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

Life and death appear more certainly ours than whatsoever else; and yet hardly can that be called ours, which comes without our knowledge, and goes without it.

There are proud men of so much delicacy that it almost conceals their pride, and perfectly excuses it.

He who brings ridicule to bear against truth finds in his hand a blade without a hilt. The most sparkling and pointed flame of wit flickers and expires against the incombustible walls of her sanctuary.

I strove with none, for none was worth my strife. Nature I loved and, next to Nature, Art: I warm'd both hands before the fire of life; It sinks, and I am ready to depart.

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

We cannot at once catch the applauses of the vulgar and expect the approbation of the wise.