If ever Shakespeare rants, it is not when his imagination is hurrying him along, but when he is hurrying his imagination along.

And to say that society ought to be governed by the opinion of the wisest and best, though true, is useless. Whose opinion is to decide who are the wisest and best?

Men naturally sympathize with the calamities of individuals; but they are inclined to look on a fallen party with contempt rather than with pity.

Genius is subject to the same laws which regulate the production of cotton and molasses.

The real object of the drama is the exhibition of human character.

The impenetrable stupidity of Prince George (son-in-law of James II) served his turn. It was his habit, when any news was told him, to exclaim, "Est il possible?"-"Is it possible?"

He had a head which statuaries loved to copy, and a foot the deformity of which the beggars in the streets mimicked.