How it chanced that a man who reasoned on his premises so ably, should assume his premises so foolishly, is one of the great mysteries of human nature.

The English Bible - a book which, if everything else in our language should perish, would alone suffice to show the whole extent of its beauty and power.

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

Few of the many wise apothegms which have been uttered have prevented a single foolish action.

The Puritan hated bear-baiting, not because it gave pain to the bear, but because it gave pleasure to the spectators.

In that temple of silence and reconciliation where the enmities of twenty generations lie buried, in the great Abbey which has during many ages afforded a quiet resting-place to those whose minds and bodies have been shattered by the contentions of the Great Hall.

In perseverance, in self command, in forethought, in all virtues which conduce to success in life, the Scots have never been surpassed.