All schools of philosophy, and almost all authors, are rather to be frequented for exercise than for weight.

There is a vast deal of vital air in loving words.

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.

Despotism sits nowhere so secure as under the effigy and ensigns of freedom.

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.

Vast objects of remote altitude must be looked at a long while before they are ascertained. Ages are the telescope tubes that must be lengthened out for Shakespeare; and generations of men serve but a single witness to his claims.

Great men too often have greater faults than little men can find room for.