The history of nations, in the sense in which I use the word, is often best studied in works not professedly historical.

The opinion of the great body of the reading public is very materially influenced even by the unsupported assertions of those who assume a right to criticize.

Language is the machine of the poet.

He had done that which could never be forgiven; he was in the grasp of one who never forgave.

He who, in an enlightened and literary society, aspires to be a great poet, must first become a little child.

In the modern languages there was not, six hundred years ago, a single volume which is now read. The library of our profound scholar must have consisted entirely of Latin books.

As freedom is the only safeguard of governments, so are order and moderation generally necessary to preserve freedom.