I shall cheerfully bear the reproach of having descended below the dignity of history.

A government cannot be wrong in punishing fraud or force, but it is almost certain to be wrong if, abandoning its legitimate function, it tells private individuals that it knows their business better than they know it themselves.

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.

History distinguishes what is accidental and transitory in human nature from what is essential and immutable.

The best portraits are those in which there is a slight mixture of caricature.

A Grecian history, perfectly written should be a complete record of the rise and progress of poetry, philosophy, and the arts.

In truth it may be laid down as an almost universal rule that good poets are bad critics.