We are poor, indeed, when we have no half-wishes left us. The heart and the imagination close the shutters the instant they are gone.

Truth sometimes corner unawares upon Caution, and sometimes speaks in public as unconsciously as in a dream.

Let me take up your metaphor. Friendship is a vase, which, when it is flawed by heat or violence or accident, may as well be broken at once; it can never be trusted after. The more graceful and ornamental it was, the more clearly do we discern the hopelessness of restoring it to its former state. Coarse stones, if they are fractured, may be cemented again; precious stones, never.

Nations, like individuals, interest us in their growth.

Immoderate power, like other intemperance, leaves the progeny weaker and weaker, until nature as in compassion covers it with her mantle and it is seen no more.

Politeness is not always a sign of wisdom; but the want of it always leaves room for a suspicion of folly, if folly and imprudence are the same.

Wrong is but falsehood put in practice.