If thy friends be of better quality than thyself, thou mayest be sure of two things; first, they will be more careful to keep thy counsel, because they have more to lose than thou hast; the second, they will esteem thee for thyself, and not for that which thou dost possess.

Our shipping and sea service is our best and safest defence as being the only fortification and rampart of England.

Fain would I climb, yet fear I to fall.

There is nothing exempt from the peril of mutation; the earth, heavens, and whole world is thereunto subject.

The most divine light only shineth on those minds which are purged from all worldly dross and human uncleanliness.

'Tis a sharp medicine, but it will cure all that ails you.

What dependence can I have on the alleged events of ancient history, when I find such difficulty in ascertaining the truth regarding a matter that has taken place only a few minutes ago, and almost in my own presence!