power as a numerous family

The persecution of genius fosters its influence.

Who the first inhabitants of Britain were, whether natives or immigrants, remains obscure; one must remember we are dealing with barbarians.

It is less difficult to bear misfortunes than to remain uncorrupted by pleasure.

Men are more ready to repay an injury than a benefit, because gratitude is a burden and revenge a pleasure

So true is it that all transactions of preeminent importance are wrapt in doubt and obscurity; while some hold for certain facts the most precarious hearsays, others turn facts into falsehood; and both are exaggerated by posterity.

Custom adapts itself to expediency.