A smile is ever the most bright and beautiful with a tear upon it. What is the dawn without the dew? The tear is rendered by the smile precious above the smile itself.

We cannot be contented because we are happy, and we cannot be happy because we are contented.

Justice is often pale and melancholy; but Gratitude, her daughter, is constantly in the flow of spirits and the bloom of loveliness.

I warmed both hands before the fire of life; It sinks, and I am ready to depart.

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

The tomb is the pedestal of greatness. I make a distinction between God's great and the king's great.

Do not expect to be acknowledged for what you are, much less for what you would be; since no one can well measure a great man but upon the bier.