That wonderful book, while it obtains admiration from the most fastidious critics, is loved by those who are too simple to admire it.

An acre in Middlesex is better than a principality in Utopia.

Both in individuals and in masses violent excitement is always followed by remission, and often by reaction. We are all inclined to depreciate whatever we have overpraised, and, on the other hand, to show undue indulgence where we have shown undue rigor.

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

Sense can support herself handsomely in most countries on some eighteen pence a day; but for fantasy, planets and solar systems, will not suffice.

I am always nearest to myself," says the Latin proverb.

Those who seem to load the public taste are, in general, merely outrunning it in the direction which it is spontaneously pursuing.