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.

The only effect of public punishment is to show the rabble how bravely it can be borne; and that every one who hath lost a toe-nail hath suffered worse.

Cruelty in all countries is the companion of anger; but there is only one, and never was another on the globe, where she coquets both with anger and mirth.

Experience is our only teacher both in war and peace.

The most pernicious of absurdities is that weak, blind, stupid faith is better than the constant practice of every human virtue.

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

Old trees in their living state are the only things that money cannot command.