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.

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

Democracy is always the work of kings. Ashes, which in themselves are sterile, fertilize the land they are cast upon.

Heat and animosity, contest and conflict, may sharpen the wits, although they rarely do; they never strengthen the understanding, clear the perspicacity, guide the judgment, or improve the heart.

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

No truer word, save God's, was ever spoken, Than that the largest heart is soonest broken.

Political men, like goats, usually thrive best among inequalities.