I think for my part one half of the nation is mad - and the other not very sound.
Ridiculous modes, invented by ignorance, and adopted by folly.
True courage scorns to vent her prowess in a storm of words; and to the valiant action speaks alone.
Of this diversion the Scots are so fond, that, when the weather will permit, you may see a multitude of all ranks, from the senator of justice to the lowest tradesman, mingled together, in their shirts, and following the balls with utmost eagerness.
Glory is the child of peril.
A mere index hunter, who held the eel of science by the tail. Index-hunter is a term used mockingly, meaning one who acquires superficial knowledge merely by consulting indexes. The '[holding] the eel of science by the tail' allusion was used in 1728 by Alexander Pope (q.v.).