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.

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.

The highest price we can pay for anything; is to ask it.

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

Every great writer is a writer of history, let him treat on almost what subject he may.

Principles do not mainly influence even the principled; we talk on principle, but we act on interest.

The worse of ingratitude lies not in the ossified heart of him who commits it, but we find it in the effect it produces on him against whom it was committed.