Truth, like the juice of the poppy, in small quantities, calms men; in larger, heats and irritates them, and is attended by fatal consequences in excess.

A critic is never too severe when he only detects the faults of an author. But he is worse than too severe when, in consequence of this detection, be presumes to place himself on a level with genius.

We may receive so much light as not to see, and so much philosophy as to be worse than foolish.

The happiest of pillows is not that which love first presses! it is that which death has frowned on and passed over.

The tomb is the pedestal of greatness. I make a distinction between God's great and the king's great.

Next in criminality to him who violates the laws of his country, is he who violates the language.

A little praise is good for a shy temper; it teaches it to rely on the kindness of others.