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

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

Perhaps no person can be a poet, or can even enjoy poetry, without a certain unsoundness of mind.

More sinners are cursed at not because we despise their sins but because we envy their success at sinning.

Those who compare the age in which their lot has fallen with a golden age which exists only in imagination, may talk of degeneracy and decay; but no man who is correctly informed as to the past, will be disposed to take a morose or desponding view of the present.

The whole history of Christianity proves that she has little indeed to fear from persecution as a foe, but much to fear from persecution as an ally.

I don't mind your thinking slowly; I mind your publishing faster than you think.